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“The Impacts of Artificial Intelligence Upon the Judiciary”, a webinar held in October 2025 and sponsored by the American Judicature Society (AJS) featured Emile Loza de Siles, a law professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai’i at Manoa who was contracted to present highlights from her recent study.  The research study was supported by AJS with funds donated by the Okinaga Ohana.  Prof. de Siles brings a distinguished background, as both a clinical scientist and legal scholar.  She holds a juris doctorate from The George Washington University School of Law with additional graduate education from Georgetown, Harvard and the University of Houston. She is also a long-standing member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the world’s largest technology professional association.  In addition, she sits on the Hawaii Supreme Court’s inaugural, “Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Cours”, which issued its Final Report in December 2025. 

Her extensive practice in technology and intellectual property law has enabled her, since 2003, to provide consulting services to some of the world’s largest technology companies as well as to state and federal governments.

The well-attended webinar addressed and thoughtfully explored the far-reaching influence of AI upon the judiciary.  Prof. de Siles’ landmark study centered on several key objectives:

1. to positively impact the legal community,
2. to provide knowledge and serve as a thought model with potential national influence on courts; and
3. to help shape the future of the judiciary by enabling AI’s effects on courts and judicial decision-making to be identified and anticipated.

Amongst her “Recommendations to the Judiciary”, were: 

1. Responsible AI Governance — courts should institute responsible AI governance frameworks and procedures as soon as reasonably possible;
2. Ethically Grounded AI Governance — the judiciary should build its system of responsible AI governance upon the well-established and applicable code of judicial conduct;
3. Comprehensive AI Governance — judicial leaders should strategically expand their AI-related orders, rules and other AI governance measures; and
4. Transparency — laws and practices to protect the legitimacy of the courts and avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Recognizing the rapidly evolving growth of AI and its profound positive and negative impacts on the practice of law — and particularly on the judiciary – the American Judicature Society expressed deep appreciation for Prof. de Siles’ Executive Summary.   Her in-depth report provides an overview of her key findings, traces the historical landscape of AI’s evolution nationally and internationally, and identifies gaps in governance.  It concludes with a hopeful, forward-looking perspective intended to serve as a guidepost for the judiciary in the constantly developing discipline that increasingly impacts the rule of law. 

As we reflect on the past year, the American Judicature Society extends its deepest
appreciation to the generous individuals and organizations whose financial support has sustained and strengthened our mission. Your contributions—at every level—have been vital to our ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the American justice system and to promote an independent and qualified judiciary.

In a time when the principles of fairness, impartiality, and judicial independence face growing challenges, your commitment to our cause has never been more meaningful. We are honored to recognize your generosity and proud to count you among our community of advocates for justice. Thank you for standing with AJS and for helping us champion a fair and impartial system of justice for all.

Judicial vacancies have posed a persistent challenge in Hawaii. In recent years, the number of qualified applicants for judicial positions has declined significantly, leading to delays in the appointment and confirmation of judges and justices. A healthy democracy depends on all three branches of government operating effectively, and a fully staffed, highly qualified judiciary is essential to that balance.

The American Judicature Society (AJS), whose mission is to promote an independent and competent judiciary and a fair system of justice, has identified judicial vacancies as one of its top priorities.

To address the issue, a Special Committee on Judicial Vacancies has been established to identify barriers that discourage individuals from applying and to recommend improvements to the recruitment and application process. Market Trends Pacific, a professional market research firm, has been engaged to conduct an online survey of individuals who have been identified as qualified candidates. The survey aims to gather data on the factors that may deter applicants from pursuing judicial positions. All responses will be kept strictly confidential, and no individual respondent will be identifiable. The Hawaii State Judiciary supports the initiative.

The Special Committee on Judicial Vacancies is co-chaired by Judge J. Michael Seabright and Jan Boivin. Other members of the committee are: Nathan Hokama (co-reporter); Judge (ret.) Trudy Senda (co-reporter); Dr. David Ball; Timothy Johns; Judge (ret.) Walter Kirimitsu; Russell Lau; Judge Kanani Laubach; Carrie Okinaga; Randy Perreira; Sen. Karl Rhoades; and Dr. Sylvia Yuen (ex-officio).

Warmest holiday wishes to all!

Acting Chief Justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, Sabrina S. McKenna, delivered the keynote address at the American Judicature Society’s annual meeting and program on December 2 at the Pacific Club. In her remarks, she praised the achievements of recently retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald and outlined her key initiatives for the judiciary in the coming year.  Following the keynote, Acting Chief Justice McKenna was joined by Associate Justice Lisa Ginoza for a panel discussion moderated by Aviam Soifer, former dean of the William S. Richardson School of Law. The panel highlighted the differences between the U.S. and Hawai‘i constitutions, underscoring the unique features that distinguish Hawai‘i’s constitutional framework.

Attendees participated in a lively trivia competition, with table groups competing against one another to answer questions about members of the judiciary. The activity was led by former Judge Rhonda Nishimura and Kendrick Chang.  The program concluded with a reception featuring an array of refreshments and providing members with the opportunity to socialize, strengthen professional connections, and welcome new colleagues.

Larry Okinaga, chair of the AJS Board of Directors, summarized the organization’s 2025 accomplishments and thanked everyone for their contributions for the successful outcomes. He welcomed newly elected members — Keith Hiraoka, Gerald Hurst and Mark Recktenwald — to the AJS board.  The complete list of AJS board officers, advisors, and members for the coming year can be found on the AJS website.

Officers of the Board of Directors

	Lawrence Okinaga, Chair	Sylvia Yuen, Vice President
	Ivan Lui-Kwan, Vice Chair	Daniel  Padilla, Secretary
	Douglas Chin, President	Jeannette Castagnetti, Assistant Secretary
	Jan Boivin, Vice President	Brian Kang, Treasurer
	John Tonaki, Vice President	Douglas Tonokawa, Assistant Treasurer

The holiday season is often marked by the exchange of gifts among family and friends, and by reflections on those in need. Yet beyond the holidays, there are remarkable individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to improving the lives of others year after year.

These community heroes come from all walks of life, contributing in diverse ways. Their civic actions strengthen community bonds and help sustain the foundation of our democratic society.

Several of these inspiring individuals are featured in the AJS Podcast Series on Community Heroes, now available on the AJS website at Podcasts: Community Heroes – American Judicature Society.

Or, go to the American Judicature Society website’s homepage, click on Civic Education in the blue band at the top of the screen, and click again on Podcasts.

Please join us in honoring these individuals for the outstanding work they are doing in service to our communities.