CHIEF JUSTICE APPOINTS DISTRICT FAMILY COURT JUDGE

News Release from Hawaii Judiciary, Jul 9, 2021

HONOLULU – Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald today appointed Lesley N. Maloian to fill a judicial position in the District Family Court of the First Circuit.

Maloian has been a Deputy Public Defender in Honolulu for the past 18 years, with extensive felony jury trial experience in the circuit, district, and family courts. Prior to that, she worked for two years as an associate with the Law Office of Ellen Politano representing clients in family court cases, including divorce, restraining orders, alimony, child support, and paternity. From 1996 to 2001, Maloian served as a Deputy Public Guardian in Chicago, Illinois where, combined, she maintained a caseload of over 150 families and participated in daily bench trials, administrative hearings, and criminal proceedings. She also has experience as an Administrative Hearings Officer with the City of Chicago’s Department of Buildings, which she held for a year before becoming a Deputy Public Guardian.

Maloian graduated from Valparaiso University of School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2002. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from CUNY Baruch College.

The Chief Justice made his appointment from the nomination list that was presented to him by the Judicial Selection Commission on June 9, 2021. The appointment of Maloian is subject to Senate confirmation.

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Chief Justice Seeks Public Comment on Judicial Nominees

News Release from Hawaii Judiciary, Jun 9, 2021

HONOLULU – Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald announced today that he is seeking public comment on judicial nominees for a position in the District Family Court in the First Circuit, Island of Oahu.

The names submitted for this vacancy by the Judicial Selection Commission, in alphabetical order, are:

Russ S. Awakuni
Mr. Awakuni is currently employed by the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. Awakuni is a graduate of Loyola Law School and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1993.

Harvey M. Demetrakopoulos
Mr. Demetrakopoulos is currently employed at Shim & Chang. Demetrakopoulos is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1989.

Chastity T. Imamura
Ms. Imamura is currently employed as a Hearings Officer with the Office of Dispute Resolution in the Department of the Attorney General. Imamura is a graduate of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2002.

Clarissa Y. Malinao
Ms. Malinao is currently employed at Clarissa Y. Malinao, Attorney at Law and serves as a Per Diem Judge in the District Court of the First Circuit. Malinao is a graduate of Whittier Law School and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2006.

Lesley N. Maloian
Ms. Maloian is currently employed as a Deputy Public Defender with the Office of the Public Defender. Maloian is a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2002.

Steven R. Nichols
Mr. Nichols is currently employed as a Deputy Public Defender with the Office of the Public Defender. Nichols is a graduate of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2002.

Shanlyn A.S. Park
Ms. Park is currently employed at Gallagher Kane Amai & Reyes. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1995.

Rochelle I. Vidinha (Cusumano)
Ms. Vidinha is currently employed as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the Departmert of Prosecuting Attorney, City & County of Honolulu. Vidinha is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 2001.

The Chief Justice has the discretion to assign judges to the district or district family court calendar. Comments about the qualifications and character of any of the nominees with regard to either calendar assignment may be sent, in writing, to:

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald
Supreme Court of Hawaii
417 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813

Fax: (808) 539-4703
Email: chiefjustice@courts.hawaii.gov

Comments should be postmarked, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered no later than Wednesday, June 23, 2021. All comments will be kept confidential.