Wilson A. Unga draws large community support at judiciary confirmation hearing

Wilson A. Unga, nominated to be a judge in the District Family Court of the First Circuit for a six-year term, spoke to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and received broad community backing at the April 23 hearing.

Supporters included prosecutors, community leaders and longtime acquaintances who described Unga as steady, service-oriented and culturally grounded. "Wilson is not just a brilliant lawyer, he is more importantly a good man," said Daniel Hugo, a colleague in the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Michael Lau, a teacher who said he has known Unga since childhood, described "his character...persistent" and recalled Unga’s generosity as a youth. Sunny Unga, the nominee's wife, told the committee Unga "leads not for recognition, but to uplift and strengthen others."

Unga described his background in remarks to the committee, saying he is "a product of the old adage, it takes a village to raise a child." He recounted growing up in Kahuku and Laie, studying at Georgetown and William S. Richardson School of Law, and a prosecution career that included district and felony trials and leadership in domestic-violence and youth outreach efforts. Unga told the committee he applied to be a district family court judge because he believes "that's where I can make the greatest impact" for families in crisis.

Committee members asked how he would shift from a predominantly criminal-practice background to family court. Unga acknowledged a "steep learning curve" but said his record shows he can adapt to new legal areas and that he is committed to learning the procedural and substantive law required. He also said he would be willing to order Assisted Community Treatment under the statute when petition criteria are satisfied.

The Hawaii State Bar Association reported conducting a character check and interview and found Unga qualified. Chair Rhodes noted that the committee would not vote that day and that votes were scheduled for April 24 at 10 a.m. in Room 225. The chair also recited a count of written and in-person support submissions, saying there were 105 in support, zero in opposition and one comment from the HSBA.

Speakers emphasized Unga's community roots and mentorship of young people, including school outreach to prevent truancy and engagement with Polynesian cultural communities. Several speakers said Unga’s multicultural background and community ties would help him relate to families who come before family court.