Sabrina McKenna nominated to Hawaii Supreme Court
January 26, 2011
Hawaii: Yesterday, Sabrina S. McKenna was nominated for Associate Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. The nomination was the first to the court for new Governor Neil Abercrombie. Of the appointment, he said, "This is the most important decision I have made in my career. This appointment sets the course for the state and its legal direction for the next several years. I am completely confident that Judge McKenna's appointment will be something I'm proud of for the rest of my life."[1]
McKenna is currently a senior judge on the O'ahu First Circuit Court, where she has served since 1995. Prior to this, she was a District Court judge in Honolulu for two years. The judge has an interesting personal history; she was born in Tokyo and emigrated with her mother when she was a child. While studying for her undergraduate degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, McKenna also played on the college's basketball team. Also, she would be the first openly gay member of the Supreme Court.[2]
Before commencing a 10-year term, McKenna must first win confirmation from the Hawaii Senate. Following the announcement from Governor Abercrombie, Senate Judiciary Committee head Clayton Hee said, "I suspect that the Senate, on balance, would probably be supportive, but it may be premature at this point."[2] Her confirmation is almost assured however, as she has previously been declared "Qualified" by the state Judicial Selection Commission and was a nominee for a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii.[2]
In addition to saying that she was "excited and honored" about the nomination, McKenna said, "I would like to believe that because of my background and my life experiences, I bring sensitivity to those who may not have been born into a life of privilege, a sensitivity to those whose life circumstances make it difficult for them to conform with all of society's expectations."[2]
Footnotes
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Federal courts:
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of Hawaii • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Hawaii
State courts:
Hawaii Supreme Court • Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals • Hawaii Circuit Courts • Hawaii District Courts • Hawaii Family Courts
State resources:
Courts in Hawaii • Hawaii judicial elections • Judicial selection in Hawaii
