HONOLULU —  Second Circuit Court Chief Judge Joseph Cardoza was recognized as the 2018 Jurist of the Year by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald at the Hawaii State Judiciary’s 2018 Statewide Incentive Awards Ceremony.

“Judge Cardoza is an exemplary judge and leader,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “His knowledge of the law, leadership skills, diligence, and integrity have earned him great respect from the Bar, litigants, judiciary employees, and his fellow judges. He works tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure that those in need of services are able to get assistance, and that justice is administered in a fair and impartial manner.”

The Jurist of the Year is selected annually by the Chief Justice from nominations submitted by Hawaii attorneys and Judiciary personnel. The Jurist of the Year 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.

Judge Cardoza was appointed to the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit on June 24, 1999. He was named Chief Judge in 2012. Prior to his appointment to the Circuit Court, he was a senior partner in the law firm of Cardoza and Fukuoka. He served previously as Maui County’s Prosecuting Attorney from 1983 to 1991, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney from 1977 to 1983, and Deputy County Attorney from 1975 to 1976. Judge Cardoza received his law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law, now known as the Seattle University School of Law.

In addition to the honoring of the Jurist of the Year, the Judiciary presented individual and group awards to employees who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and accomplishments.

Gary Teramae won the Distinguished Service Award, the Judiciary’s highest merit award. Teramae is
the Budget Administrator & Deputy Department Head. 

Meritorious Service Award:  Glen Yorimoto, First Circuit Court Operations Specialist; Tina Higashi, Fifth Circuit Juvenile Client & Family Services Supervisor; and Ginger Pana, Intermediate Court of Appeals Appellate Court Clerk.

Group Meritorious Service Award:  Third Circuit (Hawaii Island) Juvenile Client Services Branch, Client Services.

Spirit of the Judiciary Award:  Krystal Brumaghim, Third Circuit District Court Clerk; Bryon Poy, Third Circuit Court Documents Clerk; Terence Kavanaugh, First Circuit District Court Judicial Clerk III; and Mavis Taniguchi, First Circuit Estate & Probate Branch Secretary.

Certificate of Commendation:  Marvin McCloud, IT Specialist V.

Group Certificate of Commendation:  Second Circuit Fiscal Branch.