Hirono Commends President’s Commitment To Diversify Bench

Senator Mazie K. Hirono applauded President Obama’s nomination of Lucy Koh to serve on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

“Lucy Koh’s experience on the federal bench, in private practice, and as a prosecutor make her a qualified candidate to serve on the Ninth Circuit, whose jurisdiction includes Hawaii, and I look forward to supporting her confirmation in the United States Senate,” said Senator Hirono. “I support President Obama’s continued commitment to ensuring that our nation’s federal courts are fully staffed with quality individuals who reflect the diversity of our country.”

Judge Koh currently serves as a district court judge for the Northern District of California. She is the first Korean American woman to serve as an Article III judge and, upon confirmation, would become the fifth active Asian American and Pacific Islander federal appellate judge.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ jurisdiction includes Hawaii, California, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.