Ashford & Wriston in the News 
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Lucky Number 7
4/30/2012
In the April 27, 2012 edition of Pacific Business News, Ashford & Wriston moved up a notch to number 7 on the list of the largest law firms in Hawaii.Top of Page |
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Honored to be of Service
4/18/2012
On April 12, 2012, Volunteer Legal Services Hawai`i named Ashford & Wriston to its "2011 Pro Bono Honor Roll" for providing between 75-99 hours of free legal services through VLSH in 2011. For more information about VLSH, click here.
Ashford & Wriston, which was founded in 1955, is one of Hawaii's ten largest law firms. The firm has a diverse statewide practice, with emphasis in all aspects of real estate law and civil litigation. The firm has pledged that each of it attorneys will provide at least 50 hours per year of volunteer legal services to non-profit institutions and individuals of limited means who qualify for pro bono representation.Top of Page |
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Eminent Domain & Land Use in Hawaii
3/7/2012
A&W partner James Mee will be a presenter at The Seminar Group's "Eminent Domain & Land Use in Hawaii" seminar on May 10, 2012 at the YWCA. Program topics include updates on eminent domain law, land use issues associated with transit oriented development, and potential issues involving Native Hawaiian burials and the right-of-way for the proposed transit system. To register for the seminar call 1-800-574-4852.Top of Page |
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Public Radio Gets a Boost
2/10/2012
A&W attorneys Rosemary Fazio and Jack Lockwood were quoted in a recent Pacific Business News article reporting on Hawaii Public Radio's plans to install two new signal boosters to improve reception for listeners in Windward Oahu. Ms. Fazio, an HPR board member, noted that the organization was committed to providing the best possible transmission of HPR programs throughout the state. The news was greeted with considerable enthusiasm from Mr. Lockwood who said he was "looking forward to receiving a clear signal" so that he could enjoy HPR's "great program streams." Ms. Fazio and Mr. Lockwood have both served as chairs of HPR's board of directors. Read more.Top of Page |
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The Gift of Life
2/10/2012
A&W has been a strong supporter of the Blood Bank of Hawaii for over 25 years. In 2011 members of the firm's "Lifesaver Club" donated 33 whole blood units, which more than doubled the firm's yearly goal. According to the Blood Bank, "statistics for Hawaii show that 60 percent of people need blood in their lifetime and only two percent donate." A&W is proud of the role that it plays in filling the gap and ensuring that blood will be available to those who need it in our community.Top of Page |
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Hawaii Foreclosures and Workouts
2/09/2012
A&W partner Frank Hogan will be a presenter at National Business Institute's "Hawaii Foreclosures and Workouts" seminar on April 18, 2012 at the Ala Moana Hotel. To register call 1-800-930-6182.Top of Page |
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Conversing about Foreclosures
1/06/2012
A&W partner Frank Hogan was featured on the January 6, 2012 edition of "The Conversation" on Hawaii Public Radio. Mr. Hogan discussed the continuing challenges faced by local lenders as a result of recent changes to Hawaii's foreclosure law. "We tried to convince the legislature last year," Mr. Hogan explained, "that this was not a one size fits all kind of problem with a one size fits all solution." For example, in 2010 local non-profit credit unions only foreclosed on 22 mortgages throughout the state. Yet, they are treated the same as large for-profit mainland-based lenders under Hawaii's new foreclosure law. Because of these new requirements, it makes it increasingly difficult for small lenders to cost-effectively recover the losses that they sustain when a borrower stops paying their mortgage. Ultimately, Mr. Hogan noted, these losses will be borne by the credit union's members. To listen to "The Conversation" click here.Top of Page |
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Defending Landowner Rights
1/06/2012
The Intermediate Court of Appeals has affirmed the entry of summary judgment in favor of landowner First United Methodist Church in one of the last mandatory leasehold condemnation cases attempted under ROH Chapter 38. (Read the opinion). At issue in the case was whether there were sufficient, qualified owner-occupants within the Admiral Thomas condominium necessary to support a condemnation of the Church's fee interest. Among other things, the Lessees argued that the Court should overlook the failure to strictly comply with the statutory requirements and apply its equitable powers to order the the condemnation. The Court rejected this argument and also ordered that the matter should be remanded to the trial court for a further determination as to the total damages sustained by the Church as a result of the failed condemnation. The Church was represented in this matter by a team of A&W attorneys led by James K. Mee, who was recognized by Honolulu Magazine as the 2011 Eminent Domain and Condemnation Lawyer of the Year.Top of Page |
