Gov. Linda Lingle Tuesday nominated District Court Judge Edwin Nacino as a Circuit Court judge on Oahu.

Nacino, who has served as a District Court judge since 2005, would replace Judge Karen Blondin, who retired.
Nacino must be confirmed by the state Senate, which will likely call a special session.
“District Court Judge Nacino’s judicial experience, combined with his extensive experience as a prosecuting attorney, deputy corporation counsel and private attorney make him ideally suited to serve as a Circuit Court judge,” Lingle said in a statement.
“I am impressed with his broad legal background and understanding of the judicial system. He also has garnered high respect from Hawaii’s legal community as evidenced by the strong public comments in support of Judge Nacino. He has been an outstanding public servant, and I am proud to appoint him to the Circuit Court.”
Nacino is a former partner with the firm Roeca, Louie and Hiraoka, a deputy corporation counsel for Honolulu, a prosecuting attorney, and a Honolulu police officer. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law.