KITV4: Hawaii lawmakers weigh in on Ketanji Brown confirmation hearings

By ‘A’ali’i Dukelow, KITV4, 21 March 2022

HONOLULU (KITV4) — Citing her extensive experience as a judge, as well as her prior decisions, African American Lawyers Association of Hawai’i president Leslee Matthews calls Ketanji Brown Jackson an overly-qualified candidate for the Supreme Court of the United States.

Ketanji Brown Jackson

“We need people in the legal profession that care about people,” Matthews said, pointing out Jackson’s confirmation hearings come as the Supreme Court decides on several issues that will impact Hawai’i residents, including women’s right to whole healthcare.

“We also see things that impact the LGBT community on who will be protected, and so we need to be mindful of these things,” Matthews added.

Republican State Rep. Gene Ward told KITV4, “As the father of an adopted daughter from China, and the husband of a Malay from West Malaysia, I marvel at the presence of a new member of the US Supreme Court which will make it look more like America.”

So far, State Sen. Maile Shimabukuro argued Republicans are criticizing Jackson unfairly by accusing her of being too soft on crime and racially biased.

“Those attacks are unfounded really and I believe that her record speaks for itself, that she’s going to be an excellent candidate,” Shimabukuro added.