EJS in Hawai'i: Praxis and Pono
By Susan K. Serrano, Research Director
with additional reporting by Dina Shek and Iokona Baker

At the University of Hawai'i, the only law school in the state, students, professors, and public interest attorneys are uniquely situated to contribute to the national dialogue on the relationship between civil and indigenous rights and other social justice issues.  EJS Board Member Law Professor Eric Yamamoto is working with a group of dedicated students and professors to implement the national EJS vision, while focusing on social justice issues specific to the region. 

Legal Praxis

Under the direction of Professor Yamamoto, with the assistance of law professors Mari Matsuda and Charles Lawrence and recent law graduates, University of Hawai'i law students are engaging in legal praxis: developing and translating critical theory into progressive civil and human rights practice. [1]  This legal praxis bridges existing gaps in progressive work, integrating scholars, civil rights lawyers, community activists and students to help communities work toward social and economic justice. 

Working with Yamamoto, students and graduates use tools of critical inquiry to conduct research, write memoranda, prepare amicus briefs, author op-eds and essays, and assist community groups in understanding key legal issues.  The law students have organized university-community events to encourage dialogue about current social justice issues and build progressive alliances.

Social Justice Gathering

In July, a score of social justice lawyers, advocates, teachers and students attended a gathering hosted by Yamamoto and Bill Hoshijo, Executive Director of the Hawai'i Civil Rights Commission, organized by law students Dina Shek and Iokona Baker.

Following a presentation by Shek and Baker on the Equal Justice Society, participants joined small groups to discuss Hawaiian rights/native claims, the Patriot Act and attacks on civil liberties, immigrant rights, affirmative action, and public interest law in Hawai'i.  The groups brainstormed ideas for future collaboration, and discussed ways to renew their joint commitment to justice work.

Student Retreat: Pono

In the summer, University of Hawai'i law students and recent law graduates participated in a weekend retreat to hone tools of critical analysis and identify social justice issues facing their communities.  Retreat participants unified around the theme of pono, a Hawaiian concept meaning right, just, fair, goodness, or correctness, and took part in Hawaiian Independence Day activities on July 31.  Law student participants included: Iokona Baker, Beau Bassett, Shawn Benton, Shari Dela Cuadra, Kirsha Durante, Camille Kalama, Summer Kupau, Trisha Nakamura and Dina Shek.

"Like many regions in the United States, Hawai'i is a multiracial community marked by changing demographics, a shifting economy, and increasing conservative challenges to civil and Native rights gains," explained EJS Board member Yamamoto. "We are exhilarated that we can contribute to creative ways to deal with Hawai'i's historical racial injustices and its current social justice struggles."