Leader supports nomination of Nakasone as circuit judge

The chairman of the Senate committee that held a hearing Monday on Karen Nakasone’s appointment to the Circuit Court said he will support the nomination and thinks she’ll be approved by the committee and the full Senate.

Clayton Hee, chairman of the senate Judiciary and Labor committee, said he thought the hearing went well for Nakasone, who drew overwhelming support. No one testified against her.

Nakasone, 41, a deputy public defender since 1996, was appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie this month to a 10-year term on Oahu’s circuit bench.

"I believe the Circuit Court bench and the judiciary needs someone like me," she told the committee. "It has been 11 years since any governor has appointed someone from my office."

She said her experience in trials and appeals will help her in her role as a judge.

The committee will vote on Nakasone’s appointment Wednesday and will send its recommendation to the full Senate, which is scheduled to vote on her appointment Thursday during a special session.