Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park has been confirmed by a 53-45 vote to serve as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court in the District of Hawaii, with bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats. Judge Park comes to her new role with a diverse legal background that includes state court experience, work with several law firms, and service in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii.
As reported by Senator Hirono's office, Judge Park has held a position on the first circuit state court since 2021. Prior to this, she lent her expertise to various law firms and contributed significantly to the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii from 1997 through 2021. In addition, she practiced law during 1996 and 1997 before gaining vital experience as a clerk for Magistrate Judge Francis I. Yamashita in the U.S. District Court between 1995 and 1996. Senators Hirono and Schatz voiced their support for Judge Park's nomination, praising her career-long commitment to justice, fairness, and impartiality.
Park was officially nominated for her new role in September following recommendations from Senators Hirono and Schatz as well as an endorsement from the merit-based Federal Judge Selection Commission. At that time, both senators released a joint statement asserting that Park’s nomination demonstrated President Biden's commitment to ensuring a diverse federal judiciary that accurately reflects its constituents' experiences.
According to Honolulu Civil Beat, Judge Park is married to a lobbyist representing Matson shipping company - known donor to Hawaiian politicians serving Congress. She is not alone in her recent judicial confirmation; Micah Smith also achieved district court judgeship this week. Furthermore, it was reported that Judge Park will be stepping into shoes left vacant by previous U.S. District Court Judge Leslie Kobayashi.
Following her appointment announcement, the University of Hawaii law school where she served as an adjunct professor and actively participated in the alumni association board, issued a statement expressing their pride in Judge Park's achievement. The dean of the law school, Camille Nelson, voiced her excitement for Park’s future as a federal judge.