Introducing the First Native Hawaiian District Court Judge

In a historic confirmation, Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park has been chosen to serve as one of the United States District Judges for the District of Hawaii. Her esteemed position makes her the first Native Hawaiian to serve as a district court judge, an especially impactful feat as Native Hawaiians make up over a quarter of her district’s population.

“Federal courts hear many cases involving Native people, so federal court judges must be aware of the political status, legal principles, and rights of Tribal Nations and Native individuals,” the Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund John Echohawk said in a press release, “The confirmation of Judge Park takes a step in the right direction for a more balanced and representative federal judiciary system.” 

Born and raised in Honolulu, Park earned her Bachelor of the Arts degree from Chaminade University in Honolulu, Park earned her Juris Doctor from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in 1995. She spent much of her early career as a law clerk before becoming a federal public defender in 1997, a position she would hold for twenty years. She also represented several clients pro bono, receiving special recognition from the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii.

In 2021, a vacancy opened up on the Hawaii First Circuit Court in Oahu and Park was nominated to fill it. In just under a month, Park swore into the position and served within in until late 2023, when President Biden announced his nomination of Park as a United States District judge. The senate confirmed nomination two months later in a 53-44 vote, officially taking precedence in November of 2023.

Along with being the first Native Hawaiian to hold position as a federal judge, Park is also the only Native Hawaiian woman currently sitting on the federal bench and completes a fully AANHPI judicial group for Article III.

Makalika Naholowaʻa, president of the National Native American Bar Association additionally spoke on Park’s expertise and importance of being a Native Hawaiian judge within a community with a large Native Hawaiian community. Naholowaʻa stated:

“Inclusion of Native Hawaiians in the courts that preside over matters in Hawaii is critically important to advancing trust in the judicial system and the rule of law. Judge Park’s deep experience in Hawaii state and federal courts, in criminal and civil matters, and her deep connections to the communities her district serves will be a great asset to the court and will help increase trust in the federal justice system.

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