Mafia News Flashback: Andy Winer’s Law Partner ‘a lock’ on Supreme Court Nomination
CB Oct 11, 2023: … One nominee considered a front-runner has no experience as a judge at all.
Instead, Vladimir Devens is a second-generation Honolulu lawyer from a prominent political family, with strong ties to labor unions, including the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers.
(CLUE: ‘Mafia’.)
Devens’ father, Paul Devens, was a managing director for Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi, and his mother, Setsuko Sugihara, was a piano teacher. Perhaps most important, Devens is a former law partner of Andy Winer, a Hawaii political fixer who has served as an advisor to Green following years as U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s chief of staff.
“Vlad’s former partner is Andy Winer, so there are certainly people who are going to be in Vlad’s corner,” one local attorney said. “There are going to be a lot of people who say Vlad’s a good guy.”
(CLUE: ‘Mafia’.)
Longstanding respect in the community and deep connections outweigh Devens’ lack of experience as a judge, two other lawyers said. His lived experience, “raised in the boiler room of local politics,” as one put it, has given Devens intellectual toughness that one local attorney described as “hard as nails.”
“The word on the street is the guy is a lock,” a fourth lawyer said….
(CLUE: ‘Mafia’.)
Green has until Oct. 27 to announce his nominees. The governor could act sooner, which would enable the Senate to confirm his nominees before Thanksgiving. …
read … A Shake-Up Looms At The Hawaii Supreme Court
VIDEO: SHOPO Chief Counsel
HSTA: Former HSTA attorney Vladimir Devens nominated as chief justice of Hawaiʻi Supreme Court - Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association
* * * * *
Vladimir P. Devens Sworn In as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court
News Release from Hawaii Judiciary, May 5, 2026
HONOLULU – Associate Justice Vladimir P. Devens was sworn in this morning in an informal ceremony as the sixth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaiʻi. Acting Chief Justice Sabrina S. McKenna administered the oath of office.
Chief Justice Devens becomes the administrative head of the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, responsible for overseeing court operations statewide. Brandon Kimura and Daylin-Rose Heather continue to serve as Administrative Director and Deputy Administrative Director of the Courts.
“With gratitude to Governor Josh Green for his nomination and the Hawaiʻi State Senate for its confirmation, and to all who encouraged and supported me, I am deeply honored to serve as Chief Justice,” said Chief Justice Devens. “Stepping into this role, I will build upon the strong foundation established by those who have come before me, including Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald and Acting Chief Justice Sabrina McKenna. The people who make up our Judiciary work diligently to ensure that our courts are steadfast, fair, and accessible to all. I want to recognize the important role judiciary employees play in upholding the public’s trust in the rule of law, and I look forward to continuing our work together, along with our governmental and community partners, in service to the people of Hawaiʻi.”
Justice McKenna offered her congratulations.
“Chief Justice Devens has been an active, productive, and valued member of the court since joining us in January 2024,” Justice McKenna said. “He has authored 15 published opinions, including 11 majority opinions. He has overseen the Judiciary’s efforts on the responsible incorporation of artificial intelligence into our work; and he has served as our court’s liaison to various important boards and commissions, including the Disciplinary Board of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, on which he previously served. He has also served in numerous leadership roles within the legal community, including on the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association. His background and broad range of experiences will be invaluable as he addresses current and future issues facing the Judiciary and our State.”
Justice McKenna added, “I am confident that Chief Justice Devens will lead with integrity, fairness, and a deep commitment to the people of Hawaiʻi. I look forward to supporting him and the courts as we continue our important work.”
A graduate of Kalani High School, Chief Justice Devens earned his undergraduate degree in economics, graduating magna cum laude and earning Phi Beta Kappa honors from the University of California, Berkeley. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where he served as an Associate Editor of the Industrial Relations Law Journal.
A formal investiture ceremony will be held at a later date.
KHON: Vladimir P. Devens sworn in as Hawaii's new chief justice
HNN: Vladimir Devens sworn in as Hawaii Supreme Court chief justice | Hawaii News Now
* * * * *
STATE SENATE CONFIRMS VLADIMIR P. DEVENS AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE HAWAIʻI SUPREME COURT
News Release from Hawaii State Senate, April 30, 2026
HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Senate today confirmed the appointment of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court for a term to expire in ten years.
Justice Devens, who has served as an Associate Justice on the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court since January 12, 2024, brings more than three decades of legal experience to the role. Prior to his appointment to the high court, he spent over 30 years in private practice, focusing on civil litigation across a wide range of legal areas.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary reviewed Justice Devens’ qualifications, experience, and testimony submitted in support and opposition to his nomination. The Committee received broad support from government agencies, labor organizations, legal associations, and community members. The Hawaiʻi State Bar Association also found Justice Devens to be qualified based on established criteria, including integrity, legal ability, and professional experience.
In its report, the Committee noted Justice Devens’ extensive legal background, commitment to public service, and active involvement in judiciary-related initiatives, including access to justice efforts and emerging issues such as artificial intelligence in the courts.
“Justice Devens has demonstrated the legal expertise, dedication, and temperament necessary to serve as Chief Justice,” said Senate Judiciary Vice-Chair Mike Gabbard. “His experience on the bench and throughout his legal career will help guide Hawaiʻi’s judiciary with fairness, stability and a commitment to the rule of law.”
During his tenure as Associate Justice, Devens has contributed to numerous court opinions and has served on several key committees, including as Co-Chair of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Courts. His prior service also includes leadership roles within the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association and extensive community involvement, including mentoring youth.
Justice Devens’ appointment ensures continuity in leadership for the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary as the court continues its work serving the people of Hawaiʻi.
* * * * *
Statement of Acting Chief Justice Sabrina S. McKenna
News Release from Hawaii Judiciary, Apr 30, 2026
Acting Chief Justice Sabrina McKenna and Justice Vladimir Devens are photographed outside the Senate chambers following the Hawaiʻi State Senate’s vote confirming Devens as the next Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.
My heartfelt congratulations to my good friend and colleague, Justice Vladimir P. Devens, on his confirmation by the Hawai‘i State Senate as the next Chief Justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court.
It has been a tremendous honor to serve as Acting Chief Justice. I will continue do everything I can to support the Judiciary and Chief Justice Devens, who I am confident will be an excellent Chief Justice.
There will be a smooth transition of leadership upon his informal swearing-in on May 5th; a formal investiture ceremony will follow in the near future.
* * * * *
GOVERNOR GREEN NOMINATES ASSOCIATE JUSTICE VLADIMIR DEVENS AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE HAWAIʻI SUPREME COURT
News Release from Office of the Governor, 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.
# # #
SA: Gov. Green nominates Vladimir Devens as Hawaii’s chief justice | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CB: Hawaiʻi Senate Confirms Vladimir Devens As Chief Justice - Honolulu Civil Beat
SA: Senate confirms Devens as Hawaii Supreme Court’s chief justice | Honolulu Star-Advertiser