FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

In August, 2002, Ward Research prepared a report for the Hawaii Justice Foundation with the overall theme of identifying ten areas of justice that were most important to Hawaii residents and particularly to Oahu community leaders.

A telephone survey was conducted so that Hawaii residents could rate the areas of justice that were important to them, percentage-wise.  One key theme that emerged was access to resources for underprivileged groups.

Of those surveyed, 46% felt that access to legal services was a key issue in Hawaii.  Between 59% and 61% of those surveyed felt that the unequal distribution of resources based on location and ethnic background, and the imbalance of power between ordinary citizens and “insiders” were important issues of justice in Hawaii.

Many of the residents polled commented that these issues are not being effectively addressed in the community.  The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii was one of only three organizations mentioned as often addressing key issues of justice in Hawaii; the other two being the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Institute for Human Services (IHS).

A key conclusion from this study is a perception that ordinary citizens do not share in the access to decision-making that political and other “insiders” enjoy.  Many also feel that some local communities lack sufficient access to resources, and that educating the state’s business leaders about the needs of these communities is a justice-related priority.  Other conclusions drawn from this report were that the average Hawaii resident feels disengaged from available resources, and that there is a serious inequity in the distribution of public resources.

Despite budgetary limitations, the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii continues to provide access to justice for low and moderate-income persons and families throughout Hawaii and is proud to be recognized as a key player in issues of justice.  For more information, please contact our Outreach Coordinator, David Warner, at 527-8004 or visit our newly-expanded website at www.legalaidhawaii.org.

Contact:     David Warner
Phone:       (808) 527-8004
E-mail:       dawarne@lashaw.org