HONOLULU -- State senators on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to appoint former Hawaii U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo to the Circuit Court bench despite some earlier apprehensions.

The vote was 24 to 1. Only Sen. Les Ihara voted against Kubo's nomination.

Ihara said Kubo should have kept it confidential that one of Kubo's critics had been under psychological treatment.

"I believe the nominee did not display due respect for the law in revealing this private medical information," Ihara said.

Just a few days ago, Kubo's confirmation seemed to be in serious jeopardy when the Senate Judiciary Committee was deadlocked on his nomination.

What seemed to turn the tide and assure the confirmation of Kubo was the change of heart of Judiciary Chairman Sen. Brian Taniguchi. Taniguchi said Kubo answered his concerns in a meeting on Tuesday.

"We did a lot of research into his background and I feel satisfied that we did our job," Taniguchi said.

Kubo called his confirmation process fair, but stressful.

"My family and I are looking forward to a restful night again, return of my appetite. I promise you I am honored to serve our communities," Kubo said.

Gov. Linda Lingle chose Kubo as her choice to fill one of the judicial vacancies.