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Judge Lim nominated
for federal bench

Star-Bulletin staff

President Clinton has nominated Hawaii Intermediate Appeals Court Judge John S.W. Lim to serve on the U.S. District Court, Sen. Daniel Inouye said.

The seat was vacated by Judge Alan Kay, 67, who elected to take senior status and a reduced workload on Jan. 2.

"Judge Lim's experience, expert analytical skills and deep commitment to public service make him an ideal choice for a federal judgeship," Inouye said.

Lim, who now earns about $90,000 a year as a state intermediate appeals court judge, will make nearly $140,000 a year, if his nomination is approved by the U.S. Senate.

In additional to his judicial career, Lim, 48, has taught high school, worked as a journeyman electrician and practiced law. Before being appointed to the appeals court in May, 1999 by Gov. Ben Cayetano, he served four years in Circuit Court and two years in Family Court.

After graduating from Farrington High School in 1969, Lim went to Harvard College. He then worked to become an electrician from 1972 to 1978, before returning to Harvard for a master's degree, and then Stanford Law School for his law degree.

He began his law career with Carlsmith Wichman Case Mukai & Ichiki in 1983.

Lim advanced to specialize in business, real estate and administrative law. He also served as general counsel on the Hawaii Economic Development Corp.

"I support him wholeheartedly," Inouye said, "and I look forward to the confirmation of his nomination by the U.S. Senate."