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Aoki Tapped To Decide Contested Case Hearing for Thirty Meter Telescope
8/15/2011
A&W partner Paul Aoki is serving as the hearings officer for a contested case hearing involving a proposal to construct a Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Read more here.Top of Page |
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Graham Elected to American College of Real Estate Lawyers
8/3/2011
A&W partner Bruce Graham was recently elected to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, which is the premier organization of U.S. real estate laywers. Admission to ACREL is by invitation only and involves a particularly rigorous screening process. According to ACREL, its distinguished members are recognized for their "outstanding legal ability, experience and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice of real estate law."Top of Page |
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Over $350,000 in Real Property Tax Savings
7/28/2011
A&W partner Rosemary Fazio successfully represented Lowe's HIW, Inc. in a real property tax appeal.The non-confidential settlement resulted in real property tax savings of $356,944.00 for the client. Ms. Fazio worked closely with local appraiser James Hallstrom on the project. She noted that the available "evidence provided ample justification for the substantial tax savings." Ms. Fazio added,"the key is being able to identify the pertinent data and then present that in a compelling manner."Top of Page |
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New Foreclosure Law Misses the Mark
7/13/2011
Frank Hogan, the head of A&W's Litigation Department, participated in a panel discussion sponsored by the Hawaii State Bar Association regarding Hawaii's new mortgage foreclosure law. Although ostensibly intended to aid homeowners facing foreclosure, attorneys representing both lenders and homeowners have expressed doubt that it will work. As a result, Hogan and others, have indicated that lenders will be more likely to pursue judicial foreclosures. Read more here.Top of Page |
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Judicial Performance
5/3/2011
A&W partner Rosemary Fazio has been appointed to the Hawaii Supreme Court's Special Committee on Judicial Performance. Rosemary fills the slot that was vacated by David Louie upon his confirmation as Hawaii's Attorney General. Rosemary's term will expire on March 28, 2014.Top of Page |
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Fazio Selected to Serve on Judicial Performance Committee
3/2/2011
A&W partner Rosemary Fazio has been selected to serve a three year term on the Hawaii State Bar Association's Judicial Performance Committee. The Committee is comprised of judges, the administrative director of the Judiciary, lawyers and non-lawyers. Rosemary previously chaired the State's Judicial Selection Commission.Top of Page |
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Fazio Elected to HSBA SCD Board
11/10/2010
A&W partner Rosemary Fazio has been elected to a two year term as a Director of the Hawaii State Association's Senior Counsel Division.Top of Page |
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Best of the Best
10/22/2010
Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named James K. Mee as the “Honolulu Best Lawyers Eminent Domain and Condemnation Lawyer of the Year” for 2011.
After more than a quarter of a century in publication, Best Lawyers is designating “Lawyers of the Year” in high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities. Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is being honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.”
Best Lawyers compiles its lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The current, 17th edition of The Best Lawyers in America (2011) is based on more than 3.1 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.
The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” have received particularly high ratings in our surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.
Steven Naifeh, President of Best Lawyers, says, “We continue to believe – as we have believed for more than 25 years – that recognition by one’s peers is the most meaningful form of praise in the legal profession. We would like to congratulate James K. Mee on being selected as the ‘Honolulu Best Lawyers Eminent Domain and Condemnation Lawyer of the Year’ for 2011.”Top of Page |
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Judicial Selection Merits Attention
10/19/2010
Partner Rosemary Fazio, in the firm's Litigation Department, has authored an article for the Hawaii Bar Journal. The article primarily describes Hawaii's merit selection system of selecting and retaining state court judges. The article also discusses the procedure recently utilized by Hawaii's federal senators to screen applicants to the federal bench. In writing the article, Ms. Fazio drew upon her past experience as chairperson of Hawaii's state judicial selection commission and current role as secretary of Hawaii's federal judicial selection commission. Read more.Top of Page |
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Division of Property in Hawaii: Does the Law Unduly Favor the Economically Advantaged Spouse?
