Betty Vitousek Access to Justice Award:Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court Chief Justice, Mark E. Recktenwald (ret.)
From Left: Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald (ret.), Managing Attorney, Janet Kelly, Deputy Director, Angela Lovitt, Executive Director, David Kopper
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald (ret.) served as Chief Justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court from 2010 until his retirement in 2025, following earlier roles as Associate Justice and Chief Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School, his distinguished career also included service as Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and private practice attorney.
Chief Justice Recktenwald made expanding access to justice a defining priority of his tenure. He helped champion the creation of courthouse Self-Help Centers and Access to Justice Rooms statewide, in 2011. These centers—developed in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Judiciary, the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i State Bar Association, and local bar associations—have provided more than 40,000 free legal consultations to self-represented litigants in civil cases. His leadership helped Hawai‘i rank among the top states nationally for access to justice and ensured thousands of residents received critical legal assistance, information, and education at no cost. He also spearheaded modernization initiatives such as electronic filing and remote hearings, preserving court access during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and Maui wildfires.
Chief Justice Recktenwald made expanding access to justice a defining priority of his tenure. He helped champion the creation of courthouse Self-Help Centers and Access to Justice Rooms statewide, in 2011. These centers—developed in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Judiciary, the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i State Bar Association, and local bar associations—have provided more than 40,000 free legal consultations to self-represented litigants in civil cases. His leadership helped Hawai‘i rank among the top states nationally for access to justice and ensured thousands of residents received critical legal assistance, information, and education at no cost. He also spearheaded modernization initiatives such as electronic filing and remote hearings, preserving court access during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and Maui wildfires.
Community Award: HHHRC Executive Director, Heather Lusk
From Left: Managing Attorney Janet Kelly, HHHRC Executive Director, Heather Lusk, Executive Director David Kopper, Deputy Director Angela Lovitt
A vital part of Heather’s vision is her unwavering commitment to access to justice. Under her leadership, HHHRC has integrated legal services into its available services through an on-site Medical Legal Partnership, recognizing that health and justice are inseparably linked. She understands that people facing discrimination, housing instability, criminalization, or barriers to identification cannot fully thrive without legal advocacy and support. Her efforts have ensured that clients receive the legal assistance they need to stabilize their lives, assert their rights, and move forward with confidence.
Because of Heather’s guidance, HHHRC has become a model for how we can care for one another with compassion, evidence-based practices, and a steadfast belief that every person deserves safety, support, respect—and justice. Whether responding to emerging health crises, advocating for policy change, or mentoring future leaders in public health, Heather shows us what true community partnership looks like: steady, collaborative, innovative, and deeply human.
Because of Heather’s guidance, HHHRC has become a model for how we can care for one another with compassion, evidence-based practices, and a steadfast belief that every person deserves safety, support, respect—and justice. Whether responding to emerging health crises, advocating for policy change, or mentoring future leaders in public health, Heather shows us what true community partnership looks like: steady, collaborative, innovative, and deeply human.
Pro Bono Award: Schlack Ito
From Left: Managing Attorney Janet Kelly, Deputy Director Angela Lovitt, Schlack Ito Attorney Derek R. Kobayashi, Executive Director, David Kopper
Schlack Ito attorneys have made a lasting impact through their pro bono casework and exceptional commitment to the Honolulu Access to Justice Room. Their advocacy has helped Legal Aid reach more individuals and families in need, with clients consistently expressing appreciation for the care and professionalism they receive. Going above and beyond typical firm participation, Schlack Ito staffed the Access to Justice Room every Friday for an entire year, ensuring consistent access to legal guidance for self-represented litigants during a time of growing demand.
Legacy Award: Howard Luke
From Left: Executive Director David Kopper, Howard Luke, Managing Attorney Janet Kelly, Deputy Director Angela Lovitt
A respected member of the Hawaiˊi Bar since 1977, Howard Luke has dedicated his career to professionalism, mentorship, and public service. He has served on the Hawaiˊi State Bar Association Board of Directors, including as President, and co-founded the HSBA Trial Academy, where he continues to teach and inspire young lawyers. In 2023, he received the prestigious HSBA President’s Award for his outstanding contributions to the legal community.
For more than a decade, Howard has been a steadfast supporter of the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiˊi, serving on its Board of Directors, sponsoring attorneys for the Trial Academy, and offering pro bono guidance to staff and leadership. His generosity, integrity, and commitment to justice have made a lasting impact on Hawaii’s legal profession.
For more than a decade, Howard has been a steadfast supporter of the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiˊi, serving on its Board of Directors, sponsoring attorneys for the Trial Academy, and offering pro bono guidance to staff and leadership. His generosity, integrity, and commitment to justice have made a lasting impact on Hawaii’s legal profession.
