HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle today nominated former U.S. Attorney Edward H. Kubo, Jr. to serve as a Circuit Court judge of the First Circuit (Oahu). If confirmed by the State Senate, Kubo will fill the vacant seat created by the retirement of Judge Frances Wong.

“Ed Kubo has dedicated his career to upholding the law and defending the public against crime,” said Gov. Lingle. “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. Ed has been an exemplary public servant and an outstanding citizen who is committed to improving our community and I am confident he will continue to serve the public well as a Circuit Court judge.”

Kubo served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii from 2001 to October 2009, and prior to that was Assistant U.S. Attorney for 11 years. During his tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Kubo focused on major federal criminal investigations such as white collar crimes, mortgage fraud, civil rights violations, tax evasion, corruption, crimes on government installations and violent crimes. He also covered federal civil areas including fraud against government, employment discrimination, medical malpractice defense and defense of military initiatives. Other key areas Kubo focused on involved federal criminal narcotics enforcement and organized crime, including international drug trafficking, court-approved wiretaps, complex conspiracies, financial investigations and forfeiture of property, and racketeering prosecutions.

Kubo previously worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney in the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of the Prosecuting Attorney from 1980 to 1983 and 1985 to 1990. He also was an associate trial attorney with the law firm Carlsmith and Dwyer and a law clerk with the law firm Kobayashi and Watanabe.

He has been actively involved in numerous professional and community organizations including the Hawaii State Law Enforcement Officials Association, Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Organization Executive Board, Hawaii Emergency Preparedness Executive Consortium, Hawaii Pacific Federal Executive Board, U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, Family Strong Hawaii, Department of Education Parent Project, Hawaii Wounded Warrior Community Support Program (founder), Hawaii Weed and Seed Program, Palama Settlement Board of Trustees, Drug-Free Coalition of Hawaii Board of Trustees, Kids Hurt Too Board of Trustees, Kau Kau Wagon Thanksgiving Meals and Eagle Court of Honor Proceedings, Boy Scouts of America.

Kubo earned his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii.

Gov. Lingle selected Kubo from a list of six candidates submitted to her by the Judicial Selection Commission on Dec. 11, 2009. The governor made the list available to the public to solicit public comments on the six candidates.

Since taking office in December 2002, Gov. Lingle has appointed 13 judges to the Circuit Court. She also has named two justices to the Hawaii Supreme Court and four judges to the Intermediate Court of Appeals.

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