The 2023 Annual Meeting & Program was another success! Held on December 7, 2023 at the festively decorated Pacific Club, AJS welcomed approximately 96 members and guests. Chairman Lawrence Okinaga welcomed everyone and gave a brief report on AJS organizational matters and the election of officers and directors.
The program then commenced with the keynote address by Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court Mark Recktenwald, who recognized AJS board member Lisa Ginoza on her appointment as a Justice on the Hawai‘i Supreme Court as well as Micah Smith and Shanlyn Park, both recently approved by the U.S. Senate to serve as judges of the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai‘i. CJ Recktenwald presented highlights of the judiciary’s achievements during the past year and the new initiatives that will be undertaken for the coming year. His remarks will be posted on the AJS website later.
Public Service and Judging was the theme of the presentations by Steven Alm, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney and Former Circuit Court Judge and U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, and Simeon Acoba, who serves on the Judicial Selection Commission and served as a former member of the UH Board of Regents, Justice of the Hawai`i Supreme Court, and Circuit and District Court Judge. Both speakers shared insights gained from their extensive experience in the public sector and judiciary. The panel was moderated by Barbara Tanabe, Principal of Ho`akea Communications LLC.
Refreshments and pupus were enjoyed by everyone at the conclusion of the program and provided great networking opportunities. Thank you to everyone who attended!
