The state Senate today confirmed Hawaii island Family Court Judge Henry T. Nakamoto and Hawaii island attorney Robert D.S. Kim to serve as Circuit Court judges in Hilo and Kona, respectively.

Nakamoto, 53, and Kim, 63, were each appointed to 10-year terms.

Nakamoto began serving in 2014 as a family court judge. He previously practiced law at Nakamoto, Okamoto & Yamamoto, where he was a partner, and at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, where he was an associate. The Hawaii island native earned his law degree from Hastings College of Law, and replaces Judge Glenn Hara, who retired at the end of last year.

Kim had been working in private practice as a litigator in the areas of criminal defense, family law, civil litigation and personal injury litigation. The William S. Richardson School of Law graduate replaces Judge Ronald Ibarra, who retired in June.

Both nominations by Gov. David Ige passed in the Senate today with 20 votes, with five senators absent. Lawmakers convened a brief special session to take up the judicial appointments.