10/14/2010
Attorney Paul Tomar, the head of A&W's Family Law Department, has authored an article for the Hawaii Bar Journal. The article discusses Hawaii's dual system of dividing property, under which a marital partnership model has been judicially superimposed upon an existing statutory equitable distribution regime. It analyzes how appellate decisions interpreting the marital partnership model have cumulatively eroded equitable distribution principles-- to the substantial benefit of economically advantaged spouses. Read more.Top of Page |
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Green Building Attorneys Published by American Bar Association
9/7/2010
A&W attorneys and LEED Accredited Professionals Michael Vieira and Zachary Antalis' article entitled Green Building Patents was recently published by the American Bar Association as part of the ABA Young Lawyers Division's 101 Practice Series. The article discusses the relationship between sustainable building and intellectual property law. The article can be located here.Top of Page |
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Ashford & Wriston Ranked as One of Hawaii's Leading Firms
6/29/2010
In the 2010 edtion of Chambers and Partners' rankings of the top law firms in Hawaii, Ashford & Wriston is described as being "[e]xtremely well known and well regarded" and lauded for excelling in traditional real estate work. Partner Bruce Graham was recognized for his expertise in complex transactional work, commerical leasing, land title work and trust administration. Chambers also recognized partner Rosemary Fazio as "a great choice for ground lease negotiations." The firm's bankrupcty and restructuring practice was similarly praised by Chambers and managing partner Cuyler Shaw was singled out for being "very prominent" and "representing an array of clients."Top of Page |
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A&W Wins Award at 72nd Annual Hawaii Credit Union League Convention
6/7/2010
Ashford & Wriston was honored to receive the "Best Booth" award at the 72nd Annual Hawaii Credit Union League Convention which was held at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa from May 14 - May 15, 2010.
Ashford & Wriston's dedicated Credit Union Practice Group represents the Hawaii Credit Union League and individual credit unions throughout Hawaii. As part of its committment to the credit union movement, A&W is a regular participant in credit union conventions and a contributor to the Hawaii Credit Union League newsletter.Top of Page |
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Bankruptcy in Paradise
4/12/2010
A&W attorney Miranda Tsai is on the Advisory Board for the American Bankruptcy Institute's Third Hawaii Bankruptcy Workshop at The Fairmont Orchid in Kona. The workshop is slated for August 11-14, 2010. For more information, click here.Top of Page |
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LEED-ing the Way
4/12/2010
A&W attorney and LEED AP Michael Vieira was recently a guest on Hawaii Public Radio's "Energy Futures" program. Mr. Vieira discussed the potential legal issues associated with the evolving field of sustainable building development. To listen to the program, click here.Top of Page |
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Lockwood Reaches a Milestone
2/28/2010
Congratulations to A&W's Jack Lockwood on his 25th Anniversary of receiving the highest possible professional rating from the most knowledgeable critics: his peers. The American Registry AV rating is the pinnacle of excellence earned through a strenuous Peer Review Rating process that is managed and monitored by the world's most trusted legal resource - LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell.Top of Page |
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A&W Begins the New Year with a Heavy Heart
1/4/2010
Galen Leong, a partner at A&W and a respected patron and connoisseur of the arts, died in his Makiki home on Dec. 26 of pancreatic cancer. He was 69. Leong was born March 22, 1940, in Honolulu and graduated from Punahou School. He received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Princeton University and his law degree from Harvard University.
"People had total confidence in his integrity and in his skills," said Cuyler Shaw, managing partner for Ashford & Wriston. "They naturally felt they could entrust Galen with responsibilities for their affairs." Read more here.Top of Page |
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A&W Represents Buyers' in $15 Million Purchase
10/26/2009
Ashford & Wriston attorneys James Mee, Bruce Graham and Aaron Shumway represented the buyers in a recently closed transaction to purchase 4,000 acres between Nanakuli and Makakilo for $15 million.Top of Page |
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Should you be suspicious?
