HSBA SCD Coffee Hour: Artificial Intelligence for the Experienced Lawyer: A Tool for Judgment, Not a Replacement for It

This presentation introduces artificial intelligence in a practical, non-technical way designed specifically for experienced lawyers, emphasizing that AI is not a replacement for legal judgment but a tool that amplifies decades of accumulated experience. Using familiar cultural touchstones, real-world demonstrations, and Hawaii-specific examples, the session shows how AI can assist with analysis, communication, and visualization such as summarizing reports, restoring historical images, creating client-friendly infographics, and safely generating demonstrative visuals while also addressing the real risks of misuse, hallucinated case law, and deception. The goal is to replace fear with understanding, encourage thoughtful adoption, and equip senior practitioners with clear guardrails for using AI ethically, confidently, and effectively in both their professional and personal lives.

Speaker Bio:

A multi-skilled leader with extensive experience in civil and criminal law, information technology, and government operations, bringing innovative solutions that drive high-performance results and enhance operational efficiency across public sector organizations.

Currently serves as Chief of Staff for the City and County of Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, overseeing more than 275 employees dedicated to public safety. Previously served on the Board of Directors for HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union (2021-2023)—Hawaii's largest credit union with over $2.3 billion in assets and more than 134,000 members—and also served on the Supervisory Committee from 2017 to 2021. Will begin serving on the Hawaii State Bar Association Senior Counsel Division Board in 2026.

As Deputy Attorney General for the State of Hawaii (2016-2021), demonstrated expertise in both criminal and civil law across multiple assignments. From 2016-2018, provided legal counsel to the Hawaii Public Charter School Commission and Hawaii Teacher Standards Board within the Department of Education. Transitioned to the Criminal Justice Division (2018-2020) before joining the Tobacco Enforcement Unit in 2020, helping administer the Master Settlement Agreement that secures millions of dollars annually for Hawaii from participating tobacco manufacturers.

Built a distinguished career as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the City and County of Honolulu (1996-2010) and County of Hawaii (2013-2014), totaling over 16 years of prosecution experience. Supervised the Misdemeanor, Traffic and Family Law Division for the County of Hawaii's East Hawaii office in Hilo, overseeing prosecutors handling District Court, Misdemeanor Domestic Violence, Juvenile Offender, 704/Jail Diversion Program, Preliminary Hearing, and Drug Court cases. In 2000, served on the prosecution team under Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle that successfully convicted mass murderer Byran Uyesugi in the Xerox murders case. Developed specialized expertise in white collar and computer crimes prosecution (2005-2010).

Active in legal reform, serving as appointed representative for the Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney on both the Standing Committee on Pattern Criminal Jury Instructions and the Permanent Committee on Rules of Penal Procedure and Circuit Court Criminal Rules (2013-2014). Trained as a mediator by the Mediation Center of the Pacific and maintains a strong commitment to community service, currently volunteering with AARP to assist seniors.

A technology pioneer in Hawaii government, became the City and County of Honolulu's first Computer Services Representative in 1989—a position conceived by Robert Graham, City Director of Data Systems. As Systems Analyst and Project Manager (2010-2013), championed transparency initiatives including the launch of Honolulu 311 in 2011. Developed comprehensive policies and procedures for government mobile device implementation and deployed the Airwatch system in 2012, which managed thousands of mobile devices for the City and County of Honolulu. Led enterprise resource planning initiatives involving sophisticated database analysis of financial transactions and human resources information to optimize City operations and spending analysis.

Began career as a Systems Analyst at Finance Factors, Ltd. (1982-1989) before joining City government.

His trial work assisting former Prosecuting Attorney Peter Carlisle in the Miti Maugaotega case is currently featured in the third season of World's Most Evil Prisoners (Episode 9: Miti Maugaotega), streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi, showcasing his dedication to seeking justice in some of Hawaii's most serious criminal cases.

Holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Hawaii, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law.

Disclaimer:

The presentation to be provided is comprised of the personal viewpoints of the speaker. The HSBA has not approved of nor does it endorse speaker recommendations.

ADA Accommodation: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require accommodations, please contact us by email at scd@hsba.org ; or by phone at (808) 792-7347 at least two (2) business days before the event.