Posted at 10:20 a.m., Friday, February 11, 2005
Bissen recommended as Maui Circuit Court judge
Advertiser Staff
The state Senate Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee voted unanimously today to recommend Richard Bissen as a Maui Circuit Court judge, although half of the senators voted with reservations about his background.Those concerns could be raised when the Senate considers the nomination early next week.
Bissen, the interim director of the Department of Public Safety, was nominated by Gov. Linda Lingle for the 10-year appointment to the Maui bench.
Key senators have questioned whether Bissen fully disclosed instances where, as Maui County prosecutor, he was criticized by the appeals court for his actions during cases. But he has the strong support of the three Maui Democrats in the Senate and the Lingle administration.
Bissen said after the vote that he believes he was vindicated during the confirmation hearings. Several attorneys and former judges praised his abilities and said the appeals court decisions cited by the committee should not undermine his nomination.
"I'll put my credibility up against anyone," Bissen said.
