Bush nominated Rohlfing in January 2002 to fill a vacancy on the court but the attorney was never given a Senate hearing. Rohlfing would not comment today on his decision but did release the letter he sent May 2 to the president.

"Regrettably, despite my best efforts and those of many others, I have been denied the opportunity to present my qualifications at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee," Rohlfing wrote. "Accordingly, it is now time for me to return my full attention to my trial practice. I therefore request that you withdraw my nomination."

Rohlfing, 47, is a partner at the Honolulu firm Rohlfing & Stone.

The American Bar Association said Rohlfing is not qualified to serve as a federal judge. Although the ABA does not have a formal role in the confirmation process, it evaluates nominees. Senators consider the ABA ratings when making their decisions.

Rohlfing said he received a lot of "strong support" locally. In his letter, he told Bush he was grateful to the Hawai'i State Bar Association, several legal associations, "friends in organized labor, concerned citizens and community leaders," and many Hawai'i attorneys and judges.