(AP) — Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige has appointed a Native Hawaiian prosecutor and former high school teacher for an appeals court judge vacancy. Ige selected Sonja McCullen after his initial pick faced criticism over equitable racial and gender representation on the state’s highest courts. Critics questioned the selection of a white man. Some noted it’s been 30 years since a Native Hawaiian was appointed to the Intermediate Court of Appeals and 20 years since a Native Hawaiian was appointed to the state Supreme Court. McMullen has been a deputy prosecuting attorney for 11 years. She previously taught social studies, Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language at Waianae High School.

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Photo credit: State of Hawaiʻi Governor’s Office