GOVERNOR IGE APPOINTS HOLLY T.M. SHIKADA TO SUCCEED CLARE CONNORS AS STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL

News Release from Office of the Governor, Dec 8, 2021

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige has appointed Holly T.M. Shikada to be the Attorney General of the State of Hawaiʻi. Shikada will succeed Clare Connors, who was confirmed as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaiʻi on Dec. 7, by the United States Senate. Connors’ resignation takes effect at the end of the day on Friday, Dec. 10.

Shikada has been serving as the first deputy since March of this year. She is a 30-year veteran with the Department of the Attorney General, having served 18 years as the supervising deputy attorney general for the Education Division. She previously led a unit within the department focused on ensuring compliance with a class-action settlement known as the Felix Consent Decree. Shikada also served in the department’s Family Law Division and started her legal career in private practice with the Fujiyama Duffy & Fujiyama law firm.

“Holly’s experience and expertise allow her to step into this important role without missing a beat, whether it’s representing the state in court cases, leading investigations, providing advice on legal matters, or carrying out other functions as the state’s chief legal and law enforcement officer,” said Gov. Ige.

“It is my honor to continue my service to the State of Hawaiʻi as the Attorney General and I am thankful to Governor Ige for entrusting me with this amazing opportunity and responsibility. I have the pleasure of working with some of the best and brightest attorneys in the state and look forward to championing their efforts to make Hawaiʻi a better place. I would also like to congratulate Clare and wish her the best in her new role as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaiʻi.  I know that our friendship will translate into a great partnership between the Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice,” said Shikada.

Shikada attended the University of Hawai‘i, Manoa, where she earned a B.A. in accounting and earned her law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law.

Her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Gov. Ige also expressed his deep appreciation to Clare Connors for her outstanding leadership. “I wish Clare all the best as she continues her public service in her new capacity. I know that we’ll continue to work together on behalf of the people of the State of Hawaiʻi,” said Gov. Ige.

  *   *   *   *   *

HAWAI‘I ATTORNEY GENERAL SHIKADA WELCOMES NEW FIRST DEPUTY

News Release from Office of the Attorney General, Dec 13, 2021

HONOLULU – Hawai‘i Attorney General Holly T. Shikada announced today that Valerie M. Kato has been selected as the new First Deputy Attorney General.  Prior to her recent appointment by Governor Ige as the Attorney General, AG Shikada was the First Deputy Attorney General.

Kato has over 20 years of experience practicing law in the State of Hawai‘i starting her legal career clerking for Judge Corinne K.A. Watanabe at the Hawai‘i Intermediate Court of Appeals. Prior to joining the Department of the Attorney General, Kato was with the law firm of Ning Lilly & Jones, focusing on commercial litigation, commercial and residential landlord/tenant issues, employment and labor disputes, and trust and probate litigation. Over the years, she has served as a CAAP arbitrator in the Hawai‘i State Judiciary Court Annexed Arbitration Program, and was recently an Attorney Delegate to the United States District Court Judicial Conference. Initially representing the Department of Agriculture and the Agribusiness Development Corporation in the Commerce and Economic Development Division of the Department, Kato most recently served as the acting supervisor in the Health Division, advising the Department of Health on legal issues, including issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In her prior role as Supervising Deputy of the Health Division, Val’s experience, character, wisdom, and dedication assisted in guiding the State thru the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Attorney General Shikada. “It is because of the leadership she displayed in that role and her commitment to the people of the State of Hawai‘i that I know she will be a great addition to the executive team and am pleased to announce her appointment as the First Deputy Attorney General.”

Kato commences her role on December 13, 2021. She earned her B.A. with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.