Judge James H. Ashford: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

O'ahu First Circuit Court of Hawai'i, Department - Division 10, Room 10

Appointed By: Gov. David Y. Ige

Biography

The Hon. James H. Ashford is a judge for the O’ahu First Circuit Court of Hawai’i in Honolulu County. He was appointed to the seat by former Governor David Ige in 2018, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Rhonda A. Nishimura.

Ashford has served as deputy chief and administrative judge of the O’ahu First Circuit Court. He began his judicial career as a judge for the O’ahu First Circuit District Court in 2013, having received an appointment by Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald.

Ashford received a bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College. He then completed a J.D. at Loyola Law School in 1988.

Ashford was a partner at Cades Schutte LLP, where his practice included commercial litigation, including real estate disputes, employment law, construction and condominium disputes, trust and estate litigation, and education law. He began his tenure with the firm as an associate.

Recent Cases by Hon. James H. Ashford

Schmidt v. AOAO Marco Polo Apartments

On October 22, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

KY'MARRELL JOHNSON-HOLLAND vs DLIR et al.,

On October 19, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

Enz v. Richardson

On October 19, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

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CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

RAYCHEL CABRAL vs. PHOENIX GROUP, LLC

On October 13, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

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CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

Aquino v. Air & Liquid Systems Corporation, et al.

On October 13, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

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CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

VINCENT D'AMATO v. DLIR STATE OF HAWAII, ET AL

On October 8, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 08, 2026

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

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CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 08, 2026

KEIDRON L. FLAKES vs DLIR - ESARO

On October 7, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 07, 2026

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

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Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

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CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 07, 2026

DOROTHY NIKAIDO vs KAIMUKI DRY GOODS, LTD. et al.

On October 6, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 06, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

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CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 06, 2026

MAHA A WAHBA vs DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

On October 2, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 02, 2026

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 03, 2026

KU LONO CUADRA vs OFFICE OF THE ELECTIONS et al.,

On October 2, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Oct 02, 2026

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 03, 2026

GARRISON A. TANI vs. NANCY SETTSU

On September 29, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Sep 29, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 30, 2026

Rebecca Navarro vs. Oahu Transit Services, Inc.

On September 22, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Sep 22, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 22, 2026

Honolulu Exotics v. Jack Anaya and Geico Ins.

On September 16, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Sep 16, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 17, 2026

JOSLYN WILLIAMS vs SOH DLIR et al.,

On September 16, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Sep 16, 2026

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 16, 2026

Kahoaka v. Padsing

On September 11, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Sep 11, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 11, 2026

GINA CAROLLO vs HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE LESSEE LLC

On September 10, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Sep 10, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 10, 2026

CALEI HOKAMA vs SOH - DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES

On September 9, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Sep 09, 2026

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 09, 2026

IN RE HAWAII STATE ASBESTOS CASES

On September 9, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Sep 09, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 09, 2026

GRACE PACIFIC LLC vs.MAUI MASTER BUILDERS,Inc etal

On September 4, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Sep 04, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 04, 2026

ABDERRAHMANE GUIDOUM v. EMPLOYMENT SECURITY APPEAL

On August 28, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Aug 28, 2026

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 28, 2026

INDIRA LOPEZ-RUIZ MOLA v. FARMERS INSURANCE, et al

On August 27, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Aug 27, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 28, 2026

PRISCILLA D. VERGARA-PEREZ vs DLIR, SOH

On August 26, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Aug 26, 2026

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 26, 2026

AMERICAN EXPRESS NATIONAL BANK v. JOAN DIVINAGRACI

On August 24, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Aug 24, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

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Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 24, 2026

Terrence Rodrigues v. Helen D. K. Richardson et al

On August 20, 2026 a cv - circuit court civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Honolulu County. Judge James H. Ashford presiding.

Filed

Aug 20, 2026

Status

ACTIVE

Judge

Hon. James H. Ashford 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for James H. Ashford

Court

Circuit

County

Honolulu County, HI

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

CV - Circuit Court Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 20, 2026

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About

James H. Ashford
Current Appointment O'ahu First Circuit Court of Hawai'i, Department - Division 10, Room 10	O'ahu First Circuit Court of Hawai'i, Department - Division 10, Room 10
Previous Appointment O'ahu First Circuit District Court of Hawai'i	O'ahu First Circuit District Court of Hawai'i
Education J.D., Loyola Law School - 1988 Bachelor's degree, Claremont McKenna College	J.D., Loyola Law School - 1988 Bachelor's degree, Claremont McKenna College

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	HI - O'ahu First Circuit Court of Hawai'i
Previous Court:	HI - O'ahu First Circuit District Court of Hawai'i
Clerk phone:	+1 (808) 539-4012

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Associate	Cades Schutte LLP	Honolulu County, Hawai’i
Partner	Cades Schutte LLP	Honolulu County, Hawai’i
Judge	O’ahu First Circuit District Court of Hawai’i	Honolulu County, Hawai’i
Judge	O’ahu First Circuit Court of Hawai’i	Honolulu County, Hawai’i