HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today nominated Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rom Alex Trader to serve as a judge of the First Circuit Court (O‘ahu).  Trader’s nomination is subject to confirmation by the Hawai‘i State Senate.
“Rom Trader’s extensive experience as a prosecutor handling some of Hawai‘i’s most serious criminal cases has given him a thorough understanding of courtroom procedure and the judicial process,” said Governor Lingle.  “We have received a lot of positive input from a broad cross section of the community in support of Rom’s nomination. It is clear from these comments that he has earned the respect of his colleagues in the legal community, including both prosecutors and defense attorneys for his integrity, fairness and judgment as well as the broader community for his compassion. He is highly qualified to serve on the bench and I am proud to nominate him to the First Circuit Court.”
Trader, who has 20 years of experience as a prosecutor, has handled numerous high-profile criminal cases in Hawai‘i relating to murder, domestic violence, child abuse murder, vehicular homicide, attempted murder and sexual assault.  Throughout his career he has supervised, managed and mentored attorneys, paralegal assistants and other staff. 
He also has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law as well as a faculty member for the Hawai‘i State Bar Association Trial Academy.
Trader is active in the community, working with various sexual assault and domestic violence agencies.  He served as a committee member for the Diocean Sexual Misconduct Committee, has conducted statewide sexual assault training for prosecutors, and participates in the Men’s March Against Domestic Violence.
Trader earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Governor Lingle selected Trader from a list of six candidates submitted to her by the Judicial Selection Commission on December 3, 2008.  The Governor made the list available to the public to solicit public comments on the six candidates.
Trader is Governor Lingle’s eleventh Circuit Court appointee statewide.  The Governor has also appointed four judges to the Intermediate Court of Appeals and one justice to the Hawai‘i Supreme Court.

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