9/15/2009
A&W attorney Mary Wong provides a brief primer on when financial institutions should file suspicious activity reports. Click here to read more.Top of Page |
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Commercial tenant in Hilo fails to pay rent; ends up in hot wok.
9/3/2009
Read more here.Top of Page |
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H1N1 Flu Pandemic Preparation Guidance for Businesses and Employers
7/15/2009
This article talks about the newly issued guidance to businesses on pandemic preparedness from Federal agencies. Although the guidelines might be addressed to specific industries, they have general applicability for many businesses.Top of Page |
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Regulation Z Compliance
6/29/2009
This article highlights some of the Truth In Lending Regulation Z amendments that are effective July 30, 2009 regarding closed-end mortgages and advertising (open-end and closed-end).Top of Page |
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Ashford & Wriston Ranked as One of Hawaii’s Best
6/29/2009
Chambers USA has again recognized A&W and several of its exemplary attorneys as among the best in Hawaii. Chambers described managing partner Cuyler Shaw as “strong and experienced” and the bankruptcy and restructuring department he leads as “solid.” Chambers commented that A&W “excels in all manner of real estate work” with a reputation for “always being responsive and proactive.” Partner Bruce Graham garnered a top ranking as “an excellent attorney at the top of his profession” for his work on real estate transactions, commercial leasing, land title matters and the administration of trusts. Partner Rosemary Fazio was also honored by Chambers for being “one of the firm’s standout litigators” who is “particularly adept in real estate and complex commercial litigation.”Top of Page |
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Fazio Tapped For New Judicial Selection Commission
6/1/2009
A&W partner Rosemary Fazio has been selected to serve on the newly formed Hawaii Federal Judicial Selection Commission. The Commission will serve in an advisory capacity regarding the selection of judges and magistrates to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. Rosemary is a past chairperson of the Hawaii Judicial Selection Commission, which plays a similar role regarding the selection of judges to serve in Hawaii's state court system. MoreTop of Page |
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Hasegawa Part of PBN's "40 Under 40" for 2009
6/1/2009
A&W litigator Jill Hasegawa has been honored by Pacific Business News as one of Hawaii's "40 Under 40" business and community leaders for 2009. Jill is the former president of the Hawaii Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division.Top of Page |
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Caldwell Sworn in as Honolulu's Managing Director
6/1/2009
On May 28, 2009, former A&W partner Kirk Caldwell was sworn in as the Managing Director for the CIty and County of Honolulu. Kirk previously represented Manoa in Hawaii's House of Representatives.Top of Page |
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“Homestead Exemptions” and “Homestead Declarations” are Not Applicable to Mortgages
5/12/2009
In a recent article, A&W partners Mary Wong and Frank Hogan dispel the myth that so-called "homestead declarations" prevent lenders from enforcing mortgages under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 651-92. Read MoreTop of Page |
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Recognition for Mee
5/11/2009
A&W partner James K. Mee has been recognized as NAIOP Hawaii's Member of the Year for 2009. The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) is the nation's leading trade association for developers, owners and other professionals in industrial, office and mixed-use commercial real estate.Top of Page |
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New Military Family Leave Entitlements Under the Family Medical Leave Act
2/20/2009
Recent changes to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) create new categories of leave entitlements for employees whose family members are called to, or injured in the line of, active federal military duty. Read MoreTop of Page |
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Lockwood Elected Secretary of the Board of HPU
11/24/2008
On October 10, 2008, at the Fall meeting of the Board of Trustees of Hawai`i Pacific University, John A. ("Jack") Lockwood, an HPU Trustee since 1992, was elected as the Secretary of the Board, thus succeeding Martin Anderson who had held the position for many years.Top of Page |
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Credit 101
10/6/2008
A&W attorney Miranda Tsai goes back to the classroom to teach high school students about the pitfalls of credit card abuse. Read more.Top of Page |
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Kailuan Inc. Appeals Decision Interpreting "Right of First Refusal" Decision
5/5/2008
The Kailuan Inc. has filed an appeal seeking to overturn a recent decision of Circuit Court Judge Glenn Kim, which held that that no statutory right of first refusal was triggered prior to the expiration of the ground lease for the Kailuan apartments.
