COM 1276.001 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(4) Establish the Recognition of the Right to a Laivyer in Civil Cases Where Basic Human Needs are at Stake. It is time to recognize that society should provide an attorney for those who cannot afford an attorney but are facing the deprivation of basic human needs, such as those involving shelter, sustenance, safety, health or child custody. 5) Enable Individuals to Represent Themselves Effectively When Necessary. Due to the lack of an attonzev_ , many individwils are forced to represent themselves in court. Self-help centers should be established in all courthouses and programs should be developed to make courts more user friendly. (6) Maximize the Use of Available Resources. Legal services proaraans should work together to make the most efficient use of their collective resources. Paralegals should be used where appropriate to help meet unmet legal needs. (7) Overcome Barriers to Access to justice. Language, cultural and other barriers faced by residents need to addressed by the courts, legal service providers and administrative agencies. Legal services programs should expand the tipes of cases they handle, the location of their offices or clinics, their hours of operation, and their outreach efforts. (S) Expand the Role of the William S. Richardson School of Law in Promoting Access to justice. The Law School needs to expand it efforts to introduce its students to the practice of poverty law by increasing clinical programs, emphasizing the professional responsibilities of attorneys to engage in pro bono activity, and engaging in other efforts to encourage la% students to enter public interest law. ('9) Increase Access to justice in Other Ways. The Hawai'i Legislature should support the creation of a student loan forgiveness program for attorneys who tc cork for a legal. sere a organizations providing assistance to the poor. The Ha-,,;,ai'i Supreme Court should consider adopting rules allowing for limited representation of clients by attorneys and also allowing attorneys licensed in other states to temporarily practice in Hawaii if they work or vohmteer pro bono for a legal service organization providing assistance to the poor. (10) Form a Broad Coalition to Address Ways to Alleviate Poverty in Hasvai`i. Legal problems of lots-income Ham=ai'i residents do not occur ui a vacuum. Thev are often interrelated Nvith poverty, and if left unresolved, can plunge families further into poverty. The legal community should join lVith others in a concerted effort to eliminate the root causes of poverty in Hawaii. Exhibit "A"