January 6, 2025

HONOLULU – Clare E. Connors has announced her resignation as United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, effective at 11:59 p.m. on January 19, 2025. Connors submitted her resignation to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Attorney General Merrick Garland earlier today.

Connors was sworn in as U.S. Attorney on January 3, 2022, after her nomination by President Biden on September 28, 2021, and subsequent confirmation by the United States Senate on December 7, 2021.

“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.”

During her tenure, Connors oversaw a team of approximately 60 attorneys and support staff. The office is tasked with prosecuting federal crimes in Hawaii, including those related to national security, public corruption, drug trafficking, child exploitation, firearms, and violent crime. Additionally, the office handles affirmative civil actions, defends the U.S. in civil cases, and manages debt collection on behalf of the federal government.

Connors focused on tackling public corruption and integrity crimes, working closely with state and local law enforcement to combat organized and violent crime, disrupt major drug trafficking operations, and support initiatives like Threat Team Hawaii. Her office also prioritized the investigation and prosecution of child exploitation cases, collaborating with community organizations such as Weed and Seed Hawaii.

Throughout her service, Connors underscored the importance of public cooperation with federal law enforcement. She encouraged citizens to report misconduct, including financial crimes and civil rights violations, which could lead to whistleblower and qui tam actions.