Circuit Judge Michael Wilson sees court as ‘public conscience’

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday announced the nomination of Circuit Judge Michael Wilson to fill an upcoming vacancy on the state Supreme Court.

Wilson would replace Associate Justice Simeon Acoba, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 in March. Wilson’s nomination for a 10-year term on the court is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

Wilson, 60, is a former director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and state consumer advocate who has served on the bench since 2000. He has presided over felony trials, drug court and mental health court, and has taken assignments for the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

"I asked all of them how they saw themselves in terms of their role as a justice," Abercrombie said of the potential nominees at a news conference at the state Capitol. "Michael’s instantaneous reply was, ‘The Supreme Court is our public conscience.’

"I agree fully. And I’m confident that in bringing this point of view to the Supreme Court, it provides a solid philosophical foundation as a point of departure in facing his duties on the court. The Constitution and our kule­ana — responsibilities — to it will be in good hands with Michael David Wilson."

Abercrombie formally nominated Wilson on Sunday.

Wilson, whose parents and mentor, retired Associate Justice James Duffy Jr., attended the ceremony, said he was truly humbled by and grateful for the nomination. "I very much look forward to the opportunity to speak with the Senate from here on," he said.

State Sen. Clayton Hee (D, Heeia-Laie-Waia­lua), chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee, said the committee is doing its initial research on Wilson in preparation for a confirmation hearing.

Hee said Wilson’s background is a little different from other judges’, citing his service in former Gov. Ben Caye­tano’s Cabinet and an unsuccessful run for Hono­lulu mayor.

"I’m sure people — if this one goes as others have — will begin to weigh in," he said. "I imagine most would be in support. But I’m not naive to think that we might get something in opposition."

Wilson practiced criminal law and civil rights law as a private attorney.

A tennis ace when he was younger, he was a leader in Hawaii’s Thousand Friends, an environmental group, and helped with the fight to protect Sandy Beach from development. He ran for Hono­lulu mayor in 1992.

Wilson was appointed by Caye­tano as director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. He served for four years but was not reappointed for a second term. Instead, Caye­tano selected him as the state’s consumer advocate.

Cayetano appointed Wilson as a judge on the Circuit Court in 2000.

Wilson, who graduated from Kai­lua High School, the University of Wisconsin and the Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C., is Abercrombie’s third appointment to the five-member Supreme Court. Abercrombie also named Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna and Associate Justice Richard Pollack.

Wilson was chosen by the governor from a list of six potential nominees screened by the state Judicial Selection Commission.