ISLAND COUNTY: Island County District Court judge announces retirement (SCN)

The Stanwood Camano News reports on the announcement by Island County District Court Judge William Hawkins.

Island County District Court Judge William Hawkins announced Monday, March 4, that he is retiring effective May 31. Hawkins was appointed to the position in 2013.

According to a news release from the county, the search for Hawkins’ replacement is already underway.

The Island County Board of Commissioners is responsible for appointing a District Court judge under state law. The person appointed will serve on the bench from June 1 until the general election in 2026.

They Said It

“To say that I am proud of the 11 years I have spent on the bench would be an understatement,” Hawkins said in a statement. “I feel honored to have been able to serve this island community I call home. I consider it the privilege of a lifetime, and an enriching, challenging and humbling experience.”

Hawkins said in his statement that the Island County District Court is often a gateway to the legal system for citizens.

“Although the cases heard in District Court are, by definition, less serious than those handled in Superior Court, the nature of the cases affect people greatly and in very personal ways,” Hawkins said. “We have a lot of personal interaction with the folks with whom we come in contact.”

“We see people under the stress of litigation, many here involuntarily, often at a low point in their lives,” he said. “I am proud of this court and the many ways it serves those in need, be they victims of crime, victims of their own addiction or those struggling with issues of physical or mental health.”

His goal during his time as judge, Hawkins said, was to be a receptive ear and leave people feeling that they have been heard.

“To the citizens of Island County, I say thank you for your confidence and for the opportunity,” he said.