Judge Erika E. Ireland and Judge Shellie K. Park-Hoapili of the First Circuit District Court received the “Women Who Are Trailblazers” award on February 13, as part of the 2025 Fair Housing for Our Future Laws & Litigation Conference.

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi (LASH), the State’s Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission, and the San Diego Fair Housing Council selected both to receive the award because of the significant impact they have made in the community. The organizations recognized the care the judges have shown for all people, and their deep concern for civil rights.

An e-mail from LASH notifying the judges of the award noted, “We have always admired the compassion and empathy you have shown to everyone in your courtroom and we believe you embody the qualities we are seeking to honor.”

In a joint statement the judges said, “We were extremely honored to receive recognition and participate in this inspiring conference. A huge mahalo to Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi (“LASH”), the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission, the San Diego Fair Housing Council, Mary Scott Knoll, and Pua Marquez.

“District court judges decide cases that greatly impact the lives of our community, especially in the area of housing. We are grateful for the partnerships we have with these organizations, who help us ensure access to justice for all. This is particularly true for LASH which provides crucial guidance to unrepresented tenants at the initial summary possession (eviction) appearance.

“We also want to thank and recognize our fellow district court judges and the dedicated staff for the compassion and grace they show daily in interacting with unrepresented parties, many of whom are experiencing houselessness, mental illness, trauma, and/or substance abuse issues.”

In addition, Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna was among those recognized as “Women Who are Firsts.”