American Judicature Society

Advocating for a fair system of justice

search icon

Uncategorized

AJS Authors – Books That May Interest You

AJS members Judge M. Margaret McKeown and Judge Susan Oki Mollway put their writing talents to work and have published books that might interest you. Judge McKeown currently serves as an ex-officio member of the AJS Board of Directors, while Judge Mollway previously served as Assistant Secretary of AJS. They were both speakers at the 2021 AJS National Conference. Congratulations to Judges McKeown and Mollway on their published works!

Citizen Justice: The Environmental Legacy of Justice William O. Douglas is the title of Judge McKeown’s book, which spotlights William O. Douglas, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Justice Douglas still maintains the record as the longest serving Justice on the Court, having served from 1939-75. As Judge McKeown noted in the video presentation about her book, Justice Douglas was larger than life and her book tells why so many trees are still standing today as well as the back story of Justice Douglas as a citizen justice. Justice Douglas’ enduring legacy is what he did for our environment.

Book
Video

The First Fifteen: How Asian American Women Became Federal Judges is the name of the book written by Judge Mollway. Judge Mollway was the first Asian American woman to receive a lifetime appointment in 1998 as a federal judge. The book chronicles the stories of Asian American women who were appointed as federal judges after her. The idea for the book grew out of Judge Mollway’s thesis for her Master of Law studies at Duke University. She said the topic for her thesis had to be something that would hold her interest and spur her to complete the project, especially since the writing was done in the evenings after working at her “day job.”  Since the chosen topic involved herself and others that she knew, she was confident it was the path to take.

Book
Video

Gift to AJS

Christmas arrived early for AJS! Lawrence S. Okinaga, AJS Chairman, made a special announcement at the AJS Annual Meeting and Program on December 8, 2022 at the Pacific Club. The Okinaga Ohana Fund, which includes himself, his wife Carolyn, and his daughters Carrie, Caryn, and Laurie, is pledging $100,000 to AJS. AJS will receive $25k this year, with the remainder of the donation to be provided to AJS over the subsequent three years.

Okinaga Ohana: Carrie, Lawrence, Carolyn, Caryn, Laurie

AJS remains near and dear to Chairman Okinaga, as he was instrumental in keeping AJS alive when the organization ceased national operations and Hawaii became its new home base in 2014. As AJS relies on contributions from its members, he hopes his act of giving will spur others to also support AJS financially.

The donation from the Okinaga Ohana Fund has no stipulations attached so the funds can be used for AJS operations and whatever else may be needed. As AJS continues to look for ways to supplement membership dues income, this donation will allow AJS to strengthen its programming and other infrastructure services.

Chairman Okinaga said, “We continue to appreciate the diverse work and contributions of all the members of AJS, whose strong commitment and assistance are necessary to AJS’s success. Financing AJS and its future plans and goals are critical to its success.”

AJS extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Okinaga Ohana Fund for its generosity and support to ensure AJS continues to thrive.

2022 Annual Meeting & Program

The AJS Annual Meeting & Program was held on December 8, 2022 at the Pacific Club with nearly 80 registered members and guests. Chairman Lawrence Okinaga welcomed everyone and reported on the election of officers and directors as well as a few other operational matters. In order to jumpstart donations to AJS this coming year, he also announced a substantial monetary donation from the Okinaga Ohana Fund to AJS. 

The annual program then took place with the keynote address presented by Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court Mark Recktenwald, who reported on the “state of the judiciary” and the continuing effects of COVID on court operations. The presentation by Chief Justice Recktenwald will be posted later on the AJS website. 

The 2022 Elections: Impact on the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice was the topic of the presentations by Andy Winer, co-leader of S360, a national consulting firm, and Blake Oshiro, principal of Capitol Consultants. They discussed the federal and state elections and the resulting effects on the judiciary both nationally and locally.

Victoria Marks served as the emcee.  At the conclusion of the program, everyone enjoyed the reception that followed.

