Out Lesbian Judge Sabrina Shizue McKenna Nominated to Hawaii Supreme Court

On Tuesday, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D) nominated openly gay state judge Sabrina Shizue McKenna to a 10-year term on the Hawaii Supreme Court. This is the first judicial nomination by Gov. Abercrombie. Abercrombie chose McKenna from a list of four to six names from the Judicial Selection Commission, which has deemed her qualified for higher court positions numerous times. She was one of three names submitted to President Obama for the position of Hawaii?s U.S. District Court judge, conferred upon Leslie Kobayashi. McKenna, 53, has been a state judge in district and circuit court for 17 years and is senior judge of Oahu?s Family Court at the Kapolei courthouse. Born and raised in Tokyo by a single mother, McKenna later attended the University of Hawaii, where she played for the women?s basketball team and eventually attended law school. Former chief appeals Judge James Burns praised McKenna, saying, "She's a good judge, very competent and very in tune with the public." Of her own work, McKenna said, "I would like to believe that because of my background and my life experiences, I bring sensitivity to those who may not have been born into a life of privilege, a sensitivity to those whose life circumstances make it difficult for them to conform with all of society's expectations." McKenna?s appointment must be confirmed by the Senate, but if approved, she will be the first openly gay member of the Hawaii Supreme Court.Related Media Coverage:Honolulu Star-Advertiser - January 26, 2011"McKenna is Named to State's High Court"http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/hawaiinews/20110126_McKenna_is_named_to_states_high_court.html

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