The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
9:00 am, Room 016

 

RE: SB 673 Proposing Amendments to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to Amend the Manner in which Justices and Judges are Appointed ,Consented To, and Retained

 

Attention: Chair Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair Karl Rhoads and
Members of the Committee

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly opposes SB 673 as an unnecessary legislative incursion into the appointment and retention of district court judges. Of particular note is the changes to the retention process which could allow for considerations of reappointment based on legislator disagreement with judicial decisions and orders resulting in a less independent judiciary.

UHPA requests the committee oppose SB 673.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kristeen Hanselman
Executive Director