HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Sept. 30, Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald stepped down from the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, where he has served as Chief Justice since 2010.
The State of Hawaiʻi’s constitution requires judges and justices to retire at the age of 70.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Hawaiʻi,” Recktenwald said. “I have been humbled to work alongside the more than 1,700 justices, judges and employees for the past 18 years that I have been at the Judiciary.”
Recktenwald joined the Supreme Court in 2009 as an Associate Justice.
“His significant legacy will forever reflect his commitment to fairness, innovation, modernization and community engagement,” said Gov. Josh Green. “His initiatives have ensured that the Judiciary, going forward, will remain responsive to the evolving needs of Hawaiʻi residents.”
Under Recktenwald’s leadership, Hawaiʻi’s state courts utilized electronic filing and implemented remote proceedings, which helped provide public services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also established the Courts in the Community program, for oral arguments on actual cases to be held at Hawaiʻi high schools. Since 2012, over 6,800 high school students have attended Courts in the Community programs.
“… the justice system should always be focused on helping people.”
Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna
“Chief Justice Recktenwald has led with integrity and compassion, viewing his role with the lens that the justice system should always be focused on helping people. This approach has been the catalyst for significant systemic changes over the years,” said Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna.
On Oct. 1, McKenna will become Acting Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.
“I have full faith and confidence in Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna, the longest-serving active jurist in the state, as she takes on the mantle of Acting Chief Justice,” Green said.
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The search continues for a qualified applicant to take on the Chief Justice role.