Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate voted to confirm the Governor’s Circuit Court appointments of Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (island of Oʻahu). Earlier in the week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on each appointment, and all testimony received for Copeland, Costa, Medeiros, and Nichols was in support of their appointments. Each of the new judges was deemed “Qualified” by the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association. “All four appointees demonstrated the experience, curiosity, and commitment required of a judge,” said Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13, Dowsett Highlands, Puʻunui, Nuʻuanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. “After having met with Judge Copeland, Judge Costa, Judge Medeiros, and Judge Nichols, I am confident that each will serve our State with honor and integrity, and I extend my sincerest mahalo and congratulations to them all.” Rebecca A. Copeland has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge. Copeland will succeed Judge Gary Chang, who is retiring at the end of June 2024. Copeland served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2020. Between 2016-2020, she served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Copeland has experience in operating the Law Office of Rebecca A. Copeland, LLC, working for Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert, and as Adjunct Professor for the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, St. Mary’s University School of Law (in San Antonio), and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Additionally, Copeland has served as Deputy Solicitor General, Appellate Division, for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General and was a law clerk for Hawaiʻi Intermediate Court of Appeals. Copeland received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwest Texas State University and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Brian A. Costa has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge and will succeed Judge Jeffrey Crabtree, who retired in January 2024. Costa has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2017 and most recently as the Lead Judge of the Juvenile Division and Presiding Judge of Juvenile Drug Court. Between 2015-2017, he served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Costa’s professional experience includes being an attorney, member, and manager of the law firm Costa & DeLacy, LLLC, serving as a Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and working as an associate for Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. Costa additionally was a law clerk for Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. Costa received an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences in Business Administration from Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY, a Bachelor of Science in Management from Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Dyan M. Medeiros has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge. Medeiros will succeed Judge R. Mark Browning who retired in December 2023. Medeiros has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2015 and most recently as the Lead Judge of the Domestic Division and Presiding Judge of Girls Court. Prior to serving as a Judge, Medeiros was a partner with Kleintop, Luria & Medeiros, an associate attorney with Stirling & Kleintop, and an associate attorney with Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert. Medeiros received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and received a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Steven R. Nichols has been confirmed to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit as a Circuit Court Judge. Nichols will succeed Judge Edward Kubo who retired in December 2019. Most recently, Nichols served as a Per Diem Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit and operates the Law Office of Steven R. Nichols. Nichols previously served as Deputy Public Defender for twenty years and was a law clerk for First Circuit Judge Dexter Del Rosario. Nichols received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Next week, the Hawaiʻi State Senate will convene a special session to review the judicial appointments of Rebecca A. Copeland, Brian A. Costa, Dyan M. Medeiros, and Steven R. Nichols to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (island of Oʻahu). The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13, Dowsett Highlands, Puʻunui, Nuʻunau, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), will hold a public hearing on the appointees on Monday, June 24, 2024, starting at 10:30 a.m. The Senate will convene in floor session on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by a separate decision-making meeting of the Judiciary Committee at 11:45 a.m.  Final Senate votes on the appointments are expected on Thursday, June 27, 2024, during the floor session that is expected to start at 11:00 a.m. Rebecca A. Copeland has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2020. Between 2016-2020, she served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Copeland has experience in operating the Law Office of Rebecca A. Copeland, LLC, working for Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert, and as Adjunct Professor for the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, St. Mary’s University School of Law (in San Antonio), and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Additionally, Copeland has served as Deputy Solicitor General, Appellate Division, for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General. Copeland received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwest Texas State University and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Brian A. Costa has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2017 and currently is the Lead Judge of the Juvenile Division and Presiding Judge of Juvenile Drug Court. Between 2015-2017, he served as a Per Diem District Court Judge. Costa’s professional experience includes being an attorney, member, and manager of the law firm Costa & DeLacy, LLLC, serving as a Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and working as an associate for Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. Costa additionally was a law clerk for Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr. Costa received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences in Business Administration from Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY, a Bachelor of Science in Management from Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Dyan M. Medeiros has served as a District Family Court Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit since 2015 and currently is the Lead Judge of the Domestic Division and Presiding Judge of Girls Court. Prior to serving as a Judge, Medeiros was a partner with Kleintop, Luria & Medeiros, an associate attorney with Stirling & Kleintop, and an associate attorney with Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert. Medeiros received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and received a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Steven R. Nichols currently serves as a Per Diem Judge for the Family Court of the First Circuit and operates the Law Office of Steven R. Nichols. Nichols previously served as Deputy Public Defender for twenty years and was a law clerk for First Circuit Judge Dexter Del Rosario. Nichols received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. The hearing notice can be viewed here and includes instructions on how to submit testimony. The public hearing and floor sessions will be broadcast on the Senate YouTube page.  More information about the special session is available at the 2024 Senate Special Session webpage on the Legislature's website, www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

