Judge’s departure is end of an ezra … er, era

Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra is on his way to the Lone Star State, taking his black robe with him.

Serving on Hawaii’s federal bench for 24 years, Ezra is relocating to San Antonio, headquarters of Texas’ western district along the Mexican border so he and his wife, Judy, can be close to her family.

As judge, Ezra oversaw compliance with federal mandates to provide children with learning disabilities services in Hawaii’s public schools, and to bring the Hawaii State Hospital’s mental health system in line with federal constitutional standards.

He became a senior judge in June, allowing him a reduced caseload at the same $174,000 annual salary, which also should afford him time to revisit the islands.