​The Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i is pleased to announce a free legal information presentation on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hilo Lagoon Centre Conference Room. This session will cover essential topics including foreclosure, reverse mortgages, tenancy rights in foreclosure, and fair housing.
 
"We are hoping to offer useful legal information to support homeowners on Hawaiʻi Island who are experiencing financial hardship and facing mortgage delinquency, default, and/or foreclosures.  Staff from Legal Aid will offer a short presentation followed by a question-and-answer session." said Scott K.D. Shishido, Hawai‘i Island Managing Attorney.
 
No appointments are necessary, and the presentation is open to the public. However, space is limited. Please note that only legal information, not legal advice, will be shared during the session.
 
To reserve a spot, please contact Tiffany Anzai via email at [email protected] or by phone at (808) 961-2851 ext. 965. A light lunch will be provided to the first fifteen (15) attendees who RSVP.
 
The Hilo Lagoon Centre Conference Room is located on the first floor of the Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720.
 
This event is made possible through the generous support of Hawaii Community Lending.

​The Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i is pleased to announce the hiring of K. U’ilani Goods as the new managing attorney for its Maui County office. This appointment comes at a crucial time, following the recent Maui fires, where legal assistance is imperative for affected families.

In this role, Ms. Goods will lead a dedicated team in offices across Maui, Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i to provide direct legal services, community engagement, outreach and education, and statewide legal services initiatives.

As an attorney, Ms. Goods will be hands-on representing Legal Aid clients in the areas of family law, public assistance benefits, housing and consumer protection, and senior legal services.

As a former longtime Maui resident with deep roots off the shores of Hāmoa, Ms. Goods is familiar with Legal Aid’s advocacy and the legal needs of the community, having served 15 years ago as an AmeriCorps Advocate in our Maui Office before leaving the island to attend William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i. She also served as an Intake Paralegal in Legal Aid’s Honolulu office while attending law school.

“It is my honor to return to Legal Aid Maui to serve,” says Ms. Goods, whose experience as an AmeriCorps Advocate revealed a strong calling to serve the community. “While the recent devastation at home has left our hearts with seemingly indelible wounds, it has also ignited deep compassion and a call to aid. I had left Maui to attend law school with every intention to return and continue the work as a licensed attorney.”

Ms. Goods attended Maui High School from 1989-1990 and graduated from Kamehameha Schools, Kapalama. She earned her B.A. from Idaho State University and her Juris Doctorate from William S. Richardson School of Law.

In addition to her previous work with Legal Aid, Ms. Goods’ public interest law experience also includes services as a Legal Advocate with the Richardson School of Law’s Medical-Legal Partnership.

Most recently, Ms. Goods worked with King Nakamura & Chun-Hoon as a Labor Arbitration Advocate, Staff Attorney, and Managing Attorney. In these various roles, she supervised staff and office affairs, managed and represented labor and employment cases, drafted arguments and memoranda, and negotiated settlement agreements.

​Her expertise includes administrative law, grievance arbitration, and project and client management.

“It is a great honor to welcome Uʻi back to her legal roots at Legal Aid, and to support her profound dedication and commitment to serving her community,” says David Kauila Kopper, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi’s Executive Director. “We are confident that Ms. Goods’ leadership will strengthen Legal Aid’s impact throughout Maui Nui, fostering a stronger, more resilient legal support system for those in need.”

Maui, HI – In response to the recent wildfires that devastated parts of Maui, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi will be hosting free legal clinics for the public and individuals who have been impacted by the disaster. The clinics will be held on February 1, 2 and 3 at various locations.

On February 1, from 3 to 5 p.m., the clinic will be held at the Keōpūolani Hale, Kamehameha Schools Maui, Makawao.

On February 2, from 4 to 6 p.m., the clinic will be held at the CNHA Kako’o Maui at Maui Mall, Kahului.

The topics for both days will include landlord/tenant code and tenant rights, fair housing/housing discrimination issues, and protections included in the governor’s emergency proclamation for tenants.

On February 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the clinic will take place at the Lahaina Civic Center. Topics covered on this day include housing, legal education and resources, FEMA appeals, unemployment and public assistance, immigration, and family law.

“We are excited about the opportunity to engage with the community, particularly during this critical time,” said Legal Aid Managing Attorney Nick Severson. “These clinics are a great opportunity for those impacted both directly and indirectly by the Maui fires to learn about state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in the housing market, the protections of the governor's emergency proclamations related to the wildfires, and general tenant rights.”

Free interpretation will be available in Japanese, Chuukese, Ilocano, Tagalog and Spanish.

Staff will also be able to provide information on other services available from Legal Aid and will complete intakes for those interested in applying for services on the spot.

The Kona Self-Help Center (SHC) will re-open for in-person services on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, starting on January 24, 2024. Remote operations will continue on the other Wednesdays of the month (phone number: 808-909-2843). 
 
Volunteer attorneys will be available to provide limited legal information to self-represented litigants on Civil District and Family Court matters.    
 
The Kona SHC is located on the First Floor of the Kona (Keahuolu) Courthouse and is open on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., as long as a volunteer attorney is available to staff the SHC. No appointments are needed.
 
The Kona SHC is operated by a three-way partnership between the Judiciary of the State of Hawaiʻi, the West Hawaiʻi Bar Association/Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi.    

Honolulu, HI – The Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i encourages uninsured Hawai‘i residents who do not qualify for Medicaid to enroll in federal marketplace insurance by January 16, 2023 at 11:59 P.M. With staff ready to help consumers enroll into health insurance, the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i wants to remind consumers 5 things:

1. Final Deadline (January 16, 2023 at 11:59 P.M.): Marketplace Open Enrollment ends on January 16, 2023 at 11:59 P.M. After January 16, consumers need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a 2024 Marketplace plan. Triggers for a special enrollment period include loss of healthcare insurance, change in household composition, marriage, birth of a baby, or loss of income.

2. Affordable Coverage: Through the Inflation Reduction Act, more people qualify for financial help with health insurance costs. 4 out of 5 customers can find a plan for $10/month or less after subsidies.

3. Quality Plans: Marketplace plans cover 10 essential health benefits, including doctor visits, emergency care, behavioral health care, preventative care, hospital care, and prescription drugs.

4. Enrollment: Consumers can visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to enroll into Marketplace health insurance.

5. Need More Help? The Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i is ready to help consumers with enrollment. Call 808-536-4302, option 2.

Established in 1950 with 10 offices statewide, the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i is a non-profit, public interest law firm dedicated to increasing access to justice for the state’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people. 

This project is supported by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $294,882 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA – The U.S. Foundation of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) has donated $75,000 to the Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i for Wildfire Disaster Legal Assistance.

The tragic events that destroyed Lahaina and ravaged upcountry Maui continue to reverberate throughout Hawai'i and beyond. Many who lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and priceless possessions, will never fully recover. 

Nevertheless, there are many people working tirelessly to assist in the long and difficult journey back from this catastrophe. 

ACTL recognizes that attorneys will play a prominent role in this recovery, and that access to justice for many victims of the fires will require access to an attorney. The dedicated lawyers working with the Legal Aid Society 
of Hawai'i – Hawai'i’s oldest and largest non-profit, public interest law firm – will provide zero-fee disaster legal aid to the most vulnerable in our society. 

“ACTL’s partnership with Legal Aid is critical to supporting residents whose lives have been upended by the devastating wildfires on Maui, and enhances our ability to provide direct legal services, education, training, and outreach,” says David Kauila Kopper, Executive Director of Legal Aid Hawai'i. “The generosity of the Foundation’s donation to LASH will assist us in serving a clear public need — that those affected by the Maui wildfire disaster may begin to regain some control over their lives through the civil legal assistance and education provided. As individuals are able to rebuild their lives, the communities and economy of Maui will also begin to flourish again.”

LASH staff have been involved in the recovery effort from the start, providing disaster-related training and education at local resource fairs; staffing the Disaster Resource Centers along with other agencies; participating in weekly calls to coordinate governmental and non-governmental people and resources; disseminating information through their website and social media accounts; and, directly serving Maui residents with their immediate needs.

In the first two months following the fires, LASH opened more than 40 disaster-related cases. During this first phase of the recovery, most immediate needs have centered around document replacement (vital documents, immigration documents) and housing issues. As the recovery matures beyond the emergency phase, housing issues will persist and intensify, and residents are likely to require assistance with legal needs related to income, healthcare, domestic violence, and consumer issues such as debt and identity theft.