Judge Darolyn Lendio Heim – In Memorium

The AJS ohana is saddened to learn of the passing of First Circuit District Judge Darolyn Lendio Heim yesterday. Judge Lendio Heim was a member of AJS and most recently served on the AJS Judicial Selection, Retention and Accountability Committee.

We share in the sentiments of Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald in his statement on the passing of Judge Lendio Heim.

We extend our condolences to the Lendio Heim family.

Judge Judy Chirlin – In Memorium

We just learned of the sudden passing of Judge Judy Chirlin, who served on the AJS Program Committee and the AJS Planning for the Future of AJS and the Formation of State Chapters Committee.  She also facilitated the presentation of the latter at the 2021 AJS National Conference.

AJS Chair Lawrence Okinaga said: “She was so much a part of AJS up to the time of her untimely passing. . .  and she was as usual, an active and vocal leader and participant.  She continued to help to this day in our effort to reinvigorate AJS. Those in our AJS community will miss her but will continue to evidence her presence in everything we do.”

Judge Chirlin served on the Los Angeles Superior Court from 1985 to 2009. Prior to her appointment, she practiced business and employment litigation and represented airlines in a variety of business matters. Upon her retirement from the Court, she became an arbitrator and mediator with Judicate West.

Judge Chirlin was also a law instructor at U.S.C. for 18 years through the Judicial Administration Program. Attorneys who have appeared before her over the years praise her judicial demeanor, intelligence and fairness. One attorney commented, “Judge Chirlin is one of the best judges in Los Angeles county. She truly believes that all litigants should be treated fairly, she was courteous and respectful to all parties and that’s how she always ran her courtroom”. Another attorney commented, she is flexible but firm in arbitration and is extremely prepared.” [Judicate West website]

She served on the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Board for over 30 years and also found time to serve on the boards of California Women Lawyers, the National Association of Women Judges, the International Association of Women Judges and the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative.

Throughout her years as a lawyer and on the bench, Judge Chirlin was involved in numerous efforts to improve the legal systems and the administration of justice in California as well as throughout the nation and around the world.

Civics Education for All

The PACE Commission, in collaboration with numerous other organizations, has initiated and implemented a number of civics education initiatives:

Maui Nui Law & Justice Academy

On the Valley Isle, the PACE Commission partnered with the UH Maui College, UH Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law, Hawaii State Judiciary, Maui County Bar Association, and others to hold the three-day Maui Nui Law & Justice Academy.

From Oct. 4 to 6, this program engaged high school students from Maui, Molokai, and Lanai in activities and educational sessions to introduce them to issues of law and justice; build skills in discussion, debate, analysis, and advocacy; and provide tools and inspiration to become active, involved citizens in their respective communities. A number of judges, attorneys, educators, and others volunteered to participate in leading sessions, to serve as mentors for the students, and to help teach a mock trial case.

Speakers Bureau

The PACE Commission, in collaboration with the Judiciary and the Hawaii State Bar Association, plans to establish a speakers bureau for judges or attorneys to serve as speakers in schools statewide or at the Judiciary History Center, covering the three branches of government, the structure and role of the courts, the difference between state and federal governments, important cases, the criminal justice system, careers in law or government, and other civic education topics.

Elementary and High School Curricula

PACE Commission members are working on an elementary curriculum project to create presentations aligned with DOE requirements. PACE Commission members are also developing a curriculum for high school students that will meet two Hawaii Common Core Standards in social studies.

Civics Awareness Month Proclamation by Gov. David Ige

Gov. David Ige recognized the tremendous work underway across the state and declared October 2022 as “Civics Awareness Month.” Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, who represented the Judiciary, and PACE Commission members joined Gov. Ige at the proclamation ceremony held on Oct. 7.

From left, Intermediate Court of Appeals Chief Judge and PACE Commission Chair Lisa M. Ginoza, Gov. David Y. Ige, and Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald at the proclamation ceremony for Civics Awareness Month.