Our History

The Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center was founded in 1983 as Na Loio (a Hawaiian term that means “the Lawyers”) to serve the unmet needs of Hawaii’s immigrant community.  The Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center is the only legal services organization in the State of Hawaii that assists low-income immigrants.

Keeper of the Flame Award

Each year, the Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center presents its Keeper Of The Flame Award to an individual or organization for their extraordinary leadership, dedication, vision, and commitment to the people of Hawaii.  Prior honorees have included grass-roots community organizers, business leaders, health care providers, attorneys, social workers, and others whose unparalleled contributions have made a significant difference and touched the lives of Hawaii residents.  

To place your nomination for a potential honoree (which will be presented at the Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center’s annual fundraiser), contact Robin H. Kobayashi at (808) 536-8826.

Past Honorees:

2008:  Pacific Survivor Center 

2007:  ILWU, Local 142

2006:  Representative Jun Abinsay, Representative Dennis Arakaki, and Leona Jona

2005:  Chris Iijima, McDonald’s Asian Operators Association, Pre-Admission program –  William S. Richardson School or Law 

2004:  Patty Lyons and Korean Centennial Committee

2003:  Committee to the Japanese Cultural Center and Arirang

2002:  Esther Kwon Arinaga

2001:  Dr. Amy Agbayani

2000:  June Shimokawa

1999:  Samuel Makekau and Beth Giesting

1998:  Eddie Flores, Jr., Ramon Sy, M.D., and Chinese Community Action Coalition

1997:  Bill Hoshijo, Judy Weightman, and Andy Hoshijo

1996:  Charlene Sato

1995:  Karen Holt

1994:  Terry Shintani, M.D., and Puanani Burgess

1993:  Advocates for Public Interest Law, Hui Na`auao, and Melody MacKenzie

1992:  Cancelled due to Hurricane Iniki

1991:  Doris Inouye and Sonny Kaniho

1990:  Yuk Pang Law, Milovale Saole, and Cecile Motus

1989:  DeWitt Barnett, Kimi and Don Matsuda, Judy Napoleon, and Tom Tizard  

1988:  Ah Quon McElrath, Harriet Bouslog, Sau Ung Loo Chang, Betty Barrett Gillette, Alana Wong Lau, Rhoda Lewis, Marybeth Yuen Maul, Patsy Takemoto Mink, Lily M. Okamoto, and Betty Vitousek

1987:  Manuel Fragante

1986:  Myer Symonds

1985:  Nani Higashino In Memory of Bob Higashino