HONOLULU - The state Senate confirmed Adrianne Heely on Wednesday as a District Family Court judge for Maui's 2nd Circuit Court.
Heely has been a deputy corporation counsel for Maui County. She was a former deputy public defender on Maui and Oahu and a litigation associate at the law firms of Ashford & Wriston, Hisaka Goto Yoshida Cosgrove & Ching and the Law Office of Frank K. Goto Jr.
Maui's Senate delegation praised Heely following her confirmation.
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Heely
"Judge Heely's diverse professional experience as an attorney in various aspects of government operations and within the Judiciary is highlighted by her strong integrity and credibility," said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents Central Maui.
Sen. J. Kalani English, who represents East Maui, Upcountry, Molokai and Lanai, said Heely has "demonstrated the ability to analyze complex issues from all sides, which is a characteristic fundamental to a fair and just jurist."
West and South Maui Sen. Roz Baker said Heely's "attitude, intellect and leadership will serve her well in handling the demands of district court."
Heely fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Geronimo Valdriz. She will serve for six years.
The Senate also confirmed Molokai Hawaiian homestead farmer Lynn Decoite as a member of the state Board of Agriculture.
Decoite operates a sweet potato chip business. She owns V-8 Ranch and is owner and manager of L&R Farm Enterprises LLC.
English noted Decoite's experience as a former member of the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board. "Her experience with complex water issues facing the agricultural industry on Molokai will be valuable to the board," he said.
Decoite will serve until June 2016.
