HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0047.004 2008-2010
January 2, 2009
Honorable Dominic Yagong
Chair, Finance Committee
Hawaii County Council Finance Committee Members
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii, 96720
RE: Confirmation of Lincoln S.T. Ashida
Corporation Counsel
Dear Chairman Yagong and Finance Committee Members:
This is an unsolicited letter in support of the confirmation of Lincoln S. T. Ashida as
Corporation Counsel of the County of Hawaii.
I have known Lincoln for more than 35 years. We first met at his family gatherings
around the holidays. Even from back then, he impressed me as being a very polite,
friendly young person. Over the years I followed his educational progress through college
and law school. During the summers of his law school career at Creighton University, I
hired Lincoln as a law clerk in the Hawaii County prosecutor's office . His willingness to
work hard and his legal abilities were impressive. As a result of his successful internship
as a law clerk, I offered him again a law clerk's position upon his graduation and return
from law school, and a position as a deputy prosecuting attorney when he passed the bar
examination in 1987.
Over the years I had the distinct pleasure of watching Lincoln become a very skilled
trial attorney capable of handling the most difficult cases in the office. His handling of the
complex "Ireland" case showcased his growth as a trial attorney and his organizational
skills. In addition his role in the office was increased by including supervisory duties in
which he also excelled.
Lincoln's integrity, honesty, drive and legal knowledge have proven to be a valuable
asset to the County of Hawaii. He has taken on the heavy responsibility of being the
County's top legal adviser and has handled it as a very capable administrator.
During the past eight years I have had the opportunity to continue to work with
Lincoln and observe his demeanor in Council meetings. He has always handled himself in
a professional manner and developed a good attorney-client rapport with the Council. His
advice has been clear, concise and legally sound. He has taken a very practical approach
to the resolution of legal issues for the county.
Comm. No. 447.4
Ref. To: Fe sieoted FG
Ref. Date JAN 0 g ?QOQ
Honorable Dominic Yagong
Confirmation of Lincoln S. T. Ashida
January 2, 2008
Page 2
1 have no hesitancy or reservation in urging the Council to confirm Lincoln S. T.
Ashida as Corporation Council for the County of Hawaii.
If you should have any questions or wish to discuss this matter further, please do
not hesitate in contacting me.
Sincerely,
ON R. ONO
Retired Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney
Pinao & Ono
688 Kinoole Street, Suite 218A
Hilo, HI 96720