The Judicial Selection Commission yesterday announced that it has extended the deadline for nominations for the position of Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.

The announcement came in a brief press release.

The position is expected to open up next year following the retirement of Ronald Moon.

The extended deadline follows the lawsuit filed last month by commission member Jim Bickerton, which alleged the commission chair had exceeded her authority by unilaterally authorizing an immediate and brief nomination period without commission approval.

The press release does not explain why the deadline has been extended or whether it is related to Bickerton’s suit.