Today, Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, Portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, issued the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $550,000 to finance design and construction for classroom expansion and restroom facilities for special education students at Kanoelani Elementary School in Waipahu: “I’d like to thank Governor Green for releasing funding for classroom expansion and restroom facilities for special education students at Kanoelani Elementary School,” said Senate Vice President Kidani. “It is essential that we provide resources for our special education teachers and students to foster an inclusive environment where every keiki can reach their full potential.” ###

Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, (District 24, Kāne‘ohe, Kailua), Senate Co-Chair of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus issued the following statement offering his thanks to FestPAC organizers for featuring heritage dance performances by groups from different countries at Windward Mall in Kāne‘ohe: "It is an honor for Hawai‘i to host FestPAC this year, and I am grateful that its organizers have chosen to spread the program across communities on O‘ahu," said Senator Keohokalole. "Windward Mall is a central gathering place for many of our Windward residents, and I appreciate that we have the opportunity to experience and celebrate our guests from across the Pacific. I look forward to joining many of our neighbors and ‘ohana from across the Ko‘olau coast in the audience." From 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. today (Friday, June 7) and tomorrow (Saturday, June 8) Windward Mall will host a satellite stage for FestPAC’s heritage dance performances by groups from various countries.  For additional information on FestPAC Hawai‘i, visit festpachawaii.org.

Today, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo), issued the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $230,000 in capital improvement project funds for furniture and equipment in the new medium security housing unit at the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center (HCCC). “I am thrilled to share the news of these important investments for the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center,” Senator Inouye said. “This equipment funding injection will support the essential work HCCC does. HCCC has been in need of the new medium security housing unit for a long time, and it is important that it is adequately furnished with the right equipment in its new facility.” “I am grateful to Governor Green for recognizing the importance of investing in HCCC. HCCC has grown considerably over the last several years, and it is critical that the State continues to support HCCC's needs.”

With the retirement of Senator Maile S.L. Shimabukuro (Senate District 22, KoʻOlina, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua) from the Hawaiʻi State Senate effective today, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (Senate District 8, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) announced changes to the composition of Senate Standing Committees. Effective June 1, 2024, Senator Herbert M. “Tim” Richards III (Senate District 4, North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona) will be the interim Chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs. Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante (Senate District 16, ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City) will remain as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee through a special session to confirm judicial nominees in late June. After the special session to confirm judicial nominees ends, Senator Elefante will move from being a member of the Senate Committee on Judiciary Committee to a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (District 24, Kāne‘ohe, Kailua), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, issued the following statement regarding the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA)’s initial surveys of Little Fire Ants at Pua Lani Landscape Design: “It is encouraging to hear that the HDOA and Pua Lani are finally working together,” Senator Keohokalole said. “It should not have taken four months and a Senate investigation to get here.”

