HI HCR199

Requests the Hawaii Judiciary to study and make recommendations on ways to increase gender equity in filling judicial vacancies.

Notes that women comprise 41 percent of Hawaii bar members but only 34 percent of Hawaii judges, despite representing 47.3 percent of law degree recipients nationally.

Documents that female applicants for judicial vacancies are significantly underrepresented, citing 2017-2018 Judicial Selection Commission data showing women applicants numbered roughly one-third of male applicants across court levels.

Requires the Judiciary to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2019 Regular Session convenes.

Directs certified copies be sent to the Chief Justice, Administrative Director of the Courts, Judicial Selection Commission Chair, law school dean, state bar association director, and Hawaii Women Lawyers president.