Third judge
resigns

Circuit Judge James Aiona Jr.
leaves, saying pay
is too low

By Gregg K. Kakesako
Star-Bulletin

Circuit Judge James Aiona Jr. today became the third member of the Judiciary to leave the bench this year citing the inadequacy of judges' pay.

Aiona, 43, a Circuit Court judge since 1993, played a critical role in planning and implementing Hawaii's highly regarded Drug Court program and served as its first judge for 1-1/2 years.

"This has been a most difficult decision for me, however, the inadequacy of judge's pay, combined with Hawaii's high cost of living, has made it increasingly difficult for me during the past eight years to provide for my family's welfare," he said. "But for the inadequate pay, I would never leave the bench. I simply could not hold on any longer."

In May, when Maui Circuit Judge John McConnell, 58, announced retirement, he said he hoped the Cayetano administration and the Legislature would address the issue of a pay raise. Hawaii's 73 judges and justices have not had a raise since 1990.

Since 1992, 11 judges, including Aiona, will have left the bench.

Chief Justice Ronald Moon today said: "Of these, a number cited the lack of adequate financial compensation as a reason for their departure." Moon said he is concerned that the Judiciary is "losing yet another competent, experienced and hard-working judge."

The annual salaries now range from $81,780 for district judges to $94,780 for chief justice.