Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Sabrina S. McKenna

A change in leadership at the Hawaii Supreme Court is coming at the end of the month, a result of the state’s mandatory retirement age for justices and judges.

According to the state judiciary, Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna will become the acting chief justice Oct. 1 following the retirement of Mark E. Recktenwald at the end of September.

“On behalf of all judiciary employees, the bar and the entire state of Hawaii, I express our deepest appreciation to Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald for his Aloha Spirit-imbued leadership over the past 15 years, as well as his commitment to access to justice and the rule of law,” Justice McKenna said in a statement.

McKenna has served on the Hawaii Supreme Court since 2011 after presiding as a judge over district, circuit, and family courts.

“Justice McKenna is uniquely qualified to lead the Judiciary at this pivotal time,” Recktenwald said. “She has served with distinction at nearly every level of our courts, and her deep experience and unwavering commitment to justice will guide us forward. I am excited that she will have the opportunity to use that vast knowledge to lead the Judiciary.”

Additionally, Administrative Director of the Courts Rodney A. Maile will retire at the end of September after nearly 15 years in the judiciary’s top administrative role.

Brandon M. Kimura, currently the director of the Judiciary’s Policy and Planning Department, has been appointed to succeed Maile, effective Oct. 1. He will serve in that capacity with Deputy Administrative Director of the Courts Daylin-Rose Heather.

“Chief Justice Recktenwald and Director Maile have made an indelible impact on who I am and how I approach every issue. I am deeply grateful,” Kimura said. “I am humbled by this appointment and look forward to continuing to work with Chief Justice McKenna, Daylin, judges, judiciary employees, and our governmental and community partners.”