Chief Justice Recktenwald Pays Tribute to Retired Chief Judge Hirai

Retired First Circuit Court Chief judge Colleen Hirai Passes Away

HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary mourns the loss of retired First Circuit Court Chief Judge Colleen Hirai, who passed away recently. The Judiciary extends its deepest sympathy to her family,friends,and colleagues.

Appointed to the circuit Court in May 1994 by Governor John Waihee, Judge Hirai quickly gained a reputation for her dedication and thoughtful approach to the law.She was appointed Chief Judge of the First Circuit in December 2000 by Chief Justice ronald Moon, serving in that role untill her retirement in December 2009, having been reappointed for a second ten-year term in 2004.

Throughout her career, Judge Hirai primarily oversaw civil cases, with earlier work including tax appeals, land court matters, and probate proceedings. Her influence extended beyond individual cases, as she actively championed improvements within the Judiciary.

Judge Hirai dedicated herself to numerous initiatives and reforms, contributing to committees such as the Standing Committee on the Rules of Evidence, the Committee to Plan Utilization of Judiciary Facilities, and the Statewide Committee on Trial Court Performance Standards, ofen serving as chairperson. These contributions substantially impacted judicial procedures and court operations statewide.

The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary recognizes Judge Hirai’s years of dedicated service to the people of Hawaiʻi. She will be remembered as a respected jurist, a capable leader, and a person of unwavering integrity.

Contact: Communications and Community Relations Office, 808-539-4909 or [email protected].

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How did Judge Hirai contribute to making the legal system more accessible to all Hawai’i residents?

A Legacy of judicial Service

On August 5, 2025, Chief Justice Mark E. recktenwald delivered a heartfelt tribute to retiring Chief Judge Riki May Amano Hirai, marking the end of a distinguished career dedicated to the Hawai’i State Judiciary. The ceremony,held at[LocationofCeremony-[LocationofCeremony-to be updated],celebrated Judge Hirai’s decades of service and meaningful contributions to the legal landscape of Hawai’i. This event underscores the importance of recognizing judicial leadership and the impact of long-term commitment to the principles of justice.

Judge Hirai’s Career Highlights

Judge Hirai’s journey through the Hawai’i Judiciary has been marked by consistent dedication and a commitment to fairness. Key milestones in her career include:

Early Career: Beginning her legal career as a Deputy Public Defender, Judge Hirai gained invaluable experience advocating for clients and navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.

District Court Judge (2003): Appointed to the District Court of the First Circuit, she quickly established a reputation for thoughtful decision-making and a compassionate approach to the law.

Circuit court Judge (2007): Her elevation to the Circuit Court demonstrated the high regard held for her legal acumen and judicial temperament. She presided over a wide range of civil and criminal cases.

Chief Judge (2019 – 2025): As Chief Judge, she provided crucial leadership, overseeing administrative functions and championing initiatives to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the court system. This included advancements in e-filing systems and remote court proceedings.

Notable Cases: While maintaining judicial impartiality, Judge hirai’s rulings in several high-profile cases – including [mention a publicly known case, if available] – have shaped legal precedent in Hawai’i.

Chief Justice Recktenwald’s Remarks

Chief Justice Recktenwald’s tribute focused on Judge Hirai’s unwavering dedication to public service, her mentorship of younger attorneys, and her commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary. He specifically highlighted her:

Commitment to Access to Justice: Judge Hirai consistently advocated for programs designed to make the legal system more accessible to all Hawai’i residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This included support for legal aid organizations and pro bono services.

leadership During Challenging Times: Recktenwald acknowledged Judge Hirai’s steady leadership during periods of significant change and challenge, including the implementation of new court technologies and navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emphasis on Collaboration: The Chief Justice praised Judge Hirai’s collaborative spirit and her ability to build consensus among judges, court staff, and the broader legal community.

Mentorship & Guidance: Recktenwald noted judge Hirai’s dedication to mentoring aspiring lawyers and judges,fostering a new generation of legal professionals committed to ethical practice and public service.

Impact on the Hawai’i Judiciary

Judge Hirai’s retirement marks a significant transition for the Hawai’i State Judiciary. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on:

Court Administration: Her leadership in modernizing court procedures and improving efficiency will continue to benefit the system for years to come.

judicial Ethics: Judge Hirai’s unwavering commitment to ethical conduct has served as a model for her colleagues and the legal profession as a whole.

community Outreach: Her efforts to connect the judiciary with the community have fostered greater understanding and trust in the legal system.

* Diversity & Inclusion: Judge Hirai’s career trajectory itself represents a significant step forward in promoting diversity within the judiciary. She is a role model for aspiring legal professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Future Plans & Legacy

While Judge Hirai is retiring from full-time judicial service, she plans to remain involved in the legal community through [mention any known post-retirement plans, e.g., teaching, pro bono work, arbitration].Her legacy will be remembered for her dedication to justice, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to the people of Hawai’i. The Hawai’i state Judiciary will undoubtedly feel the impact of her absence, but her contributions will continue to shape the legal landscape for generations to come.