Guardians of Immigrant Justice - Hawaiʻi

2021 GUARDIAN

Esther Arinaga exemplifies a life-time commitment of compassionate caring and assisting others. A child of Korean immigrant parents, she is a co-founder of The Legal Clinic, a former attorney for Na Loio No Na Kanaka, and a long-time community activist who has served on numerous boards and commissions to support programs that provide access to equal rights and legal services. Esther received her BA (Political Science), MA (Asian Studies) and law degree from the University of Hawaii. She has written about strong women in history, especially women lawyers. She contributed a chapter to Called from Within, Early Women Lawyers in Hawaii, writing on Patsy Takemoto Mink, one of her role models. In 2019, Hawaii Women Lawyers awarded Esther its Lifetime Achievement Award.

2021 GUARDIAN

Bill Hoshijo has served as the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission since 1997. Bill was born and raised in Honolulu. He received his BA from San Francisco State University and his law degree from the University of California at Davis. Bill was a co-founder of Na Loio No Na Kanaka -- The Lawyers for the People of Hawai‘i, the non-profit public interest law office established in 1983 that provided legal services to the immigrant poor; he worked there through 1996. From 1984-1996, Bill taught an Ethnic Studies course at the University of Hawai‘i entitled “Race, Class and the Law”. He served on the board of directors of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation from 1986-1999, and on the board of directors of the Japanese American Citizens League Honolulu Chapter from 1997-2001.

2021 GUARDIAN

Pat McManaman has an extensive history of involvement, both as an attorney and an administrator, in improving the lives of those marginalized by society. Pat received her BS from the University of Colorado and her law degree from Lewis University. She served as the Director of the Department of Human Services under Governor Abercrombie, Deputy Director of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, CEO of Na Loio-Immigrant Rights and Public Interest Legal Center, and is a co-founder of TLC. Pat is the recipient of the 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Peacemaker Award and the Hawaii Women Lawyers Rhoda Lewis Award for Public Service. She is a long-time community advocate who works to support public access to social and legal services and is indebted to Esther Arinaga for her mentorship throughout the years.

2022 GUARDIAN

John Egan is unquestionably one of Hawaiʻi’s preeminent immigration lawyers. A superb advocate and the Director of the Richardson School of Law’s Refugee and Immigration Clinic since 2018, he has educated scores of young lawyers who will serve the public interest for decades to come. His tireless commitment to community education has left an indelible impact on the range of immigration services afforded throughout the state. John served as the president of the Legal Clinic’s Board of Directors in 2017 and has also been honored by the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission for his pro bono contributions through the Legal Aid Society’s Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center.

2022 GUARDIAN

Senator Mazie Hirono is an iconic advocate for immigrants, women, and civil rights. She is the only immigrant, the first Asian-American woman, and the first and only Buddhist to serve in the U.S. Senate. Before her election to the Senate in 2012, she served six years in the U.S. House of Representatives, eight as Lt. Governor of the State of Hawaii, and fourteen years in the House of Representatives for the State of Hawaii. In an age of mounting xenophobia, her courage, devotion to democratic principles, and personal history are an inspirational reminder of the strength and promise of America’s immigrants.

2022 GUARDIAN

KNDI 1270AM broadcasts programs in Ilocano, Tagalog, Samoan, Tongan, Spanish, Marshallese, Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Cantonese, Laotian, Mandarin, Okinawan and Vietnamese to listeners throughout islands of Hawai’i. The station is not only a unique, multicultural resource but a practical lifeline for limited English speakers on topics such as tsunami & state emergencies, medical care, immigration and bankruptcy laws.

Launched in 1960 in the heart of Waikiki with an “all-female” cast, KNDI 1270 later changed the format to afford voices to the diverse linguistic groups in Hawaii while sustaining their identity and sense of community and enriching our entire state.

2023 GUARDIAN

Since coming to Hawaiʻi from the Philippines in the 1960s as an East West Center Scholar to pursue her doctorate in political science, Amy has dedicated her life to social justice and diversity. She helped establish UH Mānoa’s Operation Manong Program for Immigrant Children and The Office for Student Equity, Excellence, and Diversity for underserved and underrepresented students on campus. She served as a chair of the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission, Judicial Selection Commission, and the Filipino Community Center. She is currently a board member of the Patsy T. Mink Pac, which supports pro-choice Democratic women for elected offices; is a board member of The Leegal Clinic, which provides free legal services to immigrants; and a member of President Joe Biden’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

2024 GUARDIAN

Dina Shek is a prominent figure in immigration and social justice, notably leading the Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in Hawaii (MLPC) since 2008. MLPC employs a unique medical-legal model, merging law and medicine to address the social determinants of health for disadvantaged children and families. Under Dina's guidance, MLPC has significantly impacted Hawaii's COFA residents and immigrant communities by enhancing access to healthcare, language services, and civil rights. Dina, a Richardson Law School graduate and current Faculty Specialist, combines legal expertise with a background in community organizing and advocacy, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the underserved.

2024 GUARDIAN

Terrina Wong, Deputy Director at the Pacific Gateway Center, has dedicated 14 years to empowering immigrants, refugees, and low-income Hawaiʻi residents. With DOJ accreditation, she assists with vital immigration processes, serving thousands in family reunification, citizenship, DACA, and asylum. She oversees federal programs aiding refugees and trafficking victims. Terrina chaired the Language Access Advisory Council and offers direct support to immigrant farmers. Recently, PGC became Oahu's Immigrant Resource Center, aiding during crises like the pandemic, wildfires, and Ukrainian refugee influx. Terrina's collaborative, empathetic approach embodies dedication to immigrant advocacy and community service, making her a standout in the field.

2024 GUARDIAN

UNITE HERE! Local 5, established in 1938, has long championed the rights of Hawai’i's workers, particularly immigrants, in the hospitality and healthcare sectors. With over 10,000 members, it secures fair wages and conditions, notably after the Lahaina wildfire crisis. Partnering with The Legal Clinic, it aids immigrant communities through citizenship workshops. Led by figures like Cade Watanabe and Gemma Weinstein, Local 5 continues its legacy of bold advocacy and strong negotiations. Its reputation for effectiveness has endured, ensuring a positive impact on Hawai’i's labor landscape and fostering a new generation of diverse leaders committed to workers' rights.