Another Vacancy Posted For Hawaii Supreme Court

It is the second associate justice position to become open this month due to mandatory retirement age rules.

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The state’s Judicial Selection Commission said Friday that it is now accepting applications and nominations to fill an anticipated judicial vacancy on the Hawaii Supreme Court.

The notice does not say which of the five justices are expected to retire, but Associate Justice Paula Nakayama turns 70 next October, the age by which all Hawaii judges and justices must step down.

Earlier this month the Judicial Selection Commission announced another vacancy on the high court. Associate Justice Michael Wilson turns 70 in April.

That means the next governor will appoint their replacements, a rare opportunity for a new chief executive.

Left, Associate Justice Paula Nakayama raises questions during Civil Beat case with right,Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, looking on. 1 june 2017
The Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Paula Nakayama is leaving the bench. Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017

And Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald will turn 70 in October 2025, giving the next governor — either Democrat Josh Green or Republican Duke Aiona — a third nomination.

The application deadline for the just-posted vacancy is Jan. 26. The commission also invites people to nominate qualified individuals for the position.

The Judicial Selection Commission says it will publish the list of all applicants to its website. The public will be invited to provide comments.

All appointments are subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

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