Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 68° Today's Paper


Top News

Travel ban judge is only Native Hawaiian on federal bench

STAR-ADVERTISER STAFF / 2015

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu.

The judge who halted President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban is the only Native Hawaiian serving on the federal bench.

Nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2012, U.S. District Judge Derrick Kahala Watson is the fourth Native Hawaiian federal judge in U.S. history.

He’s a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, which gives admission preference to Native Hawaiians. Honolulu lawyers refer to him as a “double Harvard,” for where he received his undergraduate and law school education.

Prior to becoming a judge, he was chief of the civil division in the Hawaii U.S. Attorney’s office. Before that he was partner at a San Francisco firm.

Attorney Keith Lee worked with the judge on a settlement when Watson was an assistant U.S. attorney. Lee calls Watson fair, intelligent and fearless.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.