What's Happening?
Hawaii Governor Josh Green intends to nominate First Deputy Attorney General Matthew Dvonch to assume the role of Attorney General, succeeding Anne Lopez whose term concludes on December 7. Dvonch has served as Lopez's deputy since January 2023. The nomination
is contingent on confirmation by the state Senate. Governor Green informed Lopez on November 4 that she would not be renominated for a second four-year term, though he has not publicly stated the reason for this decision. Dvonch's background includes over nine years as a deputy attorney general, advising various state departments and the Governor's Office on matters such as open meetings law, procurement, real estate, and land use. He also managed a team reviewing COVID-19 travel-quarantine exemption requests during the pandemic and worked as special counsel for the Honolulu Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Why It's Important?
This planned leadership change in Hawaii's top legal office is significant as the Attorney General's office manages high-profile prosecutions and major settlements. The incoming Attorney General, Matthew Dvonch, would inherit ongoing critical cases, including a bribery case involving Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and other state officials, and the oversight of substantial financial settlements. Anne Lopez's tenure saw the supervision of the independent investigation into the government's response to the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire and Hawaii's participation in multi-state challenges against Trump administration policies. Her office also secured a $700 million settlement with Bristol Myers Squibb and Sanofi subsidiaries, and $76 million from a class-action against Meta. The transition of leadership will impact the continuity and direction of these legal efforts, potentially affecting public policy, state finances, and the resolution of significant legal disputes within Hawaii.
What's Next?
Matthew Dvonch's nomination will proceed to the state Senate for confirmation. If confirmed, he will officially take over as Attorney General after Anne Lopez's term ends on December 7. Dvonch will then be responsible for overseeing the ongoing bribery case involving high-ranking state officials, which was initiated by Lopez's Special Investigations and Prosecution Division. Additionally, he will manage the department's continued involvement in various legal actions, including environmental settlements and other civil litigation. The administration is also expected to announce further staff changes as Governor Green finalizes his cabinet following his recent reelection, with all covered appointments requiring the Senate's advice and consent.
