Today, Clare E. Connors announced her resignation as United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, effective January 19, 2025. Connors submitted her resignation to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Connors took office on January 3, 2022, following her nomination by President Biden on September 28, 2021, and confirmation by the United States Senate on December 7 of that year.
“It was a privilege to rejoin this office and to serve Hawaii as the chief federal law enforcement officer,” Connors stated. “The Department’s mission – to keep the community safe from threats foreign and domestic; protect civil rights; and uphold the rule of law – is critical to our State’s overall wellbeing and I am honored to have worked alongside the committed public servants who will continue to fulfill it.”
As United States Attorney, Connors led a team of approximately 60 attorneys and support staff in prosecuting federal crimes within Hawaii. The office's responsibilities included addressing national security issues, public corruption, drug trafficking, child exploitation, firearms offenses, and violent crime. Additionally, the office handled civil actions involving the United States government.
Connors focused on tackling public corruption and integrity crimes during her tenure. She collaborated with state and local law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and large-scale drug activities while supporting initiatives like Threat Team Hawaii aimed at reducing targeted violence. Her office also partnered with organizations such as Weed and Seed Hawaii to address child exploitation crimes.
Connors emphasized maintaining strong relationships between the public and federal law enforcement in Hawaii. She encouraged individuals witnessing misconduct or potential whistleblower cases involving financial crimes or civil rights violations to report them to federal authorities.