The application deadline for candidates to succeed Hawai'i Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Moon has been pushed back until next month.

Yesterday was supposed to have been the deadline for applications for Moon's replacement, but the state Judicial Selection Commission extended the deadline to Nov. 4. However, the deadline for anyone who wants to nominate someone else is Oct. 20.

The move resolves a lawsuit filed last month against Judicial Selection Commission Chairwoman Sheri Sakamoto by attorney James Bickerton, who also is a member of the commission.

"The Judicial Selection Commission is extending the deadline for nominations and applications for the anticipated vacancy in the judicial office of chief justice, Supreme Court of Hawai'i, to allow interested persons additional time to submit nominations and applications," the commission said in a news release on the Hawai'i State Bar Association's Web site.

Sakamoto declined comment when asked about the extension last week. Bickerton said he "is pleased that the matter is resolved" but declined further comment.

In his suit, Bickerton claimed that Sakamoto improperly decided on her own to begin the replacement process for Moon, who is due to retire on his 70th birthday, Sept. 4, 2010.

According to Bickerton, Sakamoto's actions violated the state Constitution, which requires that commission actions be approved by a majority of its members.

Bickerton's suit alleged that the Oct. 5 deadline provided "insufficient time for many applicants to do the groundwork and preparation with friends, family, colleagues and business associates necessary to submit their names for this vital public-service position."

It also would give an advantage to candidates who have previously submitted applications for other judicial vacancies, the suit said.