February 2026 e-Newsletter
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HSBA Executive Director's Message
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Aloha,
This marks my inaugural ED column and I'm thrilled to be able to share more about my time thus far at the HSBA. First, I want to thank all our members for their patience as we transitioned to a new management system for our critical member data. As with any transition, it requires significant change management and this shift to a new system, after 11 years, was no different. Our HSBA team worked tirelessly to respond to questions, concerns, and assisted our more than 8,000 members with their renewal process. They have a vested interest in our members' success and I have been lucky to see that from a "close up" perspective.
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In these extremely challenging times, with many of our democratic norms and institutions under attack, the Hawaii State Bar Foundation calls upon all Hawai'i attorneys to think about the vital role we play in upholding the rule of law.
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This month, the Young Lawyers Division is honored to host the 2026 Hawai‘i High School Mock Trial Competition! This year marks a historic milestone: a record-breaking 22 teams representing public and private schools across O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i Island.
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Happy Lunar New Year! In case your January 2026 didn’t go as well as planned, February offers another “New Year” opportunity to reboot!
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Mark your calendars - and tell your friends!
The Hawaii State Bar Foundation Law Day Golf Tournament returns April 27th at the O‘ahu Country Club.
Join Hawaii’s legal community for a great day on the green while supporting access to justice across our state. Sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales opening soon - don’t miss your chance to be part of this long-standing Law Day tradition.
More details coming soon!
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Are you in need of CLE credits or can't attend a CLE live webcast? Visit our online CLE Webcast Library! There are more than 30 recorded webcasts available for viewing. Purchase webcasts at your convenience!
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Questions? Contact the HSBA Programs Department at (808) 792-7336 or CLE@hsba.org.
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Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS)
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For over 51 years, the Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) has been a valuable resource for both bar members and the public seeking legal representation. Throughout that time, the program has provided attorneys with meaningful opportunities to grow and sustain their practices.
LRIS panel members in private practice offer their professional services to individuals actively seeking qualified legal representation and prepared to pay for those services. Getting started is simple—complete a registration form and select the areas of law in which you practice.
Why not give it a try?
- Try the program for three months for a prorated fee of $106.25
- Join for the remainder of the fiscal year (ending June 30, 2026) for a prorated fee of $187.50
Simply complete the LRIS registration form with your preferred areas of expertise, and we will take care of the rest.
If you have questions, please email LRIS@hsba.org or call 808-792-7350 to speak with the LRIS Administrator.
We look forward to connecting you with your next client.
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New Admits: HSBA Bar Cards
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Order your Bar Card today! To request an online order, please visit the HSBA website here. For more information, please contact Wendy Manago at wmanago@hsba.org.
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Hawai‘i State Judiciary
The Hawai‘i State Judiciary and the Commission to Promote and Advance Civic Education (PACE) celebrated ʻEwa Makai Middle School and Waialua High & Intermediate as the state’s first “Schools of Democracy” at the middle school level.
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Hawai‘i State Judiciary
On January 28, five women graduated from the second cohort of the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s Mohala Wahine program—also known as Oʻahu’s Women’s Court—during a ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom.
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Hawai‘i State Judiciary
Governor Josh Green recently announced the appointment of Stephanie R.S. Char as circuit court judge of the Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit (Kauaʻi). Char fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen N. A. Watanabe, who retired in August 2025, subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate.
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Per Diem Judge Announcements
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- Lance Collins was recently reappointed as a Per Diem District and District Family Court Judge in the Second Circuit. Judge Collins’ term is effective February 12, 2026, through February 11, 2027.
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Applicants Sought for First Circuit (Island of O‘ahu) District Family Court and District Court Per Diem Judges
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The District Family Court and the District Court of the First Circuit are accepting applications on a rolling basis from attorneys interested in serving as per diem judges. The application form is posted on the Judiciary website.
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Criminal Division of the First Circuit Court Seeking Attorneys
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The Criminal Division of the First Circuit Court is seeking attorneys interested in serving as court appointed counsel in criminal cases.
Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai‘i and have experience in litigation and/or criminal practice. Applicants should indicate whether they have a preference of offense classifications for which they would like to be considered.
Attorneys from all islands are welcome to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to:
Judge Ronald G. Johnson
Criminal Administrative Judge
777 Punchbowl St. Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-539-4173
Email: 17thdivision.1cc@courts.hawaii.gov
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Mahalo to the January 2026 Volunteer Attorneys and Firms!
