Federal Judges Justify Their Maui Convention to Skeptical Senators

Hyatt Regency Maui
(photo from orbitz.com)

The US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit takes in a lot of territory west of the Rockies. One of the states in its purview is Hawaii. There are approximately 150 judges in the 9th Circuit; five of them call our 50th State their home.

This year, the 9th Circuit will hold a judicial conference for its judges at the Hyatt Regency Maui. A similar event in 2010, according to two US senators inquiring about the gathering, cost over one million dollars for travel and lodging. The solons asked the circuit's chief judge to defend why this year's conference required a Hawaiian venue.

His arrogant reply is noted in the Washington Post article on the dispute. While the judge noted the quality of the event's professional programs, the senators pointed out the golf, surfing lessons, and catamaran experiences available to the wise men and women of the 9th Circuit.

Did anyone say "binding arbitration"?