Hear From the HSBF President

Aloha colleagues,

Just a few days left! Our Annual Pau Hana is happening this Wednesday, August 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Pacific Club, and I hope you’ll join us.

If you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet, now’s the time — space at The Pacific Club is limited, and we’d love to see you there. This is the one evening a year we get to trade the courtroom, the conference room, and the endless email chains for delicious pupus, cold drinks, live music, and great conversation with friends and colleagues from across our legal community. It’s casual, it’s fun, and it’s a chance to reconnect with people you may only otherwise see across a deposition table or a CLE Zoom screen.

But as much as I love the fellowship, I want to take a moment to remind you why this event matters beyond talking story and having a good time.

Every dollar raised at the Pau Hana goes directly toward the Hawaii State Bar Foundation’s mission of expanding access to justice across our islands. That means funding legal services for residents who couldn’t otherwise afford representation, supporting civic education programs that introduce students to the law, and investing in the next generation of Hawai’i’s legal professionals. When you buy a ticket, sponsor a table, or simply show up, you’re not just having a nice evening — you’re helping ensure that justice in Hawai’i isn’t limited to those who can pay for it.

This year feels especially meaningful given the storm damage many in our community have experienced recently. Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and if you’re able, I’d also encourage you to consider a direct donation to the relief organizations doing critical work on the ground right now — you can find links on our website. The values that bring us together at events like the Pau Hana — service, community, and looking out for one another — are the same values that matter most in moments like this.

So if you haven’t already, grab your ticket before Wednesday. Whether you come solo, bring a colleague, or rally your whole firm to fill a table, we want to see you there. Leave the suit at the office if you’d like — this is a “come as you are” kind of evening.

On behalf of the HSBF Board, thank you for everything you do throughout the year to support our mission. I look forward to raising a glass with you this Wednesday and celebrating another year of “Lawyers with Aloha.”