Nominees announced for Kaua‘i Circuit Court judge

Five individuals are being considered to fill the judge vacancy for the 5th Circuit Court on Kaua‘i, following the retirement of Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe in August 2025.

The Judicial Selection Commission submitted the nominees for Gov. Josh Green to consider. According to a news release from the governor’s office, Green must appoint a judge from a list of nominees within 30 days, with the consent of the Hawaiʻi State Senate.

“Kauaʻi deserves a circuit court judge who understands the island, respects the law and brings integrity and balance to the bench,” Green said. “I look forward to reviewing these highly qualified nominees and selecting a judge who will serve the people of the Fifth Circuit with fairness and professionalism.”

The nominees are:

• Stephanie R.S. Char, currently District Family Court Judge, 5th Circuit Court. She is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law.

• Craig A. De Costa, currently Criminal Defense Attorney, Cahill De Costa Law Inc. He is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

• Simeona L.L.A. Mariano, currently Deputy Attorney General, State of Hawaiʻi (Family Law Division). She is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

• Michael D. Scarbo, currently a partner at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon LLP and a Per Diem Judge, 5th Circuit Court. He is a graduate of Willamette University College of Law.

• Kimberly A. Torigoe Metcalfe, currently Deputy County Attorney, County of Kauaʻi. She is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

The public is invited to provide comments on the nominees on the governor’s website https://governor.hawaii.gov/contact-us/contact-the-governor/.