LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Kathleen N.A. Watanabe was installed yesterday as a 5th Circuit Court judge, the first person sworn in at the new $42 million Kaua'i judicial complex, Pu'uhonua Kaulike, or sanctuary of justice.

Family members crowded the space before the bar in one of the facility's six courtrooms as well-wishers and members of the Kaua'i legal community filled the remaining seats.

Watanabe, 49, is the former state human resources director under Gov. Linda Lingle, who nominated her for the judgeship. Her nomination was unanimously approved by the Hawai'i state senate earlier this year.

She is a graduate of Kaua'i High School and received her law degree from the University of Hawai'i. Wata-nabe is a former Kaua'i county attorney and served as a per diem judge before becoming a state department head.

She will serve with veteran 5th Circuit Court Judge George Masuoka, taking the seat vacated when Judge Clifford Nakea retired. Other court personnel will be moving from the old 5th Circuit Court building on Umi Street over the weekend, but Watanabe will move immediately into her new chambers.

The new courthouse, along Kapule Highway near Lihu'e Airport was dedicated Aug. 5 and will be put into use Monday.