Nine of Hawaii's 12 recently elected Democratic state senators were sworn into office yesterday to clear the way for a special legislative session next week.

According to the state Constitution, legislators must take an oath of office before they can perform their official duties.

The Senate must meet to confirm a new district judge nomination.

On Oct. 27, Chief Justice Ronald Moon nominated Melvin H. Fujino to a newly created Big Island Family Court seat.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on Fujino's nomination tomorrow, and the Senate will convene in a special one-day session Monday to vote on the nomination.

But before all that could happen, the senators had to be sworn in.

Missing from yesterday's ceremony were Sens. Josh Green (D, Milolii-Waimea) and Gary Hooser (D, Kauai-Niihau). Sen. J. Kalani English (D, East Maui-Lanai-Molokai) was late and said he would take the oath of office on Monday along with Green and Hooser.

“;You can blame it on the Hana Highway and the lack of flights,”; said English, who lives in an isolated Maui community.

Among those attending the ceremony were Sens. Dwight Takamine (D, Hilo-Honokaa), Roz Baker (D, Honokohau-Makena), Brickwood Galuteria (D, Downtown-Waikiki), David Ige (D, Aiea-Pearl City), Michelle Kidani (D, Mililani-Waipio) Clarence Nishihara (D, Waipahu-Pearl City), Colleen Hanabusa (D, Nanakuli-Makua), Robert Bunda (D, Kaena-Pupukea) and Clayton Hee (D, Kahuku- Kaneohe).