Gov. David Ige announced Friday the appointment of Wendy M. DeWeese to the seat previously held by Kona Circuit Judge Melvin H. Fujino, who retired in 2020.
DeWeese is a judge with the District Family Court of in Kona. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College in California and her law degree from Southwestern University School of Law.
DeWeese was born in the U.S. but grew up in Europe, lived and worked in California before moving to Hawaii.
“In 2005, the Big Island welcomed me with open arms and has given me so much since then,” DeWeese said in a statement. “I am just so very grateful, honored and humbled to have the opportunity to give back to the community that has been so kind, generous and inspiring to me.” DeWeese said.
DeWeese was selected from a list of candidates submitted to him by the state Judicial Selection Commission. Her appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation.