Hawaii's Governor Josh Green has appointed three new faces to the state's judiciary, with all nominees breaking through in what can be deemed a historic moment as they are all women. The announcement, which was shared on April 1st by the Governor's office, lists Taryn Tomasa Gifford and Karin L. Holma as the latest appointees for the Circuit Court of the First Circuit, with Kauanoe A. D. Jackson nominated to the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit. These selections, sourced from candidates put forward by the Judicial Selection Commission, mark a defining point in the inclusive evolution of Hawaii's legal landscape.
In a statement obtained by the Governor's news release, Governor Green lauded the expertise and commitment of his choices, emphasizing that “Taryn Tomasa Gifford and Karin Holma are highly accomplished legal professionals whose knowledge, experience, and dedication to justice will serve the people of Hawaiʻi well at Circuit Court.”
The appointees come from strong legal backgrounds. Tomasa Gifford currently leads as a supervising attorney at the Office of the Public Defender and is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. "I am truly honored and grateful for this nomination," Tomasa Gifford told the Governor's news release, expressing her commitment to fair representation in the justice system. Holma, moving up from her current position in the District Court of the First Circuit, brings a wealth of trial and appellate knowledge, being a graduate of the Willamette University College of Law.
Kauanoe A. D. Jackson's appointment, in particular, has been noted for her career trajectory, which includes a range of progressively responsible positions within the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney – West Hawaiʻi office since 2007. “I am deeply honored by Governor Green’s nomination and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community in this new capacity," Jackson expressed her enthusiasm to the Governor's news release. To this, Holma added, "This is a privilege and I thank Governor Green for his trust in my ability to serve the people of Hawaiʻi."
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