Gov. David Ige Friday announced the judicial appointment of Judge Wendy M. DeWeese to Kona Circuit Court judge.
The appointment was among five the governor announced to fill vacancies on the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu. The five appointees were each chosen from five lists of nominees submitted to the governor on Sept. 13, by the state Judicial Selection Commission.
DeWeese was appointed to the seat previously held by Circuit Judge Melvin H. Fujino, who retired in 2020. DeWeese has been a judge with the District Family Court of the Third Circuit and was assigned to fill Fujino’s position until the vacancy was filled.
DeWeese received a bachelor’s degree from Pomona College in California and her Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law. DeWeese was born in the U.S. but grew up in Europe, lived and worked in California before moving to Hawaii.
“In 2005, the Big Island welcomed me with open arms and has given me so much since then. I am just so very grateful, honored and humbled to have the opportunity to give back to the community that has been so kind, generous and inspiring to me,” DeWeese said.
For the First Circuit (Oahu), Ige appointed Clarissa Y. Malinao to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Circuit Judge Edwin C. Nacino in 2020; Kevin T. Morikone to fill the vacancy left by former Circuit Judge Todd W. Eddins, who was appointed as associated justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court in 2020; and Shanlyn A. S. Park to the seat previously held by former Circuit Judge Karen T. Nakasone, who was appointed to the Intermediate Court of Appeals in 2020.
On Maui, the Second Circuit, Kirstin M. Hamman was appointed to the seat previously held by Circuit Judge Rhonda I. Loo, who retired in May.
All appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.