Retired judge tapped
as Japanese Cultural
Center president

Retired Circuit Judge Riki May Amano was selected as the new president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.

Riki May Amano: She was the first woman appointed as full-time judge on Big Island

"I feel really honored to be given the chance to serve," Amano said.

The board of directors unanimously voted for Amano to fill the position.

"Judge Amano brings a passion and exciting vision to take the center to the next level," said board member Colbert Matsumoto in a written statement.

Amano started her position Monday.

Susan Scott had served as interim president after Keiko Bonk, an artist and musician, was fired as president and executive director of the center in February. Bonk had said she had "philosophical differences" with the board of directors.

Scott said: "We are extremely fortunate that Riki Amano has agreed to assume the president/executive director position for the JCCH. Her integrity and work ethic are without question. She has worked closely with me over the last three months and will be able to ensure a seamless transition. The staff and volunteers are elated."

Amano, 52, has served on the center's board of directors since July 2004. Amano's other community activities have included serving as director on the boards of Hawaii Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Maximum Legal Services Corporation, Legal Aid Society and the University of Hawaii Campus Center Board.

She retired as a judge for Circuit Court on the Big Island in April 2003.

Amano served as a District Court judge on the Big Island for a year before serving as a Circuit Court judge from 1993 to 2003. One of her best-known cases was the trials of two men accused of the rape and murder of 23-year-old Dana Ireland.

She was the first woman to be appointed as a full-time judge on the Big Island.

Before she served as a judge, Amano was in private practice specializing in family law and workers compensation defense.

Amano plans to increase membership and provide more programs, events and exhibits at the center.