“The Foundation is honored to provide a $75,000 grant to support LASH in their vital mission to assist Maui wildfire victims, an effort that is expected to last several years and to cost well over $1M in total,” says David Hensler, President of the U.S. Foundation. “The Foundation is committed to providing access to justice to those who need it most and is deeply gratified to have quickly provided crucial assistance to the residents and businesses of Maui.”

In addition to the U.S. Foundation, many Fellows of the College, from both Hawai'i and the continent, have made individual donations to various organizations responding to the wildfires. These donations will help support those directly involved in recovery efforts, especially including the Legal Aid attorneys working to provide legal representation to those who otherwise might lack access to justice.

Hawai‘i Island, HI – The Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i will be offering free legal information presentations on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room.

Topics to be covered include: Divorce, Custody, Visitation, and Child Support (11:00 a.m.); Kūpuna Legal Issues, including Wills, Advanced Healthcare Directives, Powers of Attorney, and Guardianships (12:00 p.m.); Vital Documents and Health Insurance (12:30 p.m.); SSI/SSDI (1:00 p.m.); and Housing, including Landlord-Tenant, Foreclosure, and Reverse Mortgage (1:30 p.m.).

No appointments are needed, and all presentations are open to the public; however, the public is asked to keep in mind that only legal information, not legal advice can be shared during the presentations. For individuals wanting to apply for Legal Aid’s services, staff members will be on-site to assist with submitting an application.

“Our goal is to try to make this information more accessible to members of the community, especially for those who may not live near our Hilo or Kona offices,” says Hawai‘i Island Managing Attorney, Scott Shishido. “During stakeholder interviews, we repeatedly heard that it would be nice if Legal Aid was out in the community more; this is an effort to respond to those requests.”
​
The Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room is located at 96-1219 Kamani Street, Pāhala, Hawai‘i 96777.

The Board of Directors of The Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i is pleased to welcome David Kauila Kopper as its new Executive Director starting on June 13, 2023.

“The Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i is looking forward to working with David Kauila Kopper, our new Executive Director, in carrying on fulfilling our mission of providing high quality legal advocacy, outreach and education in pursuit of fairness and justice and improving access to justice, especially for our vulnerable community members,” said Blaine Rogers, President of the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i Board of Directors. 

David (AKA “Kauila”) comes to Legal Aid as the former Director of Litigation at Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (NHLC). He represented NHLC clients in various matters relating to Native Hawaiian rights law, including historic property and burial site preservation, government leases and programs, administrative law and due process rights, protection of traditional and customary practices, and land title and historical native land claims.  

Much of David’s practice with NHLC focused on holding the state and local governments to their trust obligations towards Native Hawaiians. He litigated Hawaiian entitlement program disputes, including those arising under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. He also litigated multiple lawsuits aimed to protect the exercise of traditional and customary practices on Mauna Kea. David started with NHLC as Intake Staff in 2010. He then took on the roles of Staff Attorney and Director of Litigation, and has also served as Interim Executive Director. 

David’s experience before all of Hawaiʻi’s courts and various administrative bodies, especially as a transitional leader at NHLC, will serve as an asset for Legal Aid as it continues its mission work after the departure of long-time Executive Director Nalani Fujimori Kaina.  

David excels at community engagement and working closely with prospective clients and partners, has continuing relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and has previously partnered with contract and grant providers to secure funding. He is passionate about serving the keiki and kūpuna, individuals and families, and Hawai‘i’s vulnerable groups and communities. 

He has also served as panel speaker and presenter at a wide range of trainings, conferences and radio shows, most recently for the Harvard Law Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA), National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) and Hawai‘i Access to Justice Commission. 
​
“I have always gravitated towards organizations that serve and empower communities, ʻohana, and people in need. And I deeply admire those rare breed of advocates who unselfishly dedicate themselves to that mission,” said David. “I am honored to serve as the next Executive Director of our state's oldest and largest nonprofit legal services provider and embrace wholeheartedly the kuleana entrusted to me: to carry forward LASH's 70-year legacy of advancing justice and fairness all across our pae ʻāina.”

Originally from Hilo, David received his degrees from William S. Richardson School of Law (J.D. magna cum laude, 2010) and from Arizona State University (magna cum laude, 2006). He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. 
​
In his spare time, he is either out in nature or playing music. He is an avid outdoorsman and a classically trained professional musician with hundreds of public performances. 

​We are excited to see Legal Aid continue its pursuit to build a just society and advance access to justice under David's leadership. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome.