The Judicial Selection Commission, in the first application of a new practice, on Wednesday released the names of six nominees for District Court judge on Maui that were forwarded to state Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald.

The commission announced this month that it has changed its rules and opted to publicly disclose the names of judicial nominees forwarded to the governor and chief justice for consideration. The commission determined that keeping the names secret was an overly broad interpretation of the state Constitution.

A Circuit Court judged ruled this month that Gov. Neil Abercrombie must disclose the names of the judicial nominees he receives from the commission. The Star-Advertiser had filed a legal challenge to compel public disclosure. The state Attorney General’s office is still deciding whether to appeal the court’s ruling.

The Judicial Selection Commission’s decision to change its policy and disclose the names of judicial nominees means, for practical purposes, that the information will be made public.

The commission recommended six names to Recktenwald for a District Court judge vacancy on Maui: Mimi DesJardins; Michelle L. Drewyer; Adrianne H. Heely; Adriel S.C. Menor; Richard A. Priest, Jr.; and Douglas J. Sameshima.

Recktenwald has 30 days to make an appointment.