LIHU‘E — In his typical understated style, Circuit Court Judge Clifford L. Nakea oversaw his last court proceedings Thursday. Nakea, who spent 25 years on the bench in Lihu‘e, was given a standing ovation by the lawyers in his court,
LIHU‘E — In his typical understated style, Circuit Court Judge Clifford L. Nakea oversaw his last court proceedings Thursday.
Nakea, who spent 25 years on the bench in Lihu‘e, was given a standing ovation by the lawyers in his court, and walked off after sentencing the last defendant, Dennis Fitts.
A few weeks ago, he brushed off a request for an interview on his retirement, saying he didn’t want the publicity. He also didn’t want his picture taken.
But the lawyers who have spent a lot of time in his presence remember him fondly, and will miss him when they return to court next week.
“I compare Judge Nakea to Jim Brown,” said Deputy Public Defender James Itamura. “He’s getting out on the top of his game.”
Former county Prosecuting Attorney Michael Soong made a special trip to court to shake Nakea’s hand on his last day.
“I’ve been practicing in front of him since 1988, 89,” both as a public defender and as a prosecutor, said Soong. “One thing I always felt was comfortable, whatever side you were on. He was not only fair,” Soong continued, “but it was enjoyable being in his courtroom. It was fun.
“I heard he’s taking up golf,” Soong added. “I hope to see him on the golf course.”
Even a few of the defendants on their way to jail sent Nakea some good wishes.
“Congrats on your retirement,” said Kai Santos, awaiting sentencing on theft charges. “I’m going to stay out of court, because, since you’re retiring, I’m not going to get any more chances, your honor.”
Deputy Public Defender John Calma also expressed his appreciation for Nakea’s work, and summed up a bit of his vision for the Fifth Circuit Court’s future.
“It was a pleasure to work with him,” Calma said outside the courtroom. “He was a gentleman and a scholar, and treats everybody fairly.”
“I’m really going to miss him,” Calma added. “Whoever replaces him has got some big shoes to fill.”
A new Fifth Circuit Court Judge will be appointed by Gov. Linda Lingle, with the state Senate’s approval. According to state law, the Judicial Selection Commission provides the governor a list of at least three names to choose from, from which she will make a decision. The list has not yet been released.
In the meantime, chief Fifth Circuit Court Judge George M. Masuoka will be handling most of the civil and criminal cases, with a hand from District Court Judges Calvin Murashige and Trudy Senda. Murashige will also take over duties as the Drug Court Judge.
Nakea has been a judge since 1979, when he was appointed a per diem District Court judge. He became a full-time District Court judge in 1980, where he served until 2000, when he was appointed to the Circuit Court bench.
Nakea, before becoming a judge, was in the Kaua‘i County and the City and County of Honolulu prosecuting attorneys offices, and also served as president of the Kauai Bar Association.
Nakea is a graduate of St. Louis High School in Honolulu, St. Mary’s College in California, and received his law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law.
Prior to entering law school, he was a coach and a teacher at St. Louis. He lives at ‘Anini with his wife Gloria. They have two grown daughters.
