Hear From the
YLD President

Aloha,

Over the last few weeks, communities across the islands have felt the devastating effects of several storm systems. We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to the community members, our colleagues at the Bar, and the Office of the Public Defender for their collective generosity during our recent donation drive. Their support ensured that essential water, food, and hygiene and cleaning supplies reach our neighbors in Haleiwa and Waialua. It is in times like these that the spirit of kōkua remains our most powerful tool.

Building on that spirit, I am honored to invite you to join the YLD for Law Week, May 1–8, 2026.

For many, the legal system can feel like a maze of complex language and daunting barriers. This May, the YLD is committed to transforming those barriers into bridges. Under this year’s American Bar Association theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” we are reminded that our legal system is designed to protect the rights and freedoms that define our community. Our members are dedicated to making that protection accessible to everyone through pro bono service.

Whether you prefer an in-person conversation or a phone call, we are here to listen and provide guidance:

• In-Person Legal Clinics: Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3. Our volunteers will be stationed across O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island, and Kaua‘i to provide free legal information.
• Legal Lines Hotline: Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8, 6-7 p.m, call 808-537-1868.
• Expert Tips: Tune in to the KHON2 morning segments throughout Law Week, where our volunteers will share practical insights on topics ranging from family law to personal injury.

Behind every legal file is a human story. Our volunteers often express that the most impactful moments are those where a simple, clear conversation replaces anxiety with a sense of peace. Our mission is to ensure that no one in our community has to navigate the legal system alone.

We invite you to join us in celebrating a week where the law meets the heart. For full details on clinic locations and resources, please visit hsba.org/young-lawyers-division.

If you are a fellow attorney, we encourage you to be a part of this tradition. If you would like to volunteer your time, please reach out to us at yldhawaii@gmail.com.

Mahalo for your continued support and for all you do to serve our islands.

Mahalo,
Lauren Watanabe