Colleen Ret. Obituary

JUDGE COLLEEN K. HIRAI, RET. It is with deep sadness and much love that the family of Colleen K. Hirai announces her passing at the age of 74. Colleen was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1951 to Beverly and Seichi ("Shadow") Hirai. Colleen grew up in Palolo and graduated from the University Laboratory School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in history, from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Colleen then continued her formal education at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, graduating in 1977 with a Juris Doctor degree. Colleen served as a law clerk for then Circuit Judge Yoshimi Hayashi and was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar in 1978. She began her legal career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu. In 1982, she served as a Deputy Corporation Counsel in the trial division. She left the public sector in 1985 to join the law firm of Libkuman, Ventura, Moon, and Ayabe as an associate practicing in insurance defense and became a partner of the firm in 1990. Colleen returned to public service in 1994 when she was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge of the First Judicial Circuit by Governor John Waihee. She was a dedicated judge, committed to working hard and upholding the integrity and dignity of the office. In addition to her judicial workload, she worked tirelessly on many projects and committees. Chief Justice Ronald Moon appreciated her administrative skills and talents and appointed her to serve as the first Chief Judge of the First Judicial Circuit. Colleen also presided over probate matters and resolved disputes concerning wills, trusts and estates. She was admired and loved by her colleagues and many others working at all levels of the court system. She knew their names and took the time and effort to get to know them. She was also respected by the many parties and lawyers who appeared before her for the care, effort and consideration she gave to their cases. With her grace, wisdom, and patience she was able to engage with people of all persuasions. She sincerely cared about her work and diligently and tirelessly carried out her duties. In her well-deserved retirement beginning in 2009, she travelled to her favorite places around the world with her husband and friends, enjoyed good food, loved snacking, and was a loving daughter who was devoted to her mother. Colleen was soft-spoken, thoughtful and always kind. She continued to serve in various organizations, including the Sons and Daughters of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the American Judicature Society and the Supreme Court Board of Bar Examiners. Colleen will be missed by her husband of 33 years, Dr. Peter Endo, and numerous family members. A Celebration of Colleen's life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Hosoi Garden Mortuary at 30 North Kukui Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817. Visitation will commence at 4:00 p.m. to be followed by a service at 5:30 p.m. A private inurnment service will be held at a later date. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary