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.  …

VIDEO: SHOPO Chief Counsel

read … A Shake-Up Looms At The Hawaii Supreme Court

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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.

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SA: Gov. Green nominates Vladimir Devens as Hawaii’s chief justice | Honolulu Star-Advertiser