STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3799

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 818, 819

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 818 and 819, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Defender Council

 

G.M. No. 818

STANTON OSHIRO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and

 

G.M. No. 819

SETSUKO GORMLEY,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Stanton Oshiro and Setsuko Gormley for service on the Defender Council.

 

STANTON OSHIRO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Stanton Oshiro from the Office of the Public Defender and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Stanton Oshiro from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Oshiro's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Defender Council.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Oshiro has been a practicing attorney in Hawaii devoted exclusively to criminal defense since 1991.  Additionally, Mr. Oshiro is active with the Hawaii State Bar Association and serves as a criminal defense bar representative on the Big Island Multi-Agency, Big Island Bench-Bar, and Statewide Bench-Bar Committees.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Oshiro has served as a member of the Defender Council since 2017 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the members of the Defender Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Oshiro be reappointed to the Defender Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

SETSUKO GORMLEY

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Setsuko Gormley from the Office of the Public Defender and eleven individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Setsuko Gormley from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Gormley's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Defender Council.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Gormley has been a practicing attorney in Hawaii since 2007.  She is currently a solo practitioner focusing on criminal defense, family law, and immigration.  Previously, Ms. Gormley worked as a legislative attorney for the Maui County Office of Council Services, served as a Deputy Public Defender in the Office of the Public Defender, and spent two years as a law clerk in the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Gormley has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in criminal defense and the judicial system will enhance the effectiveness of the Defender Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Gormley be appointed to the Defender Council based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

 

 

 

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair