HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0105.002 2012-2014 February 4, 2012
Hawaii County Council
County of Hawai'i ..
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo. Hawai'i 96720
RE: Appointment of Lincoln S.T. Ashida as Corporation Counsel
Dear Chairman Yoshimoto and Members of the Hawai'i County Council:
This letter is written in support of Lincoln S.T. Ashida's appointment as Corporation Counsel for the
County of Hawai'i
I have worked under Mr. Ashida's leadership at the Office of the Corporation Counsel for over eleven
(11) years and have been consistently impressed with his leadership as well as legal skills. He demonstrates
his leadership by example. He is one of the first to arrive at the office in the morning, and one of the last to
leave. His work ethic and high standards for the office have made our office more efficient, more productive,
and a powerful defender of the county's interests.
He has consistently sought technological upgrades and has been a leader within the County's efforts to
make offices "paperless." His foresight in being an early convert to the use of document imaging meant that
our office was prepared when various courts in the state converted to electronic filing of court documents.
Under Mr. Ashida's leadership, our office has trained hundreds of County employees in matters that
affect the County's exposure to liability. I believe that this effort has lead to a reduction in claims and lawsuits
against the County. Also, rather than merely defending lawsuits, under Mr. Ashida's leadership, the Office of
Corporation Counsel has been aggressive in pursuing claims on behalf of the County. At a Hawai'i County Bar
Association function, a private attorney confided to me that he no longer sues the County because our office
now mounts formidable defenses against claims and is no longer an easy target for individuals seeking quick
settlements.
One of Mr. Ashida's best qualities is his accessibility to members of the public, as well as to County
officers and employees. He does not screen his calls and personally responds to a-mails which are sent to our
generic corporation counsel e-mail address. His strong belief in the mandate to serve the County and the
public has become a defining characteristic of his tenure. The Office of the Corporation Counsel is a more
professional and responsive office due the legal and administrative skills of Mr. Ashida.
I strongly support Lincoln S. T. Ashida's reappointment as Corporation Counsel.
Sincerely,
Katherine A. Garson `OS.,
Comm. No.
Ref. To: ill LOLWtc4
Ref. Date FEB 0 6 2013