Yamashiro named Fifth Circuit Chief Court Administrator 

The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary has named Kari Yamashiro the Fifth Circuit Chief Court Administrator following the retirement of David Lam.

“We are pleased to promote Kari to the Chief Court Administrator position,” said Rodney Maile, Administrative Director of the Courts. “During her 30 years with the Fifth Circuit Kari has gained extensive operational knowledge and leadership experience while serving the people of Kauaʻi.”

Yamashiro started as a social worker in the Adult Client Services Branch after graduating from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. She received numerous promotions over the years and was named Deputy Chief Court Administrator in 2016.

Yamashiro has made significant contributions to the Kauaʻi Specialty Courts, including Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Truancy Court, and Girls Court, as well as supporting other court operations functions.