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –  Today, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) was honored as the Carl Perkins Community Service awardee for the state. “Mahalo to the Association for Career and Technical Education for this award, which is an example of the paradigm shift supported by Senate Education Committee Chair Kidani and Superintendent Hayashi,” said Senator Dela Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I am proud to work with our educators to ensure that our keiki are prepared for high paying jobs.” This award recognizes individuals who have used Career and Technical Education to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service. The award was granted by the Hawaiʻi branch of the Association for Career and Technical Education, the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to empowering educators to deliver high-quality career and technical education programs that position students for career success. “Hawaiʻi ACTE is thrilled to recognize the vision and leadership of Senator Donovan Dela Cruz as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the community and the transformative impact Career and Technical Education can have on students,” said Ron Umehira, Executive Director, Hawaiʻi ACTE. “I know that education is a critical piece for Hawaii’s future. Without good paying jobs, we will continue to lose our current and future workforce to better job markets. Without certified teachers in our classroom, we will not have a workforce prepared for economic development,” said Senator Michelle N. Kidani, who serves as the Senate Vice President and Chair of Senate Committee on Education (District 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia). “It has been my great pleasure partnering with the Ways and Means Chair to ensure that we have good paying jobs for today and tomorrow, fully certified and qualified teachers in our classrooms, and creating a sustainable future for all keiki across the State.”

Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Today, Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo), issued the following statement thanking Governor Josh Green for releasing $5,005,000 in capital improvement project funds to finance multiple projects at Hilo International Airport. “I am thrilled to share the news of these important investments for the Hilo Airport,” Senator Inouye said. “This funding injection will support enhancements aimed at bolstering infrastructure and operational efficiency. Additionally, these funds will facilitate essential design work for terminal infrastructure improvements, furthering the airport's capacity to accommodate growing passenger needs.” “I am grateful to Governor Green for recognizing the importance of investing in Hilo International Airport. Hilo International Airport is a vital economic hub for the city of Hilo and the outlying areas of Hamakua, Puna and Kaʻu. It is critical that the State continues to support Hilo International Airport.”

Senator Maile Shimabukuro (District 22, Ko ‘Olina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Mākua) issued the following statement announcing her resignation from the Hawaiʻi State Senate, effective May 31, 2024: "After much soul-searching, I have decided to resign from the Senate, effective May 31, 2024.  It has been an amazing journey, and such a privilege, to serve as an elected official since 2003. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of my fellow Legislators, Capitol staff, passionate advocates, constituents, and of course my family and friends, for all the support, teamwork, mentorship, and camaraderie that you have gifted me over these past 21 years.  I am so proud of the many things we have accomplished together, such as, the Nānākuli contraflow lane; MA‘O Organic Farms’ expansion; buildings for Searider Productions, LCC Wai‘anae Moku, Papahana O Kaiona, E Ala Voyaging Canoe, Nā Kama Kai, and Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, to name a few.  Bills such as legalizing pa‘i‘ai, extending the statute of limitations for sex abuse victims, eliminating the reconstructed car inspection, transfer on death deeds, prohibiting the removal of sand from our shorelines, beach brown water testing, and requiring counties to maintain DHHL infrastructure, will have a tremendous positive impact on the generations to come. After my departure, I look forward to tending to my mother and son, spending time with family and friends, focusing on my legal services work, volunteering for nonprofits, and enjoying the healing powers of nature and the ocean. Thank you again for providing me with the immense privilege of serving in this august body." Senator Shimabukuro grew up on the Wai‘anae Coast and graduated from ‘Iolani School. She completed her undergraduate studies at Colorado College and received a Juris Doctor from the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law. Maile Shimabukuro was first elected to the State House of Representatives in 2002, representing Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Mākua. In 2010, Shimabukuro was appointed to replace then Senate President Colleen Hanabusa when she was elected to Congress and has served as a Senator since. Beginning in 2013, Shimabukuro has been the Chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs. While in the House of Representatives, Shimabukuro served as the Chair of the House Committee on Human Services and Housing from 2005-2006. In accordance with State law, Democratic Party officers will identify three names that will be transmitted to Governor Green for consideration. The Governor will have sixty days to fill the vacancy.

