The Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i has announced the appointment of David Kauila Kopper as its new Executive Director, effective June 13.
Kopper will succeed former Director Nalani Fujimori Kaina, who served for 24 years and left the Legal Aid Society to take a position at Kamehameha Schools. In a release on the society's website, the board said it "anticipates continued pursuit of justice, fairness, and legal advocacy under Kopper's leadership."
In a statement, Kopper wrote that he had "always gravitated towards organizations that serve and empower communities, ʻohana, and people in need." He added, "I deeply admire those rare breed of advocates who unselfishly dedicate themselves to that mission ... I am honored to serve as the next Executive Director of our state's oldest and largest nonprofit legal services provider and embrace wholeheartedly the kuleana entrusted to me: To carry forward LASH's 70-year legacy of advancing justice and fairness all across our pae ʻāina.”
According to the release, Kopper is the former Director of Litigation at the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (NHLC), where he represented clients in cases concerning historic property preservation, government leases, and administrative law, among others. He has extensive experience in Hawaii's legal system and is known for his community involvement, relations with policymakers and passion for serving vulnerable groups like Native Hawaiians. He has spoken at trainings and conferences, building a reputation as a respected advocate in legal circles in Hawaii.
Kopper, a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at Arizona State University, says he "combines his legal acumen with passions for nature and music, being a dedicated outdoorsman and a professional musician."
According to its website, the Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i is a non-profit, "public interest law firm focused on enhancing access to justice." Founded in 1950, it has since been the only civil legal service provider for low- and moderate-income residents, focusing on issues such as housing, immigration, family and more. It has a special focus on vulnerable and isolated groups, including Native Hawaiians and COFA populations, the release stated.
The Legal Aid Society has offices on all major Hawaiian Islands to ensure legal service accessibility.