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Family court nominee Maria F. Penn wins broad praise at Senate Judiciary hearing
Summary
Maria F. Penn, a per diem family court judge, drew sustained support from family law practitioners and the Hawaii State Bar Association at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Judiciary. Committee members did not vote; the chair said a vote is scheduled for April 24.
Maria F. Penn, a per diem family court judge, appeared before the Senate Committee on Judiciary on April 23 for consideration and confirmation to the District Family Court of the First Circuit for a six-year term.
Supporters who spoke at the hearing and written submissions described Penn as knowledgeable, composed and effective at managing family court dockets. "She treats the attorneys with the same respect," said Molly Turpin, a family law attorney, describing Penn's courtroom manner. Turpin said Penn "is poised, articulate, passionate and caring about the litigants that appear before her." Mark M. Murakami, testifying for the Hawaii State Bar Association, said Penn underwent the bar association's review and that the board found her qualified for the position.
The hearing included extended testimony about Penn's courtroom temperament, legal preparation and ability to manage emotionally charged family cases. Penn told the committee she had been a per diem judge since May 2022 and had sat across family-court calendars including juvenile, domestic and special divisions. "I am ready and prepared to serve as a full time judge in family court," she said.
Committee members asked about practical issues that family court judges face. Chair Rhodes asked whether Penn would consider ordering Assisted Community Treatment under the statute when petition criteria are met; Penn said she would, adding that hospitalization is not always the right remedy and that she would apply the statutory standards in appropriate cases. The nominee also described her approach to balancing finality with ensuring correctness in divorce and custody proceedings, saying judges should push cases forward while remaining mindful that custody orders can be revisited when circumstances change.
No vote was taken at the hearing. Chair Rhodes told nominees that the committee would not vote that day and that votes were scheduled for April 24 at 10 a.m. in Room 225.
Supporters who gave on-the-record testimony emphasized Penn's courtroom temperament and legal knowledge. Turpin said Penn "commands the respect that she gets and she gives respect in return," adding that Penn's ability to lower emotions and bring parties toward settlement helps clear backlog. Murakami said the HSBA conducted a character check and an interview and recommended Penn as qualified.
The committee recessed briefly during the hearing and will convene on April 24 to vote on nominations.