Members of the Kauaʻi Delegation are pleased to announce that $190 million in funding for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and $365,000 for Grant-in-Aid (GIA) have been secured in the 2024 Legislative Session to bring improvements and funding for resources and facilities throughout the Garden Isle. Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D-8 Kaua'i, Ni'ihau) stated, "These state funds will deliver significant and sustainable investments into important projects that address the community's needs." The State Budget Bill (HB1800 CD1) was approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 1, and by the Senate on Friday, April 26. Upon passage from the House and Senate, the bill now heads to the governor's desk for signature. House Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa (D-17 Ni‘ihau, portion of ‘Ōma‘o, Kōloa, Po‘ipū, Lāwa‘i, Kalāheo, ‘Ele‘ele, Hanapēpē, Kaawanui Village, Pākalā Village, Waimea, Kekaha) sits on the House Finance Committee and was one of the conferees representing the House during budget negotiations with the Senate. "We have again been very successful with projects for Kauaʻi. Kauaʻi Veteran's Memorial Hospital is a critical hospital on the westside, and it is very important that we designate funds to upgrade our emergency room and rehab department to modernize and improve efficiency for our community's healthcare needs," said Representative Morikawa. "I am also pleased to be able to work with the County of Kauaʻi to obtain matching funds to resurface our westside basketball and tennis/pickleball courts. Additionally, food stability is contingent on supporting our agricultural initiatives, which this budget does as well as funding the maintenance of many parks and forest reserve facilities." Representative Luke A. Evslin (D-16 Wailua, Hanamā‘ulu, Kapaia, Līhu‘e , Puhi, portion of ‘Ōma‘o said, "We're thankful for a successful year of Capital Improvement Projects on Kauaʻi. These projects focus on improving transportation, increasing access to clean water to enable more housing options in Līhu‘e, and improving public access to state forest reserves." House Majority Leader Nadine K. Nakamura (D-15, Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau) joins her colleagues in commending the productive legislative session that has delivered critical funding for the Garden Isle. "We entered this session understanding that our immediate focus remained to address the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, prioritizing safety and rehabilitation of our communities while ensuring core services throughout the rest of the state were not neglected," said Representative Nakamura. "I am pleased to see critical projects receive funding, such as $8,000,000 for track and field upgrades and site improvements at Kapa‘a High School. Funding is critical to ensure track and field meets can be held while the Vidinha Stadium is undergoing major renovations." FY25 Funding for Kauaʻi State Infrastructure: ·       $1,000,000 for construction to improve and strengthen the bridge approaches, supporting structures and appurtenant work at Christian Crossing Bridge, Kalepa. ·       $500,000 for construction for road and infrastructure improvements in Līhu‘e-Kōloa Forest Reserve. ·       $500,000 for construction for improvements to the marina building facilities in the marina area at Wailua River Park. ·       $20,000,000 for plans, land, design, construction, and equipment to include the assessment, site selection, land acquisition, and financial and project delivery to relocate the existing Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center and replace it with a new KCCC and Community Transitional Center. ·       $2,500,000 for construction for replacement of 18-inch water main along Kūhiō Highway (Hardy to Oxford St.) provided that no state funds shall be expended unless the County of Kauaʻi contributes matching county funds for state funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis. ·       $96,829,000 for land acquisition and construction for improvements to terminals, systems, facilities, and land acquisition at Līhu‘e Airport. This project is deemed necessary to qualify for federal aid financing and/or reimbursement. ·       $24,000,000 for plans, land acquisition, design, and construction of capital improvement program projects that will provide for safer, more efficient use of existing and/or additional operational areas throughout Nawiliwili Harbor. This project is deemed necessary to qualify for federal aid financing and/or reimbursement. ·       $1,650,000 for design and construction for resurfacing of tennis courts at Kekaha Faye Park (including basketball