In a ceremony attended by colleagues, friends, and family, Karen T. Nakasone was sworn in today as Chief Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA), while Karin L. Holma and Taryn Tomasa took the oath of office as Judges of the Circuit Court of the First Circuit.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald administered the oath to all three judges.

Recktenwald concluded the swearing-in ceremony, remarking, “It is hard to imagine a more impressive, hard-working, and passionate group to add to the ICA and Circuit Court. I am so grateful to have them as colleagues. I know their legacy will be amazing.”

Chief Judge Nakasone has served on the Intermediate Court of Appeals since November 2020, following nine years as a trial judge in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Oʻahu). Her legal career began with a clerkship under ICA Judge Simeon R. Acoba Jr., after which she spent 15 years as a criminal trial and appellate lawyer in the State Office of the Public Defender. She is a graduate of Boston University School of Law and Bryn Mawr College.

Judge Holma served in the District Court of the First Circuit and also handled cases in the Circuit Court through a temporary assignment. A graduate of Willamette University College of Law, she offers a wealth of experience in both courtroom litigation and appellate matters.

Judge Tomasa most recently served as supervising attorney at the Office of the Public Defender. She earned her law degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law and has devoted her career to advocating for fair representation for all in the justice system.

Judges Nakasone, Holma, and Tomasa Gifford will each serve a ten-year term.