A list of nominees for judge in Kauaʻi’s 5th Circuit Court was recently announced by the Judicial Selection Committee.
The post became vacant when now-former 5th Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano retired in October 2025.
Nominees, in alphabetical order
- Craig De Costa.
- Michael Scarbo.
- Michael Soong.
- Kimberly Torigoe Metcalfe.
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green had 30 days from his receipt of the list to make his appointment.
State law gives the governor, with consent of Hawai’i Senate, the power to fill a judge vacancy by appointing someone from a list of no fewer than four and no greater than six nominees presented by the selection committee.
Statistics
Total applicants: 8; 2 women; 6 men
- First time applicants: 0
- Government attorneys: 4
- Private attorneys: 2
- Judges: 1
- Per Diem Judges: 1
- Other: 1
- Age range: 1 (31 to 40 yeas old); 3 (41 to 50 years old); 3 (51 to 60 years old); 1 (61 to 70 years old)
- Years licensed range: 12 to 40
Additional Information
- Days in recruitment: 90
- Three applicants withdrew before meeting with the Judicial Selection Commission and are not included in the above statistics.
The selection committee met in March, with five members present, to make its decision about nominees.
Visit the Judicial Selection Commission web page or contact the commission via email at judselect.comm@courts.hawaii.gov for additional information.
