Chief Justice nominee grilled over ties to powerful political action committee

[MyManao]

Now, to return to this very serious thread..

Yes, please, and while you're at it why not share your opinion about this judicial pick? 

You seem to want folks to comment.. while I say yes, comment if you have anything to say. Whereas you seem to want people that are swayed by other mouthpieces to just be herded into saying things regardless if they actually have any knowledge from which to speak.  

So, at least, rather than point to others, why not share your own real life knowledge on the matter? I'd love to hear it. Especially since of all the issue out there you seem to be fixated on this one. So, spill da beans brah.

[HiloJulie]

 HJ - you seem to have been recently sucked down a huge rabbit hole.

Good looking out Jules.  Ever since you recently introduced me to Bluesky (BS), the "suck down" has been real, although it is definitely more of a cat hole. 

Guess what's trending today? 




Lady Tang is lovingly but firmly providing exit counseling and has rounded up a collection of offline feline photos for me, to help with the Blue sky (BS) withdrawal.  She would be happy to assist you as well.  It is a deep cat hole for sure and a powerful echo chamber. There is no shame in getting some help. Just drop me a dm. Either way, I should be right as rain in no time and I'm grateful for your concern.  

Now, to return to this very serious thread, if you are all quite through with marginalizing veteran voices and these anti-democratic rants, our government which is of the people, by the people and for the people would like to hear from Punawebbers on the matter of Supreme Court Justice selection.  The State Legislature has made it very easy to do so here: 

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=GM&billnumber=801&year=2026

Simply click the link above and click the orange "Submit Testimony" button which you will see toward the center of your screen.

Mahalo

Outside of you posting the opinion of one veteran's voice and his anti-democratic rants, you yourself have offered no opinion of the nominee. 

Further, it appears that the nominee has spent a majority of his career representing the average Joe (or Kimo to keep it Hawaii related) especially our front line first responders with the Police and Fire Departments as well as our teachers trying to teach our keiki. It also appears he put the preverbal "foot down" against the State of Hawaii’s Child Protective Services for failing to protect an abused child on Maui.

At any event, I think everyone has got the message about how to submit testimony and I am sure they know the opinion of a criminal ex-Navy man as well as to how to be able to "apprehend" all the information they need on the nominee, but I now eagerly await your next "shiny object" topic you move on to!

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

There’s another story on this issue, which appears to be that the nominee did not disclose membership in a Super PAC.  There was some question about past membership, vs. current membership, but he did note:

Devens then concluded this section of the application with this statement: “After I was confirmed by the Senate in 2023, the media outlet Civil Beat published an article stating that I had not disclosed a prior membership on a political action committee. I believe the relevant question on the application related to present affiliations. I had already stepped off that committee before applying to the judiciary, however, the committee’s DCCA filings apparently had not been updated and still had me listed which I was unaware of.”

https://www.civilbeat.org/2026/04/justic...-senators/

He certainly could have been more transparent.
The Super PAC may not align with certain political or economic preferences, but it’s not racist, evil, or operating under a shroud. He’s not accused of being a drunk. Or inappropriate behavior with women. Or found guilty of felonies. What is our standard these days?

[kalianna]

Aw cʻmon. Let bygones be bygones. Our standard appears to be that you canʻt get away with getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar for more than a few months (see Sylvia Luke). Other than that, good to go.

[HiloJulie]

Our standard appears to be that you canʻt get away with getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar for more than a few months (see Sylvia Luke)

While that's true, at least Sylvia took herself out of the running for the next term, which is saying something, but not as much as just resigning effective immediately would have said. 

He certainly could have been more transparent.
The Super PAC may not align with certain political or economic preferences, but it’s not racist, evil, or operating under a shroud. He’s not accused of being a drunk. Or inappropriate behavior with women.

Again, that's true. But considering this guy was named to The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, I'd say he has crossed a big enough hurdle and qualifies for a job as the last paragraph of the linked Civil Beat article says:

"It has been difficult to attract candidates to be chief justice, and the Judicial Selection Commission had to extend the deadlines and solicit potential applicants."

What is our standard these days?

Considering the qualification required for the nomination of the new CDC Director was ‘We just need someone who’s not crazy’ I think we might just be somewhat lifting the standards of qualifications needed.

[Punatang]

All of the preceding interest and dialogue is productive and useful in various ways.  

