The American Judicature Society presents an annual program to increase understanding and awareness of significant judicial issues. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the program followed the annual meeting held at the Pacific Club in Hawai‘i.
- In 2020, as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, the program was held virtually as a stand-alone event.
- In 2021, the program was held in conjunction with the National Conference as an in-person event at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.
- In 2022, the program returned to the Pacific Club in Hawaii and followed the customary annual meeting.
The following keynote speakers, panelists, and moderators expressed their views at past AJS annual programs:
2022 – December 8. The 2022 Elections: Impact on the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice
- Keynote Address:
- The Honorable Mark E. Recktenwald, Chief Justice, Hawaii Supreme Court
- Panelists:
- Andy Winer, co-leader of S360’s DC office who has more than three decades of experience in federal service, campaigns, government relations, and the law.
- Blake Oshiro, principal of Capitol Consultants, deputy Chief of Staff for former Governor Neil Abercrombie, a Hawaii legislator for ten years, and a practicing attorney.
- Moderator:
- Victoria Marks (ret.), Judge, Circuit Court of the First Circuit
2022 – July 6. The Supreme Court 2021-2022 Term in Review (Virtual)
- Featured Speaker:
- Tom Goldstein, Partner, Goldstein and Russell and co-founder and publisher of SCOTUSblog
- Moderator:
- Mark Bennett, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
2021 – November 22. Judicial Independence in an Age of Political Polarization (held in conjunction with 2021 National Conference)
2020 – December 10. Civil Liberties, Judicial Administration, and COVID-19 (Virtual)
- Keynote Address:
- Neal Katyal, former Acting Solicitor General of the U.S.
- Panelists:
- Camille Nelson, Dean, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
- Mark Recktenwald, Chief Justice, Hawai‘i Supreme Court
- Moderator:
- Mark Bennett, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
2019 – December 5. The Judicial Role in Government
- Keynote Address:
- Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean, University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
2018. The “Trump Court” and Its Imprint on Hawaiʻi
- Panelists:
- Douglas S. Chin, Lt. Governor of Hawai‘i
- David M. Loui, former Attorney General of Hawai‘i
- Moderator:
- Robert Toyofuku, AJS Board member
2017. Justice in the Age of Instagram
- Panelists:
- Barry M. Kurren, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai‘i
- Dexter D. Del Rosario (ret.), Judge, Circuit Court of the First Circuit
- Elijah Yip, co-founder, Luminate Law
- Moderator:
- Robert Toyofuku, AJS Board member
2016 – December 1. Marijuana in Paradise
- Keynote Address:
- Kellye Testy, Toni Rembe Dean and Professor of Law, University of Washington School of Law
- Panelist:
- Della Au Belatti, Chair, Health Committee, Hawai‘i House of Representatives
- Moderator:
- Robert Toyofuku, AJS Board member
2015 – December 3. Judicial Vacancies—Who will fill them? What qualifications are essential?
- Panelists:
- James E. Duffy (ret.), Associate Justice, Hawai‘i Supreme Court
- Gary W. B. Chang, Judge, Circuit Court of the First Circuit
- Faye M. Koyanagi (ret.), Judge, District Court of the First Circuit
- David L. Fairbanks, former member, Judicial Selection Commission
- Moderator:
- Robert Toyofuku, AJS Board member
2014 – December 4. Deshrouding the Judicial Selection Process
- Panelists:
- Doris Ching, Chair, Judicial Selection Commission
- Clayton Hee, Chair, Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee
- Calvin Young, President, Hawai‘i State Bar Association
- Moderator:
- Victoria Marks (ret.), Judge, Circuit Court of the First Circuit