Rosemary Fazio of Ashford & Wriston, which represents the landowner, points out that because "[t]he lease expired ... the Kailuan Inc. has no further rights to the property." Read moreTop of Page |
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Trust the Best
11/4/2007
Ashford & Wriston is proud to announce that Jack Lockwood and Ronda Kent have been selected for inclusion in the 2008 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the area of trusts and estates.
Jack and Ronda join seven other A&W attorneys, A. James Wriston, Jr., Bruce Graham, Michael Gibson, Rosemary Fazio, Wayne Nasser, Jim Mee, Cuyler Shaw and Galen Leong, who previously have been recognized by Best Lawyers.
Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey, including 1.8 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country as well as thousands of telephone interviews with leading attorneys. Best Lawyers is widely regarded —by both the profession and the public— as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States.Top of Page |
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ADR is Spelled A-O-K-I
7/21/2007
A&W partner Paul S. Aoki has been added to Dispute Prevention & Resolution, Inc.'s panel of neutrals for arbitrations and mediations.
Mr. Aoki began practicing law in 1973 and joined Ashford & Wriston in 1980. Since 1997, Mr. Aoki has been appointed as an arbitrator in over 100 disputes between unions and employers. Representative unions include the United Public Workers, the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union and the Hawaii State Teacher’s Association. Representative employers include the State of Hawaii Department of Education, the Hawaii State Judiciary, Hawaii Health System Corporation, the City and County of Honolulu and the County of Maui.Top of Page |
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One of the Leaders
7/21/2007
A&W partner Bruce Graham has once again been recognized as one of the top real estate attorneys in Hawaii by Chambers USA. According to Chambers, Mr. Graham "is acknowledged as one of the leaders for title analysis and his drafting skills are particularly well thought of." Chambers also reports that the firm "has a particularly strong reputation for representing fee holders[.]"
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Optimism is in Order
7/5/2007
In her latest article for the Hawaii Women Lawyers organization, A&W partner Lynne Jenkins McGivern notes that women make "up more than half of current law school classes nationwide." Although "optimism for women seems in order," the sheer number of women entering the profession does not guarantee "equal power, influence, and respect." As a result, it is still necessary for female attorneys to actively support each other and show "confidence in the sisterhood." Ms. McGivern suggests that the goal should be to make the Hawaii Women Lawyers organization obsolete; "a footnote in Hawaii's past" that would sound as odd or as unnecessary as "Hawaii Men Lawyers" would seem today. She notes that "[w]e want the young attorneys following in our footsteps, men or women, to assume that maximum success follows hard work, dedication, and competence, no matter one's gender."
Ms. McGivern is the outgoing President of Hawaii Women Lawyers and will succeed to the office of Immediate Past President for 2007-2008. Her practice focuses on divorces, paternity actions, custody cases, and restraining order matters. She is particularly well-respected for her ability to handle cases involving domestic violence dynamics. Ms. McGivern can be reached at 808-539-0438.Top of Page |
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Historical Recognition
6/20/2007
A&W partner James K. Mee was recently elected as a Trustee of the Hawaiian Historical Society. Founded in 1892, the Society is dedicated to preserving historical materials relating to Hawai‘i and the Pacific region and to publishing scholarly research on Hawaiian and Pacific history. In addition, the Society presents lectures and other programs, free to the public, on various aspects of Hawaiian history. You can read more about the Hawaiian Historical Society here.Top of Page |
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Land titles, Local Style
6/14/2007
Up until now, Jim Mee has been one of Ashford & Wriston's best kept secrets. A veritable walking encyclopedia of knowledge about native Hawaiian rights and land title issues, he recently shared some of his knowledge in a workshop sponsored by Island Title. As Mr. Mee explained, for many years, conventional legal wisdom held that the only vestiges of traditional and customary native rights were those contained in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 7-1. Between 1982 and 2004 the Hawaii Supreme Court issued a number of decisions which altered that conventional wisdom and substantially expanded these rights. One of the key decisions during this time period was Public Access Shoreline Hawaii v. Hawaii County Planning Comm’n, 79 Hawai‘i 425, 903 P.2d 1246 (1995). The acronym of the plaintiff in that case -- PASH -- is today synonymous with the spectrum of native rights which may affect real property in Hawaii. Continuing efforts by the courts and government agencies to define the scope of the so-called PASH rights will have significant, long-range consequences for individuals, businesses and developers throughout the State. Click here to read more or here for the online slideshow.Top of Page |
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Rosemary Fazio Elected as Chairperson of the Judicial Selection Commision
5/4/2007
A&W partner Rosemary Fazio has been elected to serve as the chairperson of the State's influential Judicial Selection Commission. She will serve a 2 year term.
