Former Hawaii Chief Justice to Receive Sandra Day O’Connor Award

HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now) – Retired Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald of the Hawaii Supreme Court has been chosen as the recipient of the Sandra Day O’Connor Award, the highest recognition from the National Judicial College. Recktenwald concluded his 15-year tenure as chief justice on September 30, 2025.

Throughout his judicial career, Recktenwald is recognized for modernizing the court system, improving access to justice for non-English speakers, and initiating programs aimed at assisting individuals dealing with substance abuse, mental health challenges, and homelessness. Additionally, he emphasized civic education by launching the Court in Community program in 2012, which allows high school students across Hawaii to attend oral arguments from the Supreme Court. The award ceremony is set for November 12 during the Appellate Judges Education Institute Summit in Philadelphia.