HAWAIʻI STATE SENATE CONFIRMS TWO CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES FOR KAUAʻI AND MAUI

News Release from Hawaii State Senate, April 27, 2026

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – Last week, the Hawaiʻi State Senate confirmed the appointments of Judge Michael K. Soong to the Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit (Island of Kauaʻi) and Judge Annalisa M. Bernard Lee to the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit (Island of Maui), following the recommendation of the Senate Committee Judiciary Chair Karl Rhoads.

“After full consideration of their backgrounds, experience, and qualifications, the Committee found both appointees to be qualified to serve,” said Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. “They each possess the legal expertise, integrity, and dedication necessary to fully and faithfully discharge the duties of judicial office.”

Judge Michael K. Soong currently serves as a District Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit and Deputy Chief Judge. He has also served as a temporary Circuit Court judge since October 2025. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Soong practiced law privately, focusing on criminal law and personal injury litigation, and dedicated years to public service as Kauaʻi’s elected Prosecuting Attorney, as well as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Deputy Public Defender.

“Testimony highlighted Judge Soong’s leadership, strong work ethic, and keen understanding of the law,” Rhoads added. “He has demonstrated the ability to relate to people from all walks of life and a commitment to reaching fair outcomes in every case.”

Judge Annalisa M. Bernard Lee currently serves as a District Court Judge for the Second Circuit on Maui. Her legal career has been rooted in public service, including her work as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Maui County and a Deputy Public Defender on both Oʻahu and Maui. She is also actively engaged in efforts to improve the judicial system through her service on various committees and commissions.

“Judge Bernard Lee is widely recognized for her fairness, professionalism, and dedication to the pursuit of justice,” said Rhoads. “She brings a thoughtful, compassionate approach to the bench and has consistently demonstrated the preparedness and integrity required of a Circuit Court judge.”

Both appointees met the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association’s standards for judicial service, demonstrating the integrity, legal ability, experience, and temperament essential to the bench.

Their confirmation reflects the Senate’s commitment to ensuring a strong, impartial judiciary that serves the people of Hawaiʻi with integrity and confidence.

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GOVERNOR GREEN ANNOUNCES JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS TO SECOND AND FIFTH CIRCUIT COURTS

News Release from Office of the Governor, March 31, 2026 

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green today announced the appointments of two judges to the Circuit Courts of the Second and Fifth Circuits, following nominations from the Judicial Selection Commission.

“These appointments reflect our continued commitment to a fair, efficient and compassionate judicial system,” Governor Green said. “Judge Annalisa Bernard Lee and Judge Michael Soong bring deep experience, integrity and a strong sense of service to the bench. I am confident they will serve the people of Hawaiʻi with fairness and dedication.”

Annalisa M. Bernard Lee has been appointed to a judgeship with the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit (Maui). Bernard Lee currently serves as a District Court judge for the Second Circuit and is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law.

“I am deeply honored by this appointment and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Maui in this new capacity,” Bernard Lee said. “I remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all who come before the court are treated with fairness, respect and dignity.”

Michael K. Soong has been appointed as a judge for the Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit (Kauaʻi and Ni‘ihau). Soong currently serves as a District Court judge of the Fifth Circuit and has been temporarily assigned to the Circuit Court, where he also serves as chief judge. He is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools and the Southwestern University School of Law.

“I am humbled by the trust placed in me and honored to serve the people of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau in this role,” Soong said. “I look forward to continuing my service with integrity, impartiality and a commitment to justice for our community.”

The Judicial Selection Commission submitted nominees for each vacancy in accordance with the Hawaiʻi State Constitution. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate.

A photo of judicial nominee Bernard Lee can be found here.

A photo of judicial nominee Soong can be found here.

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BACKGROUND: Judicial Nominees for Kauai, Maui > Hawaii Free Press