Wailuku Attorney Takitani on Commission Choosing Ezra Replacement

Tony Takitani, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Wailuku attorney, Tony Takitani is among the nine-member Judicial Selection Commission that will be tasked with filling the US District Court seat being vacated by the retirement of Judge David Ezra in June.

The commission, which was established in July of 2006, was formally initiated on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by Sen. Daniel Inouye and Sen. Daniel Akaka.

“The purpose of the commission,” Sen. Inouye said, “is to help ensure a strong, independent, and qualified federal judiciary, and to provide a fair process for selecting nominees with the highest professional qualifications and attributes.”

The commission will be led by fellow attorney and Larry Okinaga who will serve as chair.

Other members include: Bennette Misalucha, Lynn Fallin, Allen Hoe, Donavan Kealoha, Janice Kim, Retired Judge Marie Milks, and Jeff Sia.

In a statement today, the senators said they expect a “robust and diverse pool of lawyers to apply,” and said they look forward to ultimately receiving a “stellar list of outstanding candidates” from which they will make their selections, and will forward it to the White House for consideration.

“Judge Ezra has done a fine job on the federal bench over the past 24 years. He has served with integrity, and has thoughtfully interpreted and upheld the rule of law. His leadership will be missed,” said Sen. Akaka in the announcement.

Nomination and application forms are available for download or by writing to the commission at: Chairman/Hawaii Federal Judicial Selection Commission, Suite 2100, ASB Tower, 1001 Bishop Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.

The names of applicants will be kept confidential, and must be delivered or mailed to the above address no later than Monday, April 2, 2012.