A Historic Vote: Senate Confirms First Native Hawaiian Woman As US District Court Judge
Shanlyn Park, a former federal defender and current state court judge, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a bipartisan vote.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate made history Thursday when it voted to confirm Shanlyn Park as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court of Hawaii.
Park is a current state court judge and former federal public defender. She will be the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve on the federal bench as a district court judge.
Park was confirmed on a bipartisan vote of 53-45.
In a joint statement, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono applauded Park’s confirmation, saying she “led a distinguished career dedicated to public service.”
“She has exhibited a commitment to justice, fairness, and impartiality throughout her career and is highly qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court,” the senators said. “As the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge, Judge Park’s confirmation reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a federal judiciary that reflects the diversity of our communities.”
Park is married to KuÊ»uhaku Park, an executive for the Matson shipping company, which is among the most politically connected businesses in the islands. Matson and its employees to members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation.Â
Park is the second Hawaii judge to be confirmed this week. On Wednesday, the Senate voted to confirm Micah Smith, a federal prosecutor, to a district court judgeship.
Both Park and Smith fit into President Joe Biden’s broader goal of .
Park is expected to fill the seat currently held by U.S. District Court Judge Leslie Kobayashi, who is expected to go on senior status in October 2024.
Smith will fill the seat currently held by U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright, who will go on senior status in January.
