Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday nominated Associate Judge Craig Nakamura as chief judge of the state Intermediate Court of Appeals, replacing Mark Recktenwald, who has moved up to the state Supreme Court.

Lingle described Nakamura, a former assistant U.S. attorney who has served on the appeals court since 2004, as a judge with a strong legal mind who would bring organizational management skills to the job. The six-judge Intermediate Court of Appeals is the primary appeals court in the state.

"I am greatly honored and also deeply humbled by this nomination and by the confidence that Gov. Lingle has shown in me," Nakamura said at a news conference at the state Capitol.

Nakamura's nomination requires confirmation by the state Senate. The Senate has 30 days to return in special session to consider the nomination.

"I'm excited that someone of his caliber is willing to serve in public office. I think he'll do a great job as the new chief judge," Lingle said.

Nakamura, who graduated from Harvard Law School and the University of Hawai'i, has also worked as an associate with Goodsill, Anderson, Quinn & Stifel and as an adjunct professor on appellate advocacy at the UH William S. Richardson School of Law.

Lingle has appointed 11 judges to the Circuit Court, four judges to the appeals court and two judges to the Supreme Court since taking office.