2023-21 Attorney General Lopez Appoints Caricoona Lani D. Fernandez as Hawaii’s New Attorney General
Posted on May 12, 2023 in Division Breaking News, Newsroom
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Attorney General Ann Lopez has announced that Kalikoonalani D. Fernandez will become the next Hawaii Attorney General.
The Attorney General heads the Attorney General’s Appellate Division, which has the authority to oversee most state and federal appeals handled by the Department, including those filed on behalf of Hawaii in the United States Supreme Court, the Federal Court of Appeals, and the Federal Court of Appeals. It also includes prepared documents. Hawaii Supreme Court and Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals.
Fernandez joined the department in 2017 as deputy attorney general for the appeals division. Through his service at the Department, Fernandez has served as a leading authority on reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights and as one of the state’s top litigators defending Hawaii’s gun control against Second Amendment challenges. gained fame.
As Acting Attorney General, Mr. Fernandez has handled many complex cases in federal and state courts. Among them is the state’s chief attorney defending the Department of Health’s December 2021 emergency order that ordered the U.S. Navy to refuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.
“I am honored to serve as the next Attorney General of Hawaii,” said Fernandez. “I am deeply committed to the Department and the State of Hawaii and look forward to leading an excellent appeals team.”
“Calico has proven time and time again that he is a good lawyer and a true civil servant,” said Attorney General Lopez. “Calico has dedicated her career to the cause of equal justice under her law. widely respected within the Ministry of
Fernandez was born and raised in Hawaii and graduated from Punahou School. Fernandez attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history. best grades, joined the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. Fernandez earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. highest honor.
Prior to joining the Department, Fernandez served as a legal clerk for Judge Richard R. Clifton of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and Judge Susan Oki Molway of the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii.
Fernandez will become Hawaii’s fifth attorney general since the office was created in 2007. Fernandez will assume the position effective June 1, 2023, succeeding outgoing Attorney General Kimberly Tsumoto Guidry. Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals.
* * *
media contact:
Dave Day
Special Assistant to the Attorney General
(808) 586-1284
Email: [email protected]
web: http://ag.hawaii.gov