First Circuit Court Chief Judge Derrick H.M. Chan was presented with the 2016 Jurist of the Year award by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, at the Hawaii State Judiciary’s 2016 Statewide Incentive Awards Ceremony on October 7.

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 Chan has been an outstanding jurist, mentor, and leader throughout his career on the bench,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “In his challenging role as Chief Judge of the First Circuit, he has been organized, diligent and decisive, all the while maintaining a collaborative and inclusive approach. He has often been described as a voice of reason and compassion. These are the characteristics that have made him an exemplary leader.”

Judge Chan was first appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in the First Circuit in August 2000 and served as the Deputy Chief Judge and Administrative Judge of the Criminal Division from January 2005 through July 2009. He has been the Chief Judge of the First Circuit since December 31, 2009.

In addition to the honoring of 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 awards presented at this year’s ceremony and the recipients of those awards are:

Distinguished Service Award (the Judiciary’s highest merit award): Colin Young, Fiscal Officer, Administrative Services Division, Third Circuit.

Meritorious Service Award: Wendy Mitchell, Social Worker V/Supervisor, Juvenile Client Services Branch, Third Circuit, Kona/Kamuela Unit; Danette Wise, Fiscal Officer, Fifth Circuit; and Juliette K. Yip, Secretary, Office of the Chief Court Administrator.

Group Meritorious Service Award: Community Service Work Program, Fifth Circuit: Calah Nakasone, Probation Officer, and Anita Applegate, Probation Officer; Hale Kaulike Maintenance/Janitorial Crew, Third Circuit: Peter Pasalo, Facilities Manager; Craig Nakaishi, Building Maintenance Worker; Shane Moses, Clerk; Derek Igawa, Karl Medeiros, Shayne Ah Sing, Clyde Hagino, Grant Higashi, Gabriel Igawa-Silva, Selma Matsunami, John Roth, Sidney Wong, Janitors.

Spirit of the Judiciary Award: Roland Advincula, Facility Management Working Supervisor, First Circuit, District Court; Pauline Lynch, Social Worker IV, Office of the Public Guardian; and Tracy Ogata, District Court Clerk II, Wahiawa/Waialua District.

Certificate of Commendation: Yvonne Keanaaina, Judicial Clerk, Kona Drug Court, Third Circuit.

Group Certificate of Commendation: Human Resources Department Employee Services Division: Jade Taono, Human Resources Manager; Danelle Muramoto, Human Resources Specialist; Deanna Ing, Jennifer Cordero-Manera, Marcia Imada, Human Resources Technicians.