The Hawaii County Bar Association (HCBA) convened in Hilo on June 7 to honor the recipient of its annual essay contest and scholarship program.
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwal announced Amber Makino, a recent graduate of Keaʻau High School, as the winner. Her essay examined a previous proposal for a temporary ban on short-term vacation rentals aimed at encouraging property owners to provide housing for those displaced by the Maui wildfire.
The Chief Justice praised Amber for her critical thinking skills, clear writing, and ability to present differing perspectives on the issue. "Read her essay here."
Amber plans to attend Hawaiʻi Community College to obtain an Associate in Arts degree in Psychology before enrolling at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to pursue a career as a marriage and family therapist.