First Circuit Civil Administrative Judge Jeannette H. Castagnetti was presented with the 2022 Jurist of the Year Award by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald on September 23, at the Hawaii State Judiciary’s annual Statewide Incentive Awards Ceremony.

“Judge Castagnetti has been instrumental in helping to guide the judiciary through the pandemic, and in making our civil courts more accessible and efficient. Most notably, she served as the chair of the Committee on the Implementation of Rules Promulgated for Civil Justice Improvements,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “Through her leadership, the committee reviewed the newly promulgated amendments to the Rules of the Circuit Courts of the State of Hawai’i and the Hawai’i Rules of Civil Procedure, and ensured a smooth transition for when the rules went into effect on January 1, 2022. She went over and beyond including helping to create new statewide forms and educating lawyers and legal staff about the rule updates. She is an incredible jurist and leader, and it is with profound gratitude that we honor her with this well-deserved award.”

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

Judge Castagnetti was appointed by Chief Justice Ronald Moon as a Per Diem District Court Judge in the First Circuit in 2007. Gov. Linda Lingle appointed her to the Circuit Court in 2010 where she currently presides over the civil calendar. Click here to view Judge Castagnetti’s Jurist of the Year proclamation.

In addition to honoring the Jurist of the Year, the Hawaii State Judiciary 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 incentive award): Colleen Masaki, Accountant V, Fiscal Services, Financial Services Department.

Meritorious Service Award: Danielle “Keala” Pellazar, Court Documents Supervisor, Second Circuit (Maui County) Legal Documents.

Group Meritorious Service Award:
• Fifth Circuit (Kauai) Court Support Services Section: Circuit Court Clerks Katie Aity, Nicole Pongasi, Sherrilee Rabot, Patsy Rapozo, Shayna Rosa, District Court Clerks Tisha Fontanilla, and Jocelyn Soltren, and Judicial Clerk Cassandra Prem.
• First Circuit (Oahu) Family Court Civil JIMS Team: Court Operations Specialists Mark Santoki, Karol Sakumoto, Laurulie Maeda, and Rebekah Lee; IT Specialist Sharon Iwai; Law Clerk Lillian Takaki; Circuit Court Clerks Jan Nishitomi, Donella Cambra, Audrey Miyasato, Kristi Tanaka, Norwma Lee, and Rena Mae Sabagala, Legal Documents Branch Administrator Patsy Nakamoto, Kapolei Court Documents Supervisor Alicia Danbara, Ho’okele Court Navigation Section Supervisor Lloyd Wong, Kapolei Family Court Legal Research Attorney Darlene Yamauchi; and Judicial Assistant Lori Aizawa.

Spirit of the Judiciary Award: Emily Ovian-Kwiat, Social Worker IV – Drug Court Probation Officer, Kona Drug Court, Third Circuit (Hawaii island); and Jean Ribao, District Court Clerk/Supervisor, Second Circuit (Maui County), Moloka‘i District Court.

Certificate of Commendation: Linda Kawakami, IT Specialist VI, Server Support Section, IT & Systems Department; and Iris Lim, DWI Court Coordinator, First Circuit (Oahu) Honolulu District Court.

Group Certificate of Commendation: Third Circuit (Hawaii island) Hilo and Kona/Kamuela Courtroom Services Section: Supervisors Marlene Kalua, Debra Reinking, and Lisa Ciriako; District Court Clerks Krystal Brumaghim, Kim Freeman, Emmalyn Gouveia, Mary Kiaha, Malia Makino, Shaylina Quenga, and Jayla Staszkow; Circuit Court Clerks Lauryn Horiuchi, Julie Johnson, Dorothy Macanas, Leigh Nakata, Helen Realin, and Tehani Villalobos; Judicial Clerks Leicy Graves and Cierra Biannchini; Court Bailiffs Donna Lim, Pamela Miller-Potter, Anthony Needham, Michal Popadic, Gavin Tamondong, Jared Tatsuno, and Timothy Weber.