Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Judiciary Communication No. 1, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominee from the Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA), Administrative Judge of the District Court of the First Circuit, Court Reporting Staff of the District Court, Court Administrator of the First Judicial Circuit, Ewa and Waianae District Court Administrator, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney, District 1 – PCD M.E.B.A., Frame Formby & O'Kane, Trecker & Fritz, Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific, International Association of Bridge, Structure, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, Local 625 Hawaii, and six individuals.

The nominee has served as district court judge in the first circuit on a per diem basis since July 5, 1995. During this time, he has served on every district court division in the First Circuit and has heard and decided every type of case. He is a member of the bars of Hawaii, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

The HSBA subjected the nominee to rigorous review and evaluation before rating the nominee as "highly qualified" for the position. That rating is the highest endorsement given by the HSBA for judicial appointment recommendations. The review includes a thorough evaluation of the nominee based on a modified version of the American Bar Association Guidelines for Reviewing Qualifications of Candidates for Judicial Office. The criteria for evaluation include: integrity, legal knowledge and ability, professional expertise, judicial temperament, diligence, financial responsibility, public service, collegiality, and writing ability.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate consent to the nomination.