Posted on: Friday, April 18, 2003

District judge becomes Lingle's first Circuit Court appointment

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday appointed District Court Judge Rhonda Nishimura to the Honolulu Circuit Court.

It was the governor's first Circuit Court appointment and comes two days after her appointment Tuesday of Honolulu attorney James Duffy to the Hawai'i Supreme Court.

Nishimura, 51, fills a vacancy left by Judge Wilfred Watanabe, who is retiring from the bench. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Nishimura has been a District Court judge for the past six years, focusing on both civil and criminal cases. She has also presided over Circuit Court criminal and civil matters as a substitute judge.

"In meeting with Judge Nishimura and hearing what others in the legal community have observed about her and her career, I have gained a strong sense of confidence in her judgment, integrity and honesty," Lingle said. "Judge Nishimura's background as a District Court judge and experience serving as a substitute judge for the Circuit Court make her the right candidate to fill the vacancy on the Circuit Court."

Nishimura was previously a partner with the law firm of Ayabe, Chong, Nishimoto, Sia & Nakamura, representing small and large businesses.

She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Hawai'i, and graduated from the UH William S. Richardson School of Law.