Gov picks Watanabe
to serve in Kauai court

Gov. Linda Lingle has appointed a member of her cabinet to fill a court vacancy on Kauai.

The governor's office announced yesterday that Kathleen N.A. Watanabe, state director of human resources development since January 2003, has been named to the 5th Circuit Court on Kauai.

Watanabe will succeed retired Judge Clifford Nakea if confirmed by the state Senate.

She served as a per diem judge for the Kauai court from 1995-1998 and was Kauai County attorney from 1990 to 1994.

"Kathy has an outstanding work ethic, she treats people with fairness, respect and compassion, and her integrity is beyond reproach," Lingle said in a news release. "I appreciate the contributions Kathy has made to my administration and to the state, and now I am proud to appoint her to the bench, where she will continue her career as a dedicated public servant."

Before becoming human resources development director, Watanabe headed the department's Employee Relations Division, overseeing labor relations issues, negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, employee relations, benefits, training and safety.

She was previously supervising deputy attorney general in the Employment Law Division of the Department of the Attorney General, where she supervised numerous trials and appeals in state and federal courts. She also was supervising deputy attorney general for the Individual Claims Unit.

She has served as a hearings officer for the Hawaiian Homelands Commission, as a social worker for the state Health Department, a guidance counselor for Kamehameha Schools and Alu Like, a tutor with the Department of Education, and a law clerk with the state House of Representatives.

Watanabe also had a private legal practice with an emphasis in administrative and employment law.

She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Puget Sound, and Kapaa High School.

Lingle selected Watanabe from a list of six candidates submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission earlier this month.