The Judicial Selection Commission reviews and evaluates applications for all judicial vacancies, and vote, by secret ballot, to select qualified nominees. Established by a 1978 state constitutional amendment, the Commission is governed by the Judicial Selection Commission Rules.
The names of the nominees are then forwarded to the appropriate appointing authority. The governor is the appointing authority to nominate judges of the Supreme Court, Intermediate Court of Appeals, and Circuit Court for an initial ten-year term. The governor selects appointees from a list of not less than four and not more than six names submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission. The commission submits a list of at least six names to the chief justice who nominates judges for district and district family court to six-year terms. All nominations are subject to confirmation by the state senate.
The Commission also determines whether a justice or judge shall be retained in office. The Commission publicizes the fact that a justice or judge is seeking retention so that all persons who might have an interest in the matter be informed of the opportunity to comment.Top of Page |
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Rosemary Fazio Represents Judicial Selection Commision at Swearing In Ceremony
5/4/2007
On March 9, 2007, Chief Judge Ronald Moon swore in Keith Tanaka as judge of the District Court, Second Circuit, with the Maui bench and bar and many friends of Judge Tanaka in attendance. Jeffrey Sia, HSBA President-Elect, represented the HSBA and Rosemary Fazio represented the Judicial Selection Commission in the ceremony.
While on Maui, President-Elect Sia and HSBA Executive Director Lyn Flanigan met with the Maui County Bar Association (MCBA) Board of Directors to discuss mutual plans and activities.Top of Page |
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Honoring the Spirit of Excellence
2/23/2007
A&W attorney Jill M. Hasegawa (top right) was among a contingent of Hawaii attorneys that attended the American Bar Association's midyear meeting and helped to honor former Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice William S. Richardson (center). The ABA recognized Chief Justice Richardson with the "Spirit of Excellence" Award.Top of Page |
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Jack of All Trades
2/22/2007
The recently published Journal of the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai`i chronicles the following action with regard to John "Jack" Lockwood, an attorney with Ashford & Wriston who recently celebrated the 33rd anniversary of his joining the firm:RESOLVED, that this 38th Annual Meeting of the Convention of the Episcopal Church in Hawai`i express its profound gratitude, deep appreciation and warm aloha to our long-time Chancellor, John Lockwood, for his intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, gentle manner and occasional humor which have been ministered in a grace-full manner, to the benefit of the Church, and to the furtherance of our mission of presenting the Gospel of Christ. Motion was seconded and carried by standing ovation.
Over the past thirty years, Jack has three periods of service as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Hawai`i totaling almost a quarter of a century and currently serves in that capacity.Top of Page |
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Robert F. Lange Foundation Presidental Election
2/19/2007
At the recent annual meeting of the Robert F. Lange Foundation, the Directors re-elected John "Jack" Lockwood, an attorney with the law firm of Ashford & Wriston, as the Foundation's President.
