
The first Native Hawaiian woman has been confirmed to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for Hawaii. Her name is Shanlyn Park and after her nomination by President Joe Biden, the Senate confirmed her position after a bipartisan 53-45 vote on 30 November. Previously, she worked as federal public defender and sat as a state court judge on Oahu’s First Circuit Court.
Her appointment was commended by some senators who wrote in a joint statement that, “(Park) has exhibited a commitment to justice, fairness, and impartiality throughout her career and is highly qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court.“
Although the federal judiciary isn’t completely representative of all Native American communities yet, the senators also stated that, „As the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge, Judge Park’s confirmation reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a federal judiciary that reflects the diversity of our communities.“
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