Chief Justice Ronald T.Y. Moon announced today that he is seeking public comment on judicial nominees for two vacancies in the Third Circuit (Big Island).

One vacancy will occur upon the retirement of District Court Judge Matthew Pyun on March 20, 2007. The names submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission, in alphabetical order, are:

Anthony K. Bartholomew
Philip M. Doi
Harry P.N.S. Freitas
Paul K. Hamano
Maura M. Okamoto
Lloyd Van De Car

The second vacancy occurred upon the retirement of District Family Court Judge Ben Gaddis on Dec. 31, 2006. The names submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission, in alphabetical order, are:

Anthony K. Bartholomew
Philip M. Doi
Harry P.N.S. Freitas
Jerilynn Ono Hall
Maura M. Okamoto
Lloyd Van De Car

Anyone who would like to comment about the character and qualifications of any of the nominees before the Chief Justice makes his selection should mail, fax, or deliver their written comments to:

Chief Justice Ronald T.Y. Moon
Supreme Court of Hawai`i
417 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Fax: 539-4703

WRITTEN comments must be post-marked, faxed, or delivered no later than FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2007. Comments may be delivered to the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office at 417 S. King Street (the building directly behind the Kamehameha statue, first floor). ALL COMMENTS WILL BE CONFIDENTIAL.

The individual selected by the Chief Justice for the vacancy is subject to Senate confirmation.

Contact:Marsha E. Kitagawa, 539-4909