Senate confirms nominees to courts on Oahu, Big Island

The state Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to confirm two circuit judges on Oahu and one district judge on Hawaii island to the bench.

Jeffrey Crabtree, a private attorney who specialized in consumer protection, personal injury, malpractice and end-of-life medical issues, was confirmed to Circuit Court.

Christine Kuriyama, a Family Court judge, was also confirmed to Circuit Court. Before she was a judge, Kuriyama was a private attorney, deputy attorney general, administrator at the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and staff attorney for the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and state House Democrats.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed Crabtree and Kuriyama for 10-year terms to replace Judge Patrick Border, who was not reappointed for a second term, and Judge Michael Wilson, who was appointed to the state Supreme Court.

The Senate also confirmed Margaret Masunaga, deputy corporation counsel for Hawaii County, for a six-year District Court term.

Masunaga, a former deputy attorney general and private attorney, was appointed by Supreme Court Justice Mark Recktenwald and had the support of Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

The Hawaii State Bar Association, however, rated Masunaga "not qualified" for the post. State Sen. Clayton Hee (D, Heeia-Laie-Waialua), chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee, said the rating was based mostly on the perception that she lacked civil and criminal law experience.

Hee told senators his committee was satisfied with Masunaga’s experience.

"There is little reservation, if any, that Margaret Masunaga is qualified and will do a good job as the District Court judge of the Third Circuit," he said.

All three were confirmed in 24-0 votes. One senator was excused.