STAND. COM. REP. NO. 160

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    JUD. COM. NO. 10

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Judiciary Communication No. 10, submitting for study and consideration the appointment of: 

 

District Family Court of the Second Circuit

 

J.C. No. 10

JAMES R. ROUSE,

for a term to expire in 6 years,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by James R. Rouse for service on the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, State of Hawaii.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the appointment of James R. Rouse from the Office of the Public Defender, Maui Office of the Public Defender, and thirty-six individuals.  Your Committee received comments on the appointment of James R. Rouse from the Hawaii State Bar Association.

 

     The Hawaii State Bar Association Board of Directors found the appointee to be qualified for the position of District Court Judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit based on established criteria for determining the qualifications of judicial and executive appointments generally using the American Bar Association Guidelines for Reviewing Qualifications of Candidates for State Judicial Office.  Specifically, the Board uses the following criteria in its deliberations:  integrity and diligence, legal knowledge and ability, professional experience, judicial temperament, financial responsibility, public service, health, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of the position for which the applicant has been nominated.  The Board's rating system includes the categories of "qualified" and "not qualified".

 

     Mr. Rouse received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Chico State University, where he was on the Dean's List and was involved in intramural sports and a social fraternity.  He later received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Golden Gate University.

 

     Mr. Rouse has served as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Hawaii since 2017, where he represents state agencies such as the Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Department of Education, and the Public Guardian in child protection, adult protection, truancy, and involuntary commitment matters.  Prior to being a Deputy Attorney General, he served as a Deputy Public Defender for almost fifteen years, and intermittently worked in private practice.  He has consistently balanced careful consideration of the law with zealous advocacy to seek the best outcomes for those he represents.

 

     Mr. Rouse has been active in the legal community throughout his career.  He sat on the Maui County Bar Association Board of Directors for two years, and served as a judge in high school mock trial competitions during his time at the Office of the Public Defender.  He also participates in the Hawaii Children's Justice Center's sexual assault team to coordinate the efforts of service providers and law enforcement.  In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors of Keiki's Dream, and regularly participated in the organization's annual fundraiser.

 

     Testimony submitted in support of Mr. Rouse's appointment commend his thorough legal expertise as well as his professional and compassionate disposition.  During his time at the Office of the Public Defender and the Department of the Attorney General, he has earned a reputation for dealing fairly and honestly with everyone he comes into contact with, as well as for strong advocacy and sophisticated legal analysis.  Numerous testifiers praised his respectful candor, integrity, and profound care for the most vulnerable members of the community.

 

     Your Committee finds that, based on the testimony submitted on his behalf, responses to questions asked by the members of your Committee, and your Committee's review of information about him and his qualifications, James R. Rouse has the experience, temperament, and other competencies required to be a District Family Court Judge of the Second Circuit, and he has the legal expertise, integrity, and demeanor to fully and faithfully discharge the duties associated with that judicial office.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the appointee, has found the appointee to be qualified for the position to which appointed and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair