David Y. Igé | Governor’s Office Press Release: Governor Ige Announces Judicial Appointments to O’ahu, Maui and Hawai’i Circuit Courts

HONOLULU – Governor David Ige today announced five judicial appointments to fill vacancies in the First Circuit Circuit Court (O’ahu), Second Circuit Circuit Court (Maui) and the Circuit Court of the third circuit (Hawai’i – Kona). The five nominees were each selected from five lists of candidates submitted to the governor on September 13 by the state’s Judicial Selection Commission.

CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIRST CIRCUIT (Oʻahu):

Governor Ige made the following three appointments:

Clarissa Y. Malinao is appointed to fill the position left vacant by the retirement of Circuit Judge Edwin C. Nacino in 2020. Malinao is a solo practitioner specializing in criminal law before state and federal courts. Since 2019, she has been a per diem judge of the District Court of the First Circuit. Malinao was recognized in 2020 as an Outstanding Pro Bono Lawyer Honored for her volunteer work with the Hawai’i Volunteer Legal Services. She received her BA in Criminal Justice from Seattle University and her JD from Whittier Law School in California.

“I am grateful and truly touched by Governor Ige’s appointment and delighted to have the opportunity to serve our community on the First Circuit Court. I look forward to meeting members of the Senate as they review my nomination, ”said Malinao.

Kevin T. Morikone is appointed to fill the vacancy left by former Circuit Judge Todd W. Eddins, who was appointed Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Hawaii in 2020. Morikone is currently a Judge of the First Circuit Family District Court . Born and raised in Kaimuki, he graduated from Kalani High School and the University of Hawai’i in Mānoa with a BA in Political Science and a Certificate in Ethnic Studies. Justice Morikone received his JD from William S. Richardson Law School at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. He practiced in civil litigation and was appointed a per diem judge of the Family Court in 2015.

“It is an honor to be appointed by Governor Ige for this post. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to meeting members of the Senate as they reflect on my appointment, ”said Morikone.

Shanlyn Park AS was appointed to the seat previously occupied by former circuit judge Karen T. Nakasone, who was appointed to the Intermediate Court of Appeal in 2020. Park is a private lawyer specializing in insurance defense, litigation commercial, disputed probate matters and criminal matters. defense. She graduated from Chaminade University with a BA in English and obtained her Juris Doctor from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

“I am grateful and touched by Governor Ige’s appointment as First Circuit judge,” Park said.

­COURT CIRCUIT OF THE SECOND CIRCUIT (Maui):

Kirstin M. Hamman is appointed to the seat previously held by Circuit Judge Rhonda I. Loo, who retired in May. Hamman is a judge at the District Court of the Second Circuit. Previously, she had her own private practice specializing in family law and special education law. She was also a lawyer with the Maui Municipal Services Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Hawai’i Legal Aid Society. Hamman is a graduate of the University of Hawai’i West O’ahu and William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

“I am deeply honored. I would like to thank Governor Ige for his confidence in me. I look forward to meeting the Senate and serving the people of Hawaii as a Circuit Court judge, ”Hamman said.

COURT CIRCUIT OF THE THIRD CIRCUIT (Hawaiʻi – Kona):

Wendy M. DeWeese is appointed to the seat previously held by Circuit Judge Melvin H. Fujino, who retired in 2020. DeWeese is a judge in the Third Circuit Family District Court. She holds a BA from Pomona College in California and a Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law. DeWeese was born in the United States but raised in Europe, lived and worked in California before moving to Hawaiʻi.

“In 2005, the Big Island welcomed me with open arms and has given me so much ever since. I am so grateful, honored and humbled to have the opportunity to give back to the community that has been so kind, generous and inspiring to me, ”said DeWeese.

Prior to making these appointments, Governor Ige carefully assessed and investigated the backgrounds and qualifications of all applicants referred to him by the state’s Judicial Selection Commission.

All appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

** Head photos are attached

** Resumes of all appointees are available upon request.

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Media contacts:

Jodi leong

Deputy Director of Communications / Press Officer

Governor’s office

Office: 808-586-0043

[email protected]

Cindy mcmillan

Director of Communications

Governor’s office

Office: 808-586-0012

[email protected]