VIDEO: Hirono Introduces Nominees for Two Federal Judgeships in Hawaii During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
Sen. Hirono: “I know that both of these nominees have the kind of experience, temperament, and demonstrated commitment to public service, along with their deep roots in Hawaii, which will make them excellent judges in the Hawaii District Court.”
~ Video of Senator Hirono’s full opening remarks is available here ~
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced two nominees to serve as federal judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii during a full committee hearing considering their nominations. Shanlyn A.S. Park’s and Micah Smith’s nominations were announced by Senator Hirono and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) earlier this year to fill two upcoming vacancies on the U.S. District Court for Hawaii.
Introducing Judge Park at the hearing, Senator Hirono said: “Judge Park was born and raised in Hawaii where her distinguished career has been spent almost entirely in public service, inspired no doubt by her father’s work as a longtime Honolulu police officer. As a judge, she has earned high marks from practitioners and litigants for her evenhanded approach and well-reasoned decisions. Judge Park is held in high regard in the Hawaii legal community, as demonstrated by letters of support the Committee has received.”
During her remarks, Senator Hirono also highlighted that when confirmed, Judge Park will become the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge.
Of Micah Smith, Senator Hirono said: “Micah has an impressive legal career. Micah spent four years at O’Melveny & Myers, where he helped author a brief in U.S. v. Jones, a pivotal 4th Amendment case. He then became a federal prosecutor, a job he has held for the last 12 years. Even with all his success, Micah never forgot where he came from.”
“I know that both of these nominees have the kind of experience, temperament, and demonstrated commitment to public service, along with their deep roots in Hawaii, which will make them excellent judges in the Hawaii District Court,” concluded Senator Hirono.
The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on both nominations in the weeks ahead before they are sent to the full Senate for final confirmation.
A link to download video of Senator Hirono’s full opening remarks is available here.
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