Fujino Appointed to Third Circuit Court

District Family Court Judge Melvin H. Fujino was appointed by Governor David Ige to the Third Circuit Court on the Big Island on Wednesday.

The announcement also came with the appointment of District Court Judge Shirley M. Kawamura to the First Circuit Court on Oahu.

Since 2008, 55-year-old Fujino has served as a judge with the District Family Court of the Third Circuit. Before his time with the District Family Court, Fujino worked as deputy attorney general and was a team leader responsible for the Statewide Wiretap Review Unit and Asset Forfeiture program.

Fujino has also served as a deputy prosecuting attorney and supervisor, as well as a community oriented prosecutor for the West Hawai‘i branch of the Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

In 1981, Fujino graduated from the University of Washington, and in 1985, he graduated from the Gonzaga School of Law.

“I’m really excited and glad that I am going to serve the people in Kona where I was born and raised. It’s great to be going back home,” said Fujino.

Both Fujino and Kawamura were chosen by the governor from a list of nominees provided by the Judicial Selection Commission.

“We were fortunate to have a highly qualified pool of nominees. We appreciate their time and the effort that this process required. I extend my warmest congratulations to Judge Kawamura and Judge Fujino,” said Gov. Ige.

Fujino and Kawamura now must be confirmed by the senate.