2026 Jurist of the Year and Judiciary Employees Honored

Chief Justice Vladimir P. Devens (left) presents Second Circuit District Family Court Judge James Rouse with the 2026 Jurist of the Year Award during the Judiciary’s Statewide Employee Awards Ceremony at the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.

HONOLULU – Second Circuit (Maui) District Family Court Judge James Rouse was presented today with the 2026 Jurist of the Year Award by Chief Justice Vladimir P. Devens at the Judiciary’s Statewide Employee Awards Ceremony in the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court courtroom.

“Judge Rouse is honored for his exceptional dedication to justice and his steadfast commitment to the people he serves,” said Chief Justice Devens. “He is an outstanding jurist who treats every litigant with fairness, respect, and genuine care. In his courtroom, he maintains the highest standards of conduct, civility, and respect, balanced with sincere and genuine empathy and compassion.

Devens continued, “Judge Rouse’s decisions reflect both a deep understanding of the law and a thoughtful appreciation for the human circumstances underlying every case. He is especially skilled in working with individuals facing mental illness, always ensuring their dignity is respected and preserved. His ability to connect with young people is remarkable – he offers encouragement, motivation, and a sense of being seen, heard, and valued. His longstanding reputation as a natural mentor speaks to his character, his devotion to the profession, and his love for his Maui community.”

Judge Rouse was sworn in as Judge of the District Family Court in March 2021. Prior to his appointment, he served as a deputy attorney general practicing in the Family Law Division. Judge Rouse also served 19 years as a deputy public defender and worked in a private practice focusing on family and criminal law.

The Jurist of the Year is selected annually by the Chief Justice from nominations submitted by Hawaiʻi attorneys and Judiciary personnel. The award recognizes a full-time trial judge who exhibits exceptional judicial competence, evidenced by decisional quality; significant extra-judicial contributions to the administration of justice; and active participation in public service to the community at large.

The Judiciary also presented individual and group awards to employees who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and accomplishments. The recipients of this year’s awards are:

Distinguished Service Award (the Judiciary’s highest employee award): Susan Gushiken, Judicial Assistant to Circuit Court Judge Peter T. Cahill, Second Circuit

Group Meritorious Service Award: Uniform Disposition Entry Program Team: Mojtaba Abolfazli, Jennifer Awong, Kao-Wei Chua, Adam Cohen, Sharon Iwai, Emerita Mateo-Dias, Julie Okamoto, Karol Sakumoto, Kristi Tanaka, Krista Thom

Spirit of the Judiciary Award: Selma Matsunami, Facilities Management Branch, Third Circuit-Hilo; and Roselani Kaluahine, Client Services Division, Fifth Circuit

Certificate of Commendation: Norma Celestino Ringrose, Facilities Management Branch, Second Circuit; and Ariel Maeda, Application Project Management Branch, Information Technology & Systems Department

Group Certificate of Commendation: ʻEwa District Court Clerks: Julie Domingo, Simone Hagemann, Debra-Anne Nagatani, Sue Okimoto, Jenna Leigh Saito, Penny Suan, Renna Tuupoina, Deanna Yamane; and District Court Clerks, Second Circuit: Tammy Kincaid, Danlyn Kapaku, Kezia Asao, Hāna Kraker, Precious Naleieha, Eunice Joy Patao, Suzette Pencerga, Brenda Franco-Rodriguez, Danielle Ronquillo, Dolgor Rosen, Teagan Waialeale

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