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The Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i, Hawai'i State Judiciary, and Bar Associations across the state proudly recognize the following firms and attorneys who volunteered their time at the Honolulu Access to Justice Room and Self-Help Centers across the state during the month of January 2026.
These volunteers provided critical legal information and support to self-represented litigants across the islands. We extend our deepest gratitude to the firms and attorneys listed below for helping to make justice more accessible for all.
Honolulu Access to Justice Room
Chun Kerr
Office of Disciplinary Counsel
Schlack Ito
Brandon Yahiro
Cambrie Motooka
Derek Kobayashi
Gilbert Doles
Hannah Caddle
Jay Nakasone
Jessica Adlam
Kau'i Yamane
Leroy Colombe
Lianna Figueroa
Lloyd Lim
Mike Goodman
Nicole Lam
Raymond Kong
Scott George Morita
Tatjana Johnson
Treyson Suemori
Walter Hebblethwaite
Kaua'i Self-Help Center
Emiko Meyers
Laura Barzilai
Sean Hartlieb
Maui Self-Help Center
Brianne Wong Leong
David Raatz
Frank Loyd Jr
Lauren Akitake
Sam Shnider
Kona Self-Help Center
Georgette Yaindl
Judy Howard
Liz Geddes
Nicholas Kittleson
Ronald Ibarra
Suzette J. Hill
Victor M. Cox
Hilo Self-Help Center
Alan Komagome
Georgia Berrenberg
Jennifer Zelko
Jessica Uchida
Karly Aoki
Lea Cooper
Scott Shishido
Sheena Crail
Mahalo for your service and dedication. To join our growing pro bono network and support access to justice in your community, please contact Tiane Inciong at tiane.inciong@legalaidhawaii.org
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Advanced Training on Divorce, Custody, and Paternity Law for Pro Bono Attorneys
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Legal Aid offers complimentary, online, on-demand training sessions for pro bono attorneys, covering divorce, custody, and paternity law. These sessions provide a thorough introduction to divorce, custody, and paternity law and procedures, focusing on essential information that volunteers need to assist self-represented litigants at Self-Help Centers or to support pro bono cases. CLE credit is available for participants.
To learn more about accessing these training sessions and pro bono opportunities, please reach out to Tiane Inciong at tiane.inciong@legalaidhawaii.org
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In-Person & Remote Volunteers Needed for the Honolulu Access to Justice Room
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The Honolulu Access to Justice now offers both remote, and in-person services at the courthouse, and we need your help!
By volunteering, you play a crucial role in bridging the justice gap for self-represented litigants facing legal challenges in landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, debt collection, and other district court matters.
Volunteer Opportunities:
In-Person Shifts: First Wednesday of the month at Honolulu District Court (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) (11:00 AM- 1:00 PM)
Remote Shifts: All other Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) (11:00 AM- 1:00 PM)
Why Volunteer?
- Flexible 2-hour shifts available
- Comprehensive online training provided (CLE Available)
- Ongoing support to ensure you feel confident and prepared.
- Choose between remote or in-person options to fit your schedule.
- Meaningful pro bono work!
Whether you’re a returning volunteer or new to the program, your participation is vital to ensuring access to justice for our community.
Interested? Have Questions?
Visit our website!
Contact: Tiane Inciong at tiane.inciong@legalaidhawaii.org for more details.
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Looking for Legal Lines Volunteers (Answer Calls From Your Home or Office)
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The Young Lawyers Division is looking for Legal Lines volunteers. Legal Lines is a weekly hotline with services provided by attorney volunteers every Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Attorneys provide legal information to the general public. Calls are being answered remotely and will be forwarded to your mobile phone, so you can take calls from your office or home. If you are interested in providing legal information to the public in these trying times, please contact the YLD at yldhawaii@gmail.com.
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VLSH Neighborhood Advice and Counsel Clinics (via phone and in-person)
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VLSH staff completes a full intake and will provide conflicts check and background information to the volunteer attorney the week prior to volunteering. Attorneys will provide advice and counsel for approximately 45 minutes over the phone or in-person during scheduled clinics. Volunteer attorneys generally will have 3-4 clients per clinic shift. VLSH needs volunteer attorneys in family law, estate planning, bankruptcy (high need!), and district court matters. Email volunteer@vlsh.org to sign up!
For more information about volunteering see link, Get Involved – Volunteer Legal Services of Hawaiʻi
Or call the Intake Line:
(808) 528-7046
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fax: (808) 524-2147
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If you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to contact our support team!
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Hawaii State Bar Association, 1100 Alakea Street, Suite 1000 , Honolulu, HI 96813
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