Your honor, may have permission to face the audience? (Addressing Chief Justice Moon and the Hawaii Supreme Court)
Good afternoon,
It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the House of Representatives and Speaker Calvin Say, to speak on this great occasion of the swearing-in of the Honorable Lawrence M. Reifurth as Associate Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the Honorable Edward H. Kubo, Jr. as Judge of the Circuit Court of the First Circuit. Both individuals have had outstanding law careers, have been dedicated public servants to the state, and have been actively involved in community organizations. They are most certainly outstanding additions to our state court system.
As a Hawaii State Representative and Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, I have had the privilege of working with both of these distinguished gentlemen. With Associate Judge Reifurth during his time as the Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and with Judge Kubo during his time as the United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. During our time working together, they have shown me that they are both knowledgeable, capable and have the skills to assume their respective appointments.
The life of a Judge is anything but easy. You work publicly and your decisions are scrutinized and criticized by all. That is why a good judge must be a person of many qualities. They are patient, firm, alert, empathetic, sharp, and intelligent. Judge Reifurth and Judge Kubo demonstrate all of the qualities I have mentioned and the ones I have not. I am certain you will serve on the bench with fairness, integrity and honor in the name of justice.
On behalf of the House of Representative and Speaker Calvin Say, we wish you many challenging and rewarding years on the bench. Congratulations.
Thank you.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 