CAPAC Chair Applauds Judicial Confirmations of Micah W.J. Smith and Shanlyn A.S. Park

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Micah W.J. Smith and Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park to serve as United States District Judges for the District of Hawaii. Upon the swearing-in of Smith, all the Article III judges on a U.S. District Court will be AANHPI for the first time.

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), issued the following statement:

“I am thrilled that the Senate has voted to confirm Micah W.J. Smith and Shanlyn A.S. Park to the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii.

“Mr. Smith is a dedicated public servant with over a decade of government service in the U.S. Attorney’s office. As the son of an immigrant and a former resident of a housing project on Kauai, Mr. Smith brings critical lived experiences to the bench in addition to his extensive professional background.

“Judge Park has a storied career in protecting the rights of all and breaks barriers as the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve on the federal bench. As a former public defender for two decades, she has shown a tremendous commitment to equal justice, and as a judge, she is known for integrity and impartiality throughout her adjudication of cases.

“I offer my heartiest congratulations to Mr. Smith and Judge Park on their historic confirmations. I renew my praise of President Biden for his unrelenting commitment to ensuring that our judicial system reflects the diversity of our country. Finally, I thank Majority Leader Schumer for his leadership on these successful confirmations, as well as CAPAC Executive Members, Senators Hirono and Schatz from Hawaii, for their recommendations of these two exceptional individuals.”