Senators Hirono and Schatz Establish Federal Judicial Selection Commission to Fill U.S. District Court vacancy

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced the formation of a Federal Judicial Selection Commission to make recommendations on candidates to fill a seat on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii following Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway's retirement from active service on November 6, 2015.

The Commission consists of seven members with three members appointed by each senator and a chair jointly agreed on. Senator Schatz appointed Nadine Ando, Keith W. Hunter, and Emily Kawashima Waters. Senator Hirono appointed Grant Chun, Patsy Saiki, and Alan Van Etten. Louise Ing will serve as Chair of the Commission.

"Hawaii is home to some of the most diverse and brilliant legal minds in the country, and that is what our judiciary should reflect," said Senator Schatz. "This balanced commission will begin a process that will help us put forward well-qualified candidates to fill this important vacancy. I look forward to working with the Commission members and President Obama to make sure our next District Court Judge will be a fitting replacement for Chief Judge Mollway."

"This group of esteemed individuals carries with them a unique set of backgrounds and experiences that represent the diversity of our great state," said Senator Hirono. "I look forward to their process and their eventual decision on candidates to replace the Honorable Judge Susan Mollway. Hawaii needs a full, active bench of four judges and I will work closely with my colleagues in the Senate to confirm whomever the President ultimately selects."

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