President's Message

For this month’s message to the Hawaii State Bar Association , I was inspired by the words of Aunty Pilahi Paki, Judge Kobayashi, and Justice Eddins. Yesterday I gave a similar speech to 60 new admittees to the bar at the Hawaii Supreme Court. Congratulations!

Aloha Bar Members,

As we enter this season of gratitude, I invite you to reflect on the Aloha Spirit and its relationship with our Hawai?i Rules of Professional Conduct (HRPC). Embracing this spirit aligns with our responsibilities as legal professionals and can enrich our work and interactions with clients, colleagues, and the community.

Passed in 1986, Act 202 codified the Aloha Spirit in Hawai?i Revised Statutes (HRS) § 5-7.5. It was written by respected kupuna, Aunty Pilahi Paki (1910–1985), who is quoted as saying,

“The world will turn to Hawai?i as they search for world peace because Hawai?i has the key…and that key is Aloha!”

The statute encourages the “legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts” to give consideration to the Aloha Spirit when carrying out their duties on behalf of Hawai?i’s people.

U.S. District Court Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi noted in Zyda v. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts that

the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai?i should consider the Aloha Spirit in its proceedings and “expects counsel appearing before [the Court] to do the same."

Judge Kobayashi connected this expectation to HRPC Preamble § 1, which emphasizes our roles as representatives, officers of the legal system, and public citizens committed to justice. She clarified that “considering the Aloha Spirit does not mean that conflicts and disputes will not arise, nor does it mean that a party must abandon his or her firmly-held beliefs.” Rather, it serves as a guide for how conflicts are resolved—with respect, compassion, and civility.

Likewise, Hawai?i Supreme Court Justice Todd W. Eddins recently suggested that Hawai?i’s Constitution might best be interpreted through the lens of history, inspired by the Aloha Spirit. As he wrote in City & County of Honolulu v. Sunoco LP,

“The Aloha Spirit inspires constitutional interpretation.”

An approach he reaffirmed in State v. Wilson. This philosophy reminds us of the broader, shared responsibilities we bear as guardians of justice.

In our daily practice, the values expressed in HRS § 5-7.5(a),

Akahai (kindness), Lokahi (unity), Oluolu (agreeableness), Haahaa (humility), and Ahonui (patience)

can help us approach each case, client, and colleague with renewed understanding. These values, the foundation of Aloha Spirit, can elevate our practice and our professional responsibilities.

Embracing the Aloha Spirit can also help us fulfill another purpose outlined in HRPC Preamble § 13—our “vital role in the preservation of society.” We are charged not only with advocating for justice but also with exemplifying a spirit of unity and respect that enhances our profession and strengthens our community.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our bar and the community we serve.

Mahalo and be well,

Jesse K. Souki

HSBA President