Gov. Josh Green to Choose Judge from List of Nominees for Intermediate Court of Appeals

Hawai'i governor must appoint new associate judge within 30 days with state Senate consent

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Governor Josh Green of Hawai'i has received a list of five nominees from the Judicial Selection Commission to fill a vacancy for an associate judge on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Green must appoint a judge from this list within 30 days, with the consent of the Hawai'i State Senate.

Why it matters

The Intermediate Court of Appeals is an important part of Hawai'i's judicial system, handling appeals from district courts and other tribunals. The governor's selection of a new judge will shape the court's direction and rulings for years to come.

The details

The five nominees submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission are: Lance D. Collins, Daniel M. Gluck, Nickolas A. Kacprowski, and Robert T. Nakatsuji. The public is invited to provide comments on the nominees through the governor's website before Green makes his selection.

  • Governor Green received the list of nominees on February 11, 2026.
  • Green must appoint a judge from the list within 30 days, with the consent of the Hawai'i State Senate.

The players

Governor Josh Green

The current governor of Hawai'i, responsible for appointing a new associate judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals from the list of nominees.

Judicial Selection Commission

The commission that submitted the list of five nominees for the Intermediate Court of Appeals vacancy.

Hawai'i State Senate

The state senate must consent to Governor Green's appointment of a new associate judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals.

Lance D. Collins

One of the five nominees, currently president and principal attorney of the Law Office of Lance D. Collins and a per diem District and Family Court judge.

Daniel M. Gluck

One of the five nominees, currently a deputy corporation counsel for the City and County of Honolulu.

Nickolas A. Kacprowski

One of the five nominees, currently a partner at Dentons US LLP.

Robert T. Nakatsuji

One of the five nominees, currently a deputy prosecuting attorney for the City and County of Honolulu.

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What’s next

Governor Green must appoint a judge from the list of nominees within 30 days, with the consent of the Hawai'i State Senate.

The takeaway

The selection of a new associate judge for Hawai'i's Intermediate Court of Appeals is an important decision that will impact the court's rulings for years to come. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the five nominees before the governor makes his choice.