David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced the appointments of District Court judge Shirley M. Kawamura to the First Circuit Court on O‘ahu and District Family Court judge Melvin H. Fujino to the Third Circuit Court on Hawai‘i Island.

Kawamura, 43, has served as a District Court judge on O‘ahu since 2012. She is a former commercial and insurance defense litigator at Kawashima Lorusso, LLP and previously worked as a trial deputy at the Office of the Public Defender. Kawamura is a 1994 graduate of Brown University and 1997 graduate of the Stanford Law Center.

“I am truly honored and grateful for such a meaningful opportunity to serve the Judiciary and my community. I look forward to meeting with the senators and the Hawaii State Bar Association to answer any questions regarding my qualifications,” said Kawamura.

Fujino, 55, has served as a judge with the District Family Court of the Third Circuit since 2008. Previously, he worked as deputy attorney general and was a team leader responsible for the Statewide Wiretap Review Unit and Asset Forfeiture program. Fujino was also a deputy prosecuting attorney and supervisor, as well as a community oriented prosecutor for the West Hawai‘i branch of the Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Fujino is a 1981 graduate of the University of Washington and 1985 graduate of the Gonzaga School of Law.

“I’m really excited and glad that I am going to serve the people in Kona where I was born and raised. It’s great to be going back home,” said Fujino.

Gov. Ige selected Kawamura and Fujino from a list of nominees provided by the Judicial Selection Commission.

“We were fortunate to have a highly qualified pool of nominees. We appreciate their time and the effort that this process required. I extend my warmest congratulations to Judge Kawamura and Judge Fujino,” said Gov. Ige.

The appointments of Kawamura and Fujino are subject to senate confirmation.

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