Aiona began his career as an attorney in the public sector holding various positions in the City & County of Honolulu. In 1990, Aiona was appointed by Governor of HawaiiJohn D. Waihee III to the Hawaii State Judiciary. He became a judge of the Hawaii State Family Courts and had exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving legal minors involving delinquency, status offenses, abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, adoption, guardianships and detention among others. Aiona also oversaw cases of domestic relations involving divorce, child support and custody matters. In 1993, Aiona was appointed to the First Circuit Court in Honolulu. The Hawaii State Circuit Courts is the primary civil and criminal court in Hawaii. Aiona became an infamous figure for his tough rulings for drug offenses. Aiona retired in 1998 to work in the private sector.
Political Career
James Aiona and Linda Lingle celebrate the post-election headline heralding their electoral win.
Aiona first entered politics in 2002. He ran in the Republican Party of Hawaii contest for the nomination to join the gubernatorial ticket led by former Mayor of Maui Linda Lingle. Aiona won and advanced to the general election in November of that year. In December, Aiona was sworn in at an emotional inauguration ceremony at the Hawaii State Capitol rotunda to become the state's lieutenant governor.
Resources
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii (http://www.hawaii.gov/ltgov)
James "Duke" Aiona recently wrapped up 10 days as Hawaii's acting governor, but the 50-year-old first-time politician says he is not sure he wants to run for governor.
Aiona won his first attempt at elected office when he beat Dalton Tanonaka in the 2002 Republican primary by 8,280 votes and then went on with Lingle to win the general election.
Aiona held a drug summit and meetings across the state in 2003 and came up with a plan of attack, which was criticized by the Legislature.
Feeds |
Contact