Big Island Press Club to Honor Former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald at Annual Torch of Light Luncheon
HILO, Hawaiʻi — The Big Island Press Club will honor retired Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald with its annual Torch of Light Award during a luncheon Sunday, Nov. 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
The Torch of Light Award is given to individuals or organizations who make the public aware of their rights to information. As Chief Justice of Hawaiʻi from 2010 through 2025, Recktenwald has been selected for expanding the general public's access to Hawaiʻi's judicial system and increasing transparency in Hawaiʻi courts.
In addition to increasing the use of electronic filing and conducting hearings remotely, Recktenwald motivated changes for Hawaiʻi courts to allow for cameras to be present in the courtroom during sessions that made it easier for members of the public to obtain copies of court documents. Prior to entering into the field of law, Recktenwald was a reporter for United Press International.
“Justice Recktenwald was the obvious choice for the Torch of Light award,” said BIPC Treasurer Nancy Cook Lauer. “Not only has he been steadfast in protecting everyone's First Amendment rights, he's been helpful to the press club over the years, including addressing our scholarship recipients via Zoom during the first year of the pandemic."
Since retiring from the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court at the mandatory retirement age of 70, Recktenwald has joined the Alliance of Former Chief Justices, a nonpartisan initiative focused on judicial independence, the rule of law, and constitutional governance. At the luncheon, he will discuss his experiences and the importance of an accessible and independent judiciary for journalists, attorneys, students and the broader Hawaiʻi Island community.
The annual luncheon will also support the next generation of Hawaiʻi journalists through the Big Island Press Club Foundation Scholarship Fund. An accompanying silent auction will feature donated experiences, hotel stays and gift cards, with proceeds benefiting scholarships for students with Hawaiʻi Island ties pursuing careers in journalism and communication.
The event will feature a full luncheon buffet provided by the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Tickets are $60 for BIPC members and $75 for nonmembers. Reservations must be made by Nov. 8.
Tickets, auction and additional event information are available through the Big Island Press Club's 2026 Torch of Light Luncheon page on Givebutter at givebutter.com/c/bipc-torch-of-light-luncheon-2026
