Aloha HSBA Members,

This year the Western States Bar Conference (WSBC) was held in Lihue, Kauai. HSBA’s former president and now WSBC president, Shannon Sheldon, organized a productive event attended by bar leaders from fifteen states. Among the speakers from Hawaiʻi were Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald; Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna; Camille Nelson, Dean of the William S. Richardson School of Law (WSRSL); Liam M. Deeley, Executive Director, Attorneys and Judges Assistance Program; Emiko Meyers, HSBA Director for the Island of Kauai; Glenn Melchinger, Partner at Dentons; Dr. Cindy Goodness-Zane, Clinical Psychologist; and Matthew Stubenberg, Innovator in Residence, at WSRSL.

During the conference, we delved into some of the most pressing issues in our profession; here are a few:

• Lawyer Well-Being. We are human. Due to the high-stress nature of the practice, studies show that it is not uncommon for lawyers to suffer from burnout, depression, or substance abuse at higher rates than the general population. If you need help, please check out our HSBA Well-Being Committee webpage and the Attorneys and Judges Assistance Program.
• Artificial Intelligence. AI is here. It is implemented in tools related to legal research, automated discovery, and legal drafting. AI is not perfect. In one case, AI cited cases in a legal brief that did not exist, resulting in sanctions. Like with any legal tool or assistance we rely on, our rules of professional conduct make us responsible for the legal work products our teams produce. Our rules of professional conduct also suggest that we are responsible for properly implementing technology that affects our clients—e.g., maintaining confidentiality.
• Access to Justice. Some jurisdictions are addressing the shortage of lawyers in rural and low-income communities in novel ways. Oregon and Washington’s supreme courts have approved alternative licensing pathways. In short, one must graduate from law school, pass specific credit courses, submit a portfolio of work, and/or work under a licensed attorney for a time. North Dakota pays a $45,000 stipend for attorneys who choose to work in rural areas. Nevada does not require the bar exam for law school graduates who work for the public defender.

HSBA Director Emiko Meyers also helped organize the WSBC, the HSBA Board meeting, and a CLE put on by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Thank you, Emiko.

On January 24, 2024, the HSBA Board approved the support of certain bills proposed by the Judiciary in this legislative session. Two important bills related to the safety of our courts, judges, and justices are still alive in the process. HB1916, would protect certain personal information of justices and judges from being made publicly available on the Internet. SB3009, would expressly provide that the responsibilities of the Hawai'i Department of Law Enforcement's Sheriff Division include judicial security--said express authority was not carried over from previous statutes that were repealed when the Hawai'i Department of Law Enforcement was created. Thank you Mike Iosua, Chair of the HSBA Legislation and Public Policy Committee, and HSBA staff for their work.

The Hawai‘i Foodbank, Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i, Maui Food Bank, and the Food Basket on Hawai‘i Island are engaging in their statewide monetary campaign for the purchase of needed fresh food and other pantry staples. Hawai‘i families continue to face financial challenges in their efforts to stretch limited dollars for basic necessities. Please consider contributing to these worthy organizations that are essential to the well-being of many across the State. Together we can continue to help provide nourishment and hope. You or your organization can donate here. Thank you for your consideration.

Mahalo, and be safe.