Our state officials need to be aware that they do not operate in a vacuum.  Your rank, your expertise, your education, your profession, your experience are of no consequence.  You are a citizen of The State of Hawaii.  Your elected representatives desperately need to know that you pay attention.  This is much more important than if you support the nominee, or not.  Please recognize that absolute fact, and ignore the preceding posted attempts to marginalize your voice.  That noise is not coming from friends of yours or from friends of Hawaii's future.  It is just noise. You have the right and duty to be heard.

Click here:  [u]https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=GM&billnumber=801&year=2026[/u]

You will land on The Legislature's page and click the Submit Testimony button.

   

This is also a great civics lesson for younger generations, who are eager to get involved.

Be heard.  You will be glad you did.

[HiloJulie]

All of the preceding interest and dialogue is productive and useful in various ways.  

Our state officials need to be aware that they do not operate in a vacuum.  Your rank, your expertise, your education, your profession, your experience are of no consequence.  You are a citizen of The State of Hawaii.  Your elected representatives desperately need to know that you pay attention.  This is much more important than if you support the nominee, or not.  Please recognize that absolute fact, and ignore the preceding posted attempts to marginalize your voice.  That noise is not coming from friends of yours or from friends of Hawaii's future.  It is just noise. You have the right and duty to be heard.

Click here:  [u]https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=GM&billnumber=801&year=2026[/u]

You will land on The Legislature's page and click the Submit Testimony button.

This is also a great civics lesson for younger generations, who are eager to get involved.

Be heard.  You will be glad you did.

Again, with due respect Tang, but in all honesty, you're starting to sound a bit desperate. 

When you say that "You have the right and duty to be heard" and then say "You are a citizen of The State of Hawaii.  Your elected representatives desperately need to know that you pay attention. This is much more important than if you support the nominee, or not"  but then go on and say "Your rank, your expertise, your education, your profession, your experience are of no consequence" one has to then ask just what is a citizen of the State of Hawaii supposed to testify to and about the Chief Justice Nominee? And then what value does the opinion of your far-right ex-Navy/GOP operative matter in the first place?

It seems that what you're asking is to more or less get people to follow in lockstep and testify that the Chief Justice Nominee is no good because your criminal ex-Navy/GOP operative buddy says so. Since you yourself have offered no opinion of the nominee and have only posted the opinion of a right-wing fanatic, who admitted to not only breaking the law with respect to his Navy rank and duties but also broke the law with respect to being a representative of the Hawaii republican party who also in his opinion piece, calls out the Hawaii Attorney General as it's his opinion that because she joined several dozen other States Attorney Generals in suing the administration over cuts to medical and public‑health research funding, as well as block other federal funding actions, regulatory changes, and agency moves she claims exceed presidential authority, she is a "Radical Attorney General."

Further, I do not see any other poster here trying to "attempt(s) to marginalize your voice."  Further confounding whatever point it is you are trying to make is you posting this:

"All of the preceding interest and dialogue is productive and useful in various ways."

followed by then posting this:

"...and ignore the preceding posted..."

Does not really present your position on the subject matter in a well-grounded, cognitive thought-out way.

In addition to what should not have to be said about various nominees to high level state or federal government roles as being "We just need someone who’s not crazy," we might also wish to require that of our citizens who offer testimony.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Tang, but in all honesty, you're starting to sound

Like you’re playing some high flying 5th dimension chess.*  Keep ‘em guessing?  And off balance.  Surprise them with an even crazier next move.  Implausible deniability.


* there’s a checker board.  And some pieces.  With “would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon? Up up and away…” playing in the background.

[Punatang]

Today is the last full day to submit your testimony. 

Click here: Click here:  [u]https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=GM&billnumber=801&year=2026[/u]

Then click the "Submit Testimony" button.

   

Rise up truth tellers! Lift your voice for Justice (Supreme) and equity.  Ignore the anti-democracy, inclusion deniers. Your lived experiences are the most powerful tools against systemic oppression.  Submit your testimony today and amplify Puna's marginalized voice while demanding accountability and dismantling harm.  Help build a future for our keiki that is rooted in inclusion, care, and collective power. Just a few lines of testimony, written from your  is all it takes. Ignite the change we deserve now.

[Punatang]

Less than 18 hours remaining. Don't be ruled by scoundrels. Testify.