About Peter K.
Peter K. Kubota is a Circuit Court Judge for the Third Circuit in Hawaii, serving the island of Hawaii. He was appointed to the bench by Governor David Ige on March 13, 2020, and sworn in on May 15, 2020. Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Kubota had a distinguished legal career spanning over 30 years, specializing in estate planning, real property advice and litigation, and business law.
He was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1989 after earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law. His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Judge Kubota's solo practice in Hilo was known for providing friendly and practical legal services to the community.
In addition to his private practice, he served as a per diem District and Family Court Judge in the Third Circuit starting in 2019. His appointment to the Circuit Court was subject to Senate confirmation, reflecting the trust placed in his legal expertise and commitment to the community. Judge Kubota's father, Ernest H. Kubota, also served as a Third Circuit Court Judge, highlighting a family legacy of public service in Hawaii's judiciary.
His appointment was part of a broader effort to ensure the judiciary's responsiveness to the community's needs, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The swearing-in ceremony was notably conducted via videoconference, marking a historic moment in Hawaii's judicial proceedings. Judge Kubota's experience and dedication to the legal profession continue to serve the people of Hawaii Island in his current role as a Circuit Court Judge.
