Honolulu lawyer Patricia Kim Park is the newest member of the influential state Judicial Selection Commission, which is reviewing applicants for an upcoming vacancy on the Hawaii Supreme Court.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Tuesday he appointed Park effective immediately to the nine-member commission, which screens judicial candidates and decides whether justices and judges serve succeeding terms.

"Patricia has a deep understanding and respect for the state Constitution as well as a strong track record of protecting the rights and interests of the people of Hawaii," the governor said in the announcement.

Park replaces Hono­lulu attorney Jeffrey Portnoy, who left the commission when the governor appointed him last month to the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents.

Park’s term expires April 1, 2017.

Park is managing director of Park and Park. In the 1970s she and husband Arthur joined former Lt. Gov. Thomas Gill to form Gill Park and Park.

The commission is reviewing applicants to fill an approaching vacancy on the state Supreme Court with the retirement of Simeon Acoba.

Acoba must step down from the five-member court before he turns 70 in March because of the state Constitution’s mandatory retirement provision.

Abercrombie must name Acoba’s replacement to a 10-year term from a list of four to six candidates selected by the commission.

The governor has two appointments on the commission. Five other members are appointed by the House speaker, the Senate president and the chief justice. Two are elected by the Hawaii State Bar Association.