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Mixed testimony on circuit court nominee Homa as witness alleges judicial misconduct under review
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard competing testimony on a First Circuit circuit‑court nominee on April 22: the Hawaii State Bar Association and retired judges recommended confirmation, while one former litigant testified that she has filed a lengthy complaint alleging the judge mishandled eviction proceedings and that the Commission on Judicial Conduct is investigating.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary on April 22 took testimony on a governor’s nominee to the First Circuit Court and heard both endorsements from the legal community and a detailed complaint from a former litigant that is now the subject of an internal investigation.
Mark Murakami, president of the Hawaii State Bar Association, told the committee the HSBA’s review committee interviewed the nominee and checked references and that the board had determined the nominee was qualified. Several retired judges, law‑firm leaders and civic organizations also testified in support, citing the nominee’s legal skill, supervisory experience and courtroom temperament.
In contrast, Celeste Gonzales, who identified herself as a post‑litigant and Section 8 tenant, testified in opposition and described a series of disputed rulings in eviction and…
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