Kimberly (far left) and her children posed with Chantrelle Waialae (far right).  Waialae, a William S. Richardson School of Law student, volunteered at Legal Aid's Leeward Office through an Advocates for Public Interest Law (APIL) summer grant program.

The Legal Aid Society of Hawai´i extends its gratitude to the  members of the Leadership Circle for their  support and committment  to Legal Aid's Justice Campaign and its shared vision of 

 "Building a Just Society."

Members of Legal Aid's Leadership Circle: 

On Hawaii 24/7,  www.hawaii247.com 

11/9/15

KEALAKEKUA, HI - Thirty attorneys were recognized for their volunteer service during the Self-Help Recognition Awards on November 6, at the Kona Courthouse in Kealakekua. These attorneys provided free legal information to West Hawaii residents who visited the Self-Help Desk at the Kona Courthouse.

 

The Kona Self-Help Desk was established in October 2013 as part of the Hawaii State Judiciary's commitment to increasing access to justice in the courts. Since opening, the Self-Help Desk has helped more than 1,000 people, with volunteer attorneys providing approximately 400 hours of legal information on District and Family Court civil matters, such as temporary restraining orders and divorce. These services have been provided at almost no cost to the state.

 

"I am grateful to the attorneys who volunteer their time at our Self-Help Desk, assisting individuals who must represent themselves in court. The generous donation of professional services by these attorneys has been essential to advancing our goal of ensuring that all Hawaii residents have equal access to justice," said Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald.

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Legal Aid Homeless Outreach Team 

For over a decade, Legal Aid staff attorney Janet Kelly has provided legal services to those experiencing homelessness through outreach and on-site services at locations around Oahu. She's joined by the homeless outreach team of Carly Williamson (outreach specialist), John Kaaihue (GA-SSI), and Maya Scimeca (AmeriCorps advocate) in visiting the beaches of the Leeward Coast, providing intake services at the Institute of Human Services, and answering questions at the Waimanalo Health Center. 

 

The outreach team helps people apply for a copy of their birth certificate and other needed legal documents, apply for SSI or public benefits, and provides community education to prepare people for home readiness and transition out of homelessness. 

 

The impact of the outreach team's work has been the difference for Anthony; who was living on the beach for 14 years. When his health began to fail, he could no longer work on cars and he eventually lost his job. On his good days, Anthony collected cans and bottles to recycle and made about $60 a month. Not wanting to be a burden, Anthony eventually lost contact with his family and friends. The outreach team was able to get Anthony the help that he needed and turn his life around. 

 

"I was at my last stop when I met Legal Aid in Kapolei Park. I was prepared to finish my life-everything was so hopeless-I was alone, my health was bad, and I couldn't work. With Legal Aid's help I am back on my feet . . . . Now, I am feeling better, living in shelter, and getting my life back!" -Anthony

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii joined APIL's (Advocates for Public Interest Law) Pro Bono Fair at the William S. Richardson School of Law. Legal Aid and other organizations answered questions from law students about summer clerkships and pro bono opportunities. Interest in the Chris Iijima Fellowship at Legal Aid's Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center was particularly high. The fellowship is a commemoration of Chris Iijima, a professor at the law school, active in the Pre-Admission program to assure that all Hawaii residents have an equal opportunity to enter the challenging curriculum of law school by easing them into school with preparatory classes.

 

Rochelle Sugawa, 2015 Chris Iijima Fellow shared,

 

My experience at HIJC as a Chris Iijima Fellow is unlike anything I have experienced in my law school classes. I'm receiving practical legal training, which is not emphasized in the traditional law school curriculum, and I have experienced how immigration law intersects with other areas of law such as criminal law, family law, and military law. Through our work with domestic violence and trafficking victims, I now also appreciate the importance of collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations. . . I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to give back to my community and will definitely take what I have learned at HIJC with me throughout my career.