Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Vladimir Devens was sworn in Tuesday morning during an informal ceremony, becoming the state high court’s sixth chief justice.
The Kalani High School grad succeeds former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, who retired in October 2025 after serving on the high court for 16 years.
“I am deeply honored to serve as chief justice,” said Devens in a release following his swearing-in ceremony. “Stepping into this role, I will build upon the strong foundation established by those who have come before me, including Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald and Acting Chief Justice Sabrina McKenna.”
He said the people who make up Hawai’i Judiciary work diligently to ensure the state’s courts are steadfast, fair and accessible to all.
“dI want to recognize the important role judiciary employees play in upholding the public’s trust in the rule of law, and I look forward to continuing our work together, along with our governmental and community partners, in service to the people of Hawaiʻi.”
Devens is now the administrative chief of Hawaiʻi Judiciary, responsible for overseeing court operations statewide.
Brandon Kimura and Daylin-Rose Heather continue to serve as administrative director and deputy administrative director of the Courts.
McKenna offered her congratulations to the state’s new chief justice.
“Devens has been an active, productive and valued member of the court since joining us in January 2024,” said McKenna in the release.
She said the new chief justice authored 15 published opinions, including 11 majority opinions. He has overseen the state Judiciary’s efforts to responsibly incorporation artificial intelligence into its work.
Devens also served as the high court’s liaison to various boards and commissions, including as a previous member of Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Disciplinary Board, and in numerous leadership roles within the legal community, including on the board of directors of tHawaiʻi State Bar Association.
“His background and broad range of experiences will be invaluable as he addresses current and future issues facing the Judiciary and our state,” McKenna said.
Devens earned his undergraduate degree in economics from University of California, Berkeley, graduating magna cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa honors. He received his Juris Doctor from University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where he served as an associate editor of the Industrial Relations Law Journal.
A formal formal swearing-in ceremony will be hosted at a later date.
