11-03-2008, 04:54 PM
Aloha,
I've been trying to post this info on Hunter Bishop's website, but for some reason he does not want it posted. This comment is in regards to the attacks on the legal victories claimed by Pilago. I am an Attorney from Kona, but currently reside on Oahu. I followed both supreme court cases closely while acting as a public defender in Kona. These cases are important because the supreme courts defended access rights for all citizens of our community. Without the efforts of Angel Pilago, these cases would not have been successfully pursued. What many don't know, especially those individuals trying to discount these cases, is that Kenoi studied both cases (mainly the Kohanaiki case) while attending William R. Richardson's School of Law. Kenoi researched Pilago's legal victories and used them to acquire his law degree. He (Kenoi) has stated to me a few years back that meeting Angel was like meeting an idol or mentor. The attempts to downplay two very significant legal victories is a mistake because, on a larger scale, these cases gave all citizens the legal rights to challenge development that would negatively impact the lifestyle and culture of our island communty. On a more personal level, Kenoi's used his findings on these as tools in his early days as an attorney. Before people assume to know that facts on these cases, maybe more research is required. With minimal research you'll find that Pilago was the key individual in both cases. He fought for the rights of the entire community (without compensation) and won. Mahalo
I've been trying to post this info on Hunter Bishop's website, but for some reason he does not want it posted. This comment is in regards to the attacks on the legal victories claimed by Pilago. I am an Attorney from Kona, but currently reside on Oahu. I followed both supreme court cases closely while acting as a public defender in Kona. These cases are important because the supreme courts defended access rights for all citizens of our community. Without the efforts of Angel Pilago, these cases would not have been successfully pursued. What many don't know, especially those individuals trying to discount these cases, is that Kenoi studied both cases (mainly the Kohanaiki case) while attending William R. Richardson's School of Law. Kenoi researched Pilago's legal victories and used them to acquire his law degree. He (Kenoi) has stated to me a few years back that meeting Angel was like meeting an idol or mentor. The attempts to downplay two very significant legal victories is a mistake because, on a larger scale, these cases gave all citizens the legal rights to challenge development that would negatively impact the lifestyle and culture of our island communty. On a more personal level, Kenoi's used his findings on these as tools in his early days as an attorney. Before people assume to know that facts on these cases, maybe more research is required. With minimal research you'll find that Pilago was the key individual in both cases. He fought for the rights of the entire community (without compensation) and won. Mahalo