court), resurfacing of basketball courts at Waimea Athletic Field, and resurfacing of tennis courts at Hanapēpē Stadium, provided that no state funds shall be expended unless the County of Kauaʻi contributes matching county funds for state funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis. ·       $2,000,000 for plans, design, and construction for a post-harvest processing center in Kekaha (Kekaha Agricultural Association) ground and site improvements; equipment and appurtenances. ·       $2,500,000 for construction to improve interior access road and Kekaha Ditch Crossing - Kekaha Bridge. ·       $5,000,000 for plans, design, and construction for Kawaikōī stream and Waikoali stream crossing repairs and improvements in the Nā Pali-Kona Forest Reserve. ·       $500,000 for design and construction for improvements and repair of electrical systems and infrastructure at Kokeʻe State Park Baseyard. ·       $1,000,000 for design and construction for phase 2 road and parking improvements at Kokeʻe State Park. ·       $1,000,000 for plans, design and construction of Waimea Canyon lookouts, hazard mitigation improvements for health and safety. ·       $1,000,000 for construction to complete ongoing projects at Polihale State Park including but not limited to roadway improvements, security for cultural and environmental resources, comfort stations, and pavilions.  This project is deemed necessary for Federal aid financing and/or reimbursement. ·       $3,000,000 for design, construction, and equipment for modernization of operating room at Kauaʻi Veteran's Memorial Hospital Emergency Department. ·       $1,183,000 for construction to renovate the rehab department to modernize suites and improve efficiency at Kauaʻi Veteran's Memorial Hospital. ·       $8,000,000 for Kapa‘a High School Track and Field Upgrades. ·       $2,400,000 for Kapa‘a Homesteads Well No. 4 Site Development and Connecting Pipeline. The water from this improvement will provide fire protection for Kapa‘a Elementary School and Kapa‘a High School, and is needed to support the implementation of affordable housing, new pre-K classrooms, police substation, and hospital improvements on the grounds of the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. ·       $2,400,000 for Kapa‘a Homesteads 313' Tanks (two- 0.5 MG tanks). Water from this improvement will provide fire protection for Kapa‘a Elementary School and Kapa‘a High School, and is needed to support the implementation of affordable housing, new pre-K classrooms, police substation and hospital improvements on the grounds of the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. FY25 Capital Improvement Projects for Kauaʻi organizations: $300,000 for Easterseals Hawaiʻi $500,000 for Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity $150,000 for Hale Halawai ʻOhana o Hanalei $50,000 for Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana $400,000 for Kapaʻa Business Association, Inc. $75,000 for Kauaʻi Economic Opportunity, Inc. $230,000 for Kauaʻi Food Bank, Inc. $100,000 for Kauaʻi Humane Society FY25 Operating Grant-in-Aid: $150,000 for Hanalei River Heritage Foundation $100,000 for Kauaʻi Humane Society $40,000 for Kauaʻi Philippine Cultural Center $75,000 for Kauaʻi Planning & Action Alliance, Inc.

Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate confirmed the judicial appointment of Michelle Comeau to the District Court of the First Circuit, State of Hawaiʻi. The First Circuit is located on the island of O‘ahu. Michelle Comeau has been a Per Diem District Court Judge for the First Circuit beginning in 2017, and in that capacity has been assigned several thousand criminal and civil cases. Since 2019, Judge Comeau has also worked in an Of Counsel role to Nakashima Ching LLC, focusing on business litigation and contracts and property law. Previously she served in an Of Counsel role and as an Associate at Alston Hunt Floyd and Ing, and an Associate Attorney at Morrison and Foerster, LLP in Los Angeles. Additionally, Judge Comeau was a Law Clerk to Judge Susan Oki Mollway of the United States District Court for the District of Hawai‘i, and to Judge A. Wallace Tashima of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Judge Comeau graduated magna cum laude from UCLA School of Law. "Judge Comeau brings varied and valued experience to our Judiciary," Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13 - Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, ʻIwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee remarked. "After meeting with her and hearing her answers during her confirmation hearing, I am confident that our Judiciary will benefit from Judge Comeau's sharp legal mind and experience."