Gov. Linda Lingle has nominated former U.S. Attorney Edward Kubo Jr. as an Oahu circuit judge, a seat left vacant by the retirement of Frances Wong.

“;Ed Kubo has dedicated his career to upholding the law and defending the public against crime,”; Lingle said. “;He has a well-rounded legal background that includes extensive experience as the United States' chief federal law enforcement officer and principal litigator in Hawaii, a prosecuting attorney for the city and a private-practice trial attorney.”;

Kubo served eight years, from 2001 until Sept. 30, as U.S. attorney for the District of Hawaii and the previous 11 years as assistant U.S. attorney. He must first be confirmed by the state Senate.

Kubo said he applied for the judgeship as his term as U.S. attorney had ended.

“;I'm honored that the governor would nominate me,”; he said.

“;All I want to do is serve the best I can and to give back to the community with as much zeal as I am able to. If I'm able to contribute in this way, to the best of my ability, I welcome the challenge.”;

While serving with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Kubo concentrated on major criminal investigations, including white-collar crimes, mortgage fraud, civil rights violations, tax evasion, corruption, crimes on government installations and violent crime, said a news release by Lingle's office.

He also covered civil areas including fraud against government, employment discrimination, medical malpractice defense and defense of military initiatives.

Kubo also focused on federal criminal narcotics enforcement, organized crime including drug trafficking, complex conspiracies and racketeering.

From 1980 to 1990, with a two-year break from 1983 to 1985, Kubo also served as a deputy prosecuting attorney with the city.

During that two-year break, he worked as senior associate with the trial firm of Carlsmith and Dwyer, serving as lead counsel on cases involving construction litigation, insurance defense and personal injury.

He returned to the prosecutor's office at the request of then-Prosecutor Charles Marsland and worked as team captain of the litigation unit and as a homicide prosecutor, as well as battling organized crime and narcotics trafficking.