Tidbits and Thoughts . . .
Legal Aid's Online News
July 29, 2015
In Other News . . .
Buyers of 'Weight Loss Cure' would get $11 checks under refund plan
BY DEBRA CASSENS WEISS
A federal judge in Chicago gave tentative approval on Tuesday to a plan to send $11 refund checks to buyers of a book called The Weight Loss Cure 'They' Don't Want You to Know About. U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman said he would give lawyers for TV pitchman Kevin Trudeau a chance to weigh in on the plan before making a final decision . . . . Trudeau had claimed the diet described in the book offered easy weight loss techniques when it actually restricted followers to 500 calories a day.
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi partnered with the HSBA's Young Lawyers Division to train attorneys for disaster relief efforts. Legal Aid Executive Director, M. Nalani Fujimori Kaina and YLD President, Miriah Holden conducted training for nearly 30 attorneys. The attorneys are now trained to provide legal information in areas such as insurance, maritime, housing, and other issues that could impact the community as a result of a natural disaster. Last year, attorneys from the Hawaii County Bar Association provided legal information at clinics set up to help residents affected by Hurricane Iselle and the lava flow.
Photo credit: Ryan Hew
Legal Aid's Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center Receives Grant to Help Pacific Islanders
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii applied for and was awarded a grant from the City and County of Honolulu to help start the Pacific Islander Legal Services Project through Legal Aid's Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center. The project will help expand legal services to residents from the Pacific Islands. HIJC outreach specialist, Joanne Loeak provided testimony on the importance of the project to the Honolulu City Council upon the invitation of Council member Kymberly Marcos Pine.
Legal Aid's Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center outreach specialist, Joanne Loeak
Life Foundation Speaks On Transgender Issues
Representatives from the Life Foundation provided training to Legal Aid staff about transgender issues and how to best reach out to the transgender community. Cathy Kapua and Maddalynn Sesepasara were invited by the Fair Housing unit as part of Fair Housing's monthly brown bag training seminars to help staff learn more about the different communities that Legal Aid serves.
Staff from the Fair Housing unit ask more questions after the presentation from the Life Foundation representatives.
Huffingtonpost Quotes Legal Aid Attorney
The Huffingtonpost quotes Legal Aid attorney Janet Kelly about an issue that affects many here in Hawaii. Legal Aid continues its longtime work of helping our homeless get the help that they need.
New California Law Gives Free IDs To Homeless People So They Can Access Housing, School
Another AmeriCorps term is nearly upon us and we need your help with recruitment. This year's AmeriCorps members have been fantastic with many being honored by the local bar associations, the Judiciary, and other partner agencies for their work and commitment.
Although some members will continue for another term, Legal Aid will have 3 Full-Time and 2-3 Quarter time (self-help center) positions on Oahu to be filled. If you know anyone who is bright, public interest/community minded, and interested in learning more about the law, please feel free to pass along the attached information. More information
