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 Nov. 16 that it changed its rules and will publicly disclose the names of judicial nominees at the time they are sent 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.

Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto ruled Nov. 14 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 candidates 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.

The chief justice is seeking comment on the nominees. Comments should be sent in writing to Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, Supreme Court of Hawaii, 417 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813. Comments also may be faxed to 539-4703 or emailed to chiefjustice@courts.hawaii.gov.