The Lange Foundation, with assets in excess of $10,000,000.00, supports the arts and social welfare efforts in Hawaii principally through grants to the Honolulu Academy of Arts and Child and Family Service.Top of Page |
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Giving Back
1/5/2007
"Michael Gibson, a partner at Ashford and Wriston and former Hawaii State Bar Association president, has chaired the Association's Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services to the Public for three years, serving under bar presidents Richard Turbin, Wayne Parsons, and Jeffrey Portnoy. Gibson has a long history of commitment to pro bono service. In the early 1980s, he was a moving force in creating Hawaii Lawyers Care, the former name of Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii (VLSH). Fortunately, Gibson is not alone in his commitment to pro bono work. ..." Jo Kim, Recognizing the Right Thing, Hawaii Bar Journal, Dec. 2006, at 9.Top of Page |
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The Foreclosure Commissioner
12/5/2006
As A&W attorney Russell Ando explains in a recent article, the foreclosure commissioner functions as an arm of the court. Accordingly, he or she must be completely impartial. To find out more about the unique role of the foreclosure commissioner, click here.Top of Page |
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A&W Partner Kirk W. Caldwell Re-elected
11/20/2006
A&W Partner Kirk W. Caldwell has been re-elected to the State of Hawaii House of Representatives. Rep. Caldwell is an integral part of the Democratic leadership in the House and will be serving as the Majority Leader for the next legislative session. Read moreTop of Page |
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No Ambiguity
9/22/2006
An A&W team consisting of Rosemary Fazio, Kevin Herring and Michael Vieira has obtained summary judgment and an award of attorneys' fees and costs for a venerable Waikiki landowner in a lawsuit initiated by one of the most prestigious clubs in Hawaii. Read more hereTop of Page |
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Two More A&W Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in Best Lawyers in America®
9/13/2006
Wayne Nasser and Jim Mee have been selected for inclusion in the 2007 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, in the areas of Eminent Domain and Condemnation. This is the first year that Best Lawyers® has established a separate category for these areas of practice, and Ashford & Wriston is proud that two of its lawyers are part of the inaugural list of the best eminent domain and condemnation attorneys in the country.
Wayne and Jim have been involved in several recent high-profile eminent domain cases, including City and County of Honolulu v. Hsiung, 109 Hawai'i 159, 124 P.3d 434 (2005), Hsiung v. City and County of Honolulu, 378 F.Supp.2d 1258 (D. Haw. 2005), and City and County of Honolulu v. Sherman, 110 Hawai'i 39, 129 P.3d 542 (2006).
Wayne and Jim join five other A&W attorneys, A. James Wriston, Jr., Bruce Graham, Michael Gibson, Rosemary Fazio and Cuyler Shaw, who previously have been recognized by Best Lawyers.
Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey, including 1.8 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country as well as thousands of telephone interviews with leading attorneys. Best Lawyers is widely regarded—by both the profession and the public—as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States. Top of Page |
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Best of Class
7/31/2006
A&W partner Rosemary Fazio has been selected as one of the best real estate lawyers in the United States by The Best of the U. S. LLC. Ms. Fazio is one of 14,268 lawyers chosen from the 760,369 actively practicing lawyers in the United States to be listed on www.bestofus.com.
The Best of the U. S. LLC is an independent firm that reviews the credentials of practitioners in fourteen professions to determine the "Best of Class" in each. Their selection process is based on identifying those professionals who have continued their education, provide leadership in their industry, and have been recognized by their peers, their industry and their community as the best. Over 68,000 doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, dentists, physical therapists, chiropractors, real estate agents and tax professionals are currently listed on www.bestofus.com.Top of Page |
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7/31/2006
A&W's managing partner, Cuyler Shaw, recently obtained an important decision on behalf of a local credit union confirming that a "dragnet clause" in a security agreement is effective under Hawaii law. Read the decision here.Top of Page |
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7/31/2006
A&W partner Bruce Graham was recently recognized by his alma mater, Damien Memorial School, with an award named in honor of Father Damien de Veuster.
The award is given periodically to individuals that have provided exceptional service to the general community. Click here to learn more about Damien Memorial School.Top of Page |
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7/26/2006
A&W Partner Rosemary Fazio has been elected to another three year term on the Board of Hawaii Public Radio. Click here for more information about Hawaii Public Radio.Top of Page |
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Estate tax bad for for Hawaii?
