Michael K. Soong at a glance
- Current role
- Chief Judge
- Court
- Hawaii Circuit Court, Fifth Circuit
- Jurisdiction
- Hawaii · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Michael K. Soong
Chief Judge · Hawaii Circuit Court, Fifth Circuit
Available research
Biography
Professional career
- He also practiced criminal law and personal injury litigation as a partner in the law firm of Soong & Feldhacker, A.A.L. since 2004, and as a solo practitioner since 2009.
- Previously, Soong was a Deputy Corporation Counsel for the County of Hawaiʻi from 1986-1987; a Deputy Public Defender from 1987-1989; a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the County of Kauaʻi from 1991-1996; and an associate attorney with the Law Office of Walton D.Y. Hong, emphasizing in real estate transactions and land use.
- Soong served as Prosecuting Attorney for the County of Kauai from 1996-2004, and has been in private practice since then.
- Previously, Soong was a Deputy Corporation Counsel on the Big Island, a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney on Kauai, and a Deputy Public Defender on Oahu and Kauai.
- Prior to his appointment Soong served as Prosecuting attorney for the County of Kauai from 1996-2004, and had been in private practice from 2004.
Judicial service
- Chief Judge, Hawaii Circuit Court, Fifth Circuit.
Education
- Southwestern University School of Law
Courtroom rules and guidance
Extended Coverage Notice
Hawaii requires news media to notify a court coordinator before electronic or photographic coverage of a judicial proceeding, including audio recording, film, videotape, or still photography.
The news media must notify a court coordinator of their intent to provide any electronic or photographic coverage of a judicial proceeding.Cameras and Audio Equipment ↗
Camera Microphone Placement
Hawaii leaves courtroom camera and microphone placement to the judge and cautions that judges may differ on placement rules.
The judge will decide where cameras and microphones can be placed in the courtroom. Judges differ on this - so please ask.Cameras and Audio Equipment ↗
Sources
Hawaii State Judiciary official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.courts.state.hi.us/michael-k-soong-biographyCameras and Audio Equipment
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.courts.state.hi.us/news_and_reports/media_guidelines/cameras_and_audio_equipmentRemote Court Hearings via Zoom
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.courts.state.hi.us/remote-court-hearings-via-zoom-or-webex