Panel Hears Support for Annalisa Bernard Lee’s Nomination to 2nd Circuit Court

Annalisa Bernard Lee appeared before the Senate Committee on Judiciary Tuesday as Governor Greene’s nominee to the circuit court of the 2nd Circuit (Maui), drawing endorsements from a string of former judges and colleagues.

Former Chief Justice Recktenwald urged confirmation, citing Lee’s experience as both a prosecutor and public defender and her service on committees that improve judicial operations. Retired Judge Derek Chan told the panel: "I fully support the governor's nomination," and attorney Carmel Kwok described a 26‑year professional relationship and urged the committee to confirm Lee.

Lee told senators she was born and raised on Maui, outlined work as a law clerk, a decade as a public defender, years as a prosecutor, and nearly four years on the district court bench. "I do humbly ask for your support and vote. Mahalo," she said during her brief remarks.

Members pressed Lee on how she would exercise the broader authority of a circuit judge. Senator San Buenaventura asked for a commitment that Lee would use her power to expand diversion and pursue collaborative pretrial conferences; Lee replied, "Have my commitment from you," and said she would pursue diversion and related measures where appropriate.

No committee vote was taken on the nomination Wednesday; Chair Rhodes told the room that the committee will hold decision-making on the nominees the next day. The hearing record for GM 796 will be considered at the April 22 session in Room 225.