Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Nominates Associate Justice Vladimir Devens As Chief Justice Of The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court

STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

GOVERNOR GREEN NOMINATES ASSOCIATE JUSTICE VLADIMIR DEVENS AS

CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE HAWAIʻI SUPREME COURT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2026

HONOLULU - Governor Josh Green today announced the nomination of Vladimir Devens to serve as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice is responsible for the administration of the statewide court system, including oversight of court operations, judicial assignments and efforts to improve efficiency and access to justice.

Justice Devens, who has served as an associate justice since 2024, brings more than three decades of legal experience to the role, including extensive work in civil litigation and public service.

"Every candidate presented to me was exceptional and I am grateful for the depth of talent willing to serve our state at the highest level," said Governor Green. "Two individuals truly stood out in this process. Justice Devens, however, brings something that is essential in this moment - real-world experience, a deep understanding of working people and a grounded, salt-of-the-earth perspective that reflects the values of our communities. At a time when families are focused on affordability, housing and stability, we need continuity and steady leadership in our courts. Justice Devens is the right person to lead with fairness, independence and a clear understanding of how decisions impact everyday people."

Justice Devens received his undergraduate degree in economics, graduating magna cum laude and earning Phi Beta Kappa honors from the University of California, Berkeley. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (formerly Boalt Hall), where he served as an Associate Editor of the Industrial Relations Law Journal.

Prior to his appointment Justice Devens worked in private practice for over 30 years, where he concentrated his practice in civil litigation in various areas of the law. He also served on the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association (HSBA) board of directors and with various HSBA committees.

If confirmed by the Hawaiʻi State Senate, Justice Devens will serve as the state's highest-ranking judicial officer, overseeing the administration of the judiciary and guiding the work of the Supreme Court.

"I am deeply honored by Governor Green's nomination and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Hawaiʻi," said Justice Devens. "Throughout my career, I have worked alongside individuals and families navigating real challenges and I carry those experiences with me. If confirmed, I will focus on ensuring our courts remain fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of all communities, while upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust."

A photo of judicial nominee Devens can be found here.

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