The Senate Committee on Judiciary convened on April 12, 2025, to conduct a public hearing regarding the nomination of a candidate for a family law judgeship in Hawaii. The meeting featured discussions on the candidate's qualifications, experiences, and responses to public testimony.

The session began with committee members expressing their interest in understanding the candidate's engagement with the legal community, particularly regarding the number of attorneys who responded to inquiries about the nominee's qualifications. A member emphasized the importance of gauging broader attorney interest beyond a limited sample size.

The candidate, who has a robust background in family law, provided an extensive overview of her legal career. She shared her journey from working in her father's law office to becoming a public defender and later serving in various roles within the Department of the Attorney General and the County of Maui. Her experience includes handling cases related to child welfare services, family law, and criminal matters.

During the hearing, the candidate addressed concerns raised by members of the public regarding her previous work with the Department of Human Services (DHS). She clarified her role as a deputy attorney general, explaining the process involved when a child is removed from a home and the legal obligations that follow, including the necessity of filing a petition within 48 hours. The candidate emphasized her commitment to due process and the importance of ensuring that all parties involved in such cases are heard.

Committee members questioned the candidate about her decision-making process and her ability to remain impartial, especially given her prior representation of DHS. The candidate reassured the committee of her capability to be fair and impartial, stating that her experiences would enhance her understanding of the complexities involved in family law cases.

The hearing concluded with the candidate expressing her dedication to improving the family court experience for self-represented litigants and her willingness to engage with community feedback. The committee members acknowledged the importance of the discussions and the candidate's qualifications, setting the stage for further deliberations on her nomination.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the candidate's extensive legal background and her commitment to serving the community, while also addressing public concerns regarding her past roles in child welfare cases. The committee will continue to evaluate her nomination in the coming sessions.