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The Hawaii governor tapped the state’s previous top federal prosecutor for a Hawaii circuit court seat, the Honolulu Star Bulletin reported today.

Ed Kubo Jr. (Honolulu.gov)

Gov. Linda Lingle (R) nominated ex-U.S. Attorney Edward Kubo Jr. to succeed former First Circuit Judge Frances Wong, who has retired from the Oahu-based court. Kubo served as U.S. Attorney from 2001 until the end of September, when Florence Nakakuni, President Barack Obama’s U.S. Attorney, was sworn in.

“He has a well-rounded legal background that includes extensive experience as the United States’ chief federal law enforcement officer and principal litigator in Hawai‘i, a prosecuting attorney for the city and a private practice trial attorney,” Lingle said in a statement. “Ed has been an exemplary public servant and an outstanding citizen who is committed to improving our community and I am confident he will continue to serve the public well as a Circuit Court judge.”

The Hawaii governor picked Kubo from a list of six finalists who were submitted to her in December by a state selection committee.

Kubo told the newspaper that he was “honored” by the nomination.