7/6/2006
In a commentary published in the Honolulu Star Bulletin, A&W partner James K. Mee argues that the estate tax is fundamentally unfair and damaging to Hawaii's businesses and its economy. One solution may be a compromise bill before Congress that would raise the amount of exemptions and lower the rate of taxation. To read the full commentary click here.Top of Page |
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Promoting Independence to Ensure Justice
6/22/2006
The Hawaii Chapter of the American Judicature Society ("AJS") has appointed A&W partner Rosemary Fazio to sit on its Special Committee on Judicial Independence. Judicial independence is one of the key pillars of democracy and a primary area of focus for AJS. Find out more information about the American Judicature Society.Top of Page |
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Ms. President
5/22/2006
A&W partner Lynne Jenkins McGivern is the 2006-2007 president of Hawaii Women Lawyers. Ms. McGivern practices Family Law and handles matters such as divorces, paternity actions, custody cases, and restraining orders. She is particularly respected for her work in cases involving domestic violence dynamics. Prior to joining A&W in 2001, Ms. McGivern was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu for ten years. From 1997 - 2000 she was the Branch Chief of the Felony Domestic Violence Unit. Currently, Ms. McGivern is the board president of the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline and is also on the board of Hawaii Women's Legal Foundation.Top of Page |
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Mr. President
5/22/2006
A&W litigator Russell H. Ando is the current president of the University of Hawaii's Colleges of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association (CASAA). CASAA was established in 1993 and is a recognized chapter of the University of Hawai‘i Alumni Association. Its mission is “to serve as a valuable link between the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and the community in promoting awareness and appreciation of, and pride in, the lifetime value of a liberal arts education obtained at UH.” Mr. Ando earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa in 1977. He went on to law school at the University of Oregon, where he served as an Associate Editor for the Oregon Law Review. After law school, he clerked for the Honorable Edward H. Nakamura, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Hawaii. Today, Mr. Ando focuses his practice on commercial litigation, foreclosures, landlord-tenant law, contractual disputes, and collections.Top of Page |
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One of the Best
5/1/2006
Bruce Graham, the head of A&W's real property section, is listed as one of the top real estate attorneys in Hawaii in the 2006 Chambers USA rankings.Top of Page |
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Judge Tosses Union Suit Over Sale of Hilo Hotel
3/11/2006
A&W litigator Kevin Herring prevailed on a motion to dismiss a labor union's lawsuit against the new owner of the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort. Read MoreTop of Page |
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A&W Appellate Victory Protects Kamehameha Schools' Land From Wrongful Condemnation
12/8/2005
Read the OpinionTop of Page |
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James K. Mee's October article for the Hawaii Credit Union League
10/25/2005
Read the article 'The Shoreline Boundary' Top of Page |
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Five A&W Attorneys Among the "Best Lawyers in America"®
6/1/2005
A. James Wriston, Jr., Bruce Graham, Michael Gibson, Rosemary Fazio and Cuyler Shaw continue to be selected by their peers to be included among the "Best Lawyers in America"® as well as being ranked among Hawaii’s Best Lawyers in Honolulu® Magazine. Mr. Wriston, Mr. Graham, Mr. Gibson and Ms. Fazio were recognized for their vast experience in real estate law. Mr. Shaw continues to be recognized for his expertise in health care law. Top of Page |
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Ashford & Wriston Giving Back to the Community
by Stefanie Loo Jefts, The Nature Conservancy Outreach Coordinator
3/12/2005
Ashford & Wriston employees, their families and friends came out to Honouliuli Preserve on March 12 to assist TNC staff with weed removal around rare, endangered, and common native plants. They also helped to clear new areas for next year's planting season. The outing was almost cancelled due to weather but the group's enthusiasm, dedication, and sunny disposition prevailed. Everyone had a wonderful time and a lot was accomplished! A Big MAHALO for all your help to protect Hawai`i's precious resources. Ashford & Wriston has provided legal expertise in Hawai`i for 50 years. They have a diverse civil practice with emphasis in all aspects of real property law and civil litigation. Specific areas of practice include real estate, corporate and partnership matters, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, taxation, trusts and estate planning, environmental, land use, condemnation, health care, employment, family, commercial, technology, banking and finance law.Top of Page |
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