Judicial vacancies have posed a persistent challenge in Hawaii. In recent years, the number of qualified applicants for judicial positions has declined significantly, leading to delays in the appointment and confirmation of judges and justices. A healthy democracy depends on all three branches of government operating effectively, and a fully staffed, highly qualified judiciary is essential to that balance.
The American Judicature Society (AJS), whose mission is to promote an independent and competent judiciary and a fair system of justice, has identified judicial vacancies as one of its top priorities.
To address the issue, a Special Committee on Judicial Vacancies has been established to identify barriers that discourage individuals from applying and to recommend improvements to the recruitment and application process. Market Trends Pacific, a professional market research firm, has been engaged to conduct an online survey of individuals who have been identified as qualified candidates. The survey aims to gather data on the factors that may deter applicants from pursuing judicial positions. All responses will be kept strictly confidential, and no individual respondent will be identifiable. The Hawaii State Judiciary supports the initiative.
The Special Committee on Judicial Vacancies is co-chaired by Judge J. Michael Seabright and Jan Boivin. Other members of the committee are: Nathan Hokama (co-reporter); Judge (ret.) Trudy Senda (co-reporter); Dr. David Ball; Timothy Johns; Judge (ret.) Walter Kirimitsu; Russell Lau; Judge Kanani Laubach; Carrie Okinaga; Randy Perreira; Sen. Karl Rhoades; and Dr. Sylvia Yuen (ex-officio).