Recktenwald Sworn In as Supreme Court Justice
Governor Lingle participated in the swearing in ceremony for Mark Recktenwald, who was appointed by the Governor and confirmed unanimously by the State Senate to serve as an associate justice of the Hawai`i Supreme Court.
Governor Lingle signs Judge Recktenwald's commission in the Executive Chambers of the Hawai`i State Capitol.
Commending Judge Recktenwald during the ceremony, Governor Lingle commented that he "never ran for cover when things were difficult and would be the first to volunteer for difficult assignments."
"He is a man of high moral character and a dedicated public servant," Governor Lingle said. "He will bring a strong work ethic and a collaborative attitude to the bench. Over the last six years I have known him, he has demonstrated fairness, integrity, common sense and compassion in all his work. I am confident that Judge Recktenwald will serve with distinction on Hawai`i's highest court."
Recktenwald thanked his family and friends for supporting him along the way.
"My kids made sacrifices for me, and I hope to be the kind of father they deserve," said Recktenwald, adding his appreciation for those "who taught me and inspired me and judges who were patient with me when I was learning the ropes."
Recktenwald has extensive experience in the judicial system as a judge, federal prosecutor and a lawyer in private practice. As chief judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals since April 2007, Recktenwald has participated in deciding more than 250 cases and authored 10 published opinions. Under his leadership, the court also moved forward in implementing a 2006 reorganization plan of the appellate system, with an emphasis on deciding the court's cases more promptly. He has also worked to make the court more open and accessible, including instituting the practice of holding oral arguments on a regular monthly basis.
Prior to his appointment to the Intermediate Court of Appeals, Recktenwald served as the director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. During his tenure he focused on expanding protections against identity theft and enforcing Hawai`i's consumer protection laws, including guarding against unfair and deceptive trade and business practices, and insurance and securities fraud. He also worked to make the department more accessible to the public by expanding on-line services.
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"State high court gets a new justice," Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 12, 2009
