Hear From the
YLD President

Aloha and Happy New Year!

I intended for my first message as YLD President to be uplifting and inspiring. However, the first month of the new year isn't over yet, and we’re already evaluating the global fallout of the U.S. military's capture of President Maduro in Venezuela, and the escalating violence occurring domestically that continues to expose two starkly opposed Americas. Here in Hawai'i, we've been relatively isolated from geopolitical issues faced by the rest of the country and world. However, recently, the significant rise in arrests and removals of individuals in Hawai’i by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, the threat of brutality amidst the erosion of political systems, and the rising cost of living are felt sharply despite our State’s distance. So how can we not talk about it?

Regardless of political affiliation, this is a daunting time for everyone. We are less isolated than ever and can no longer depend on Hawai’i’s physical distance to ignore or keep geopolitical issues at bay. This is an opportunity for us to utilize our training and determine how we can help in such uncertain times. Especially when current international tensions intimately impact our profession.

My call to action is that as young lawyers, we all have the developing skill, will, and responsibility to do something meaningful, whether it’s reaching out to our congressional delegation or helping with local initiatives. Locally, you can start by volunteering with YLD's Legal Lines, which offers members of the community important legal information. You can also volunteer with YLD to help monitor courtrooms in the upcoming Hawai'i High School Mock Trial Competitions held on February 21 and 28 and March 7. The Mock Trial program brings together students from across the State to the courtroom to learn about the legal system, develop critical thinking skills, and gain confidence in public speaking. If you’re interested in volunteering in either of these programs, please reach out to us at yldmocktrial@gmail.com.

To that end, the 2026 YLD Board extends our appreciation to Pulice Nervell, for generously sponsoring Legal Lines this month. We’d also like to thank the many volunteer attorneys who power the lines. This support helps YLD members to provide valuable legal information to the public, and we truly appreciate your partnership in serving our community.

The 2026 YLD Board is looking forward to an exciting and energetic year. All of our members are dedicated and eager to continue the YLD legacy of Legal Lines, Mock Trial, Wellness Challenge, and Law Week. We can't wait to take on 2026 to make a positive difference here in Hawaii.

In addition to our website, please follow the YLD on social for up-to-date information on upcoming events.

Mahalo,
Lauren Watanabe