Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida Headed to Law Firm

Lincoln Ashida, the county’s top civil attorney for the past 13 years, is moving to the private sector.

The longtime government lawyer is resigning at the end of the month to join the law firm Torkildson, Katz, Moore, Hetherington & Harris.

Ashida was named Hawaii County corporation counsel in 2000 by former Mayor Harry Kim. After his election in 2008, current Mayor Billy Kenoi asked to continue in that position.

Prior to that, Ashida served for 13 years as a deputy prosecutor, where his last prosecutions were the convictions of three Puna men in the rape and murder of Dana Ireland.

The combined 26 years makes him the lawyer with the longest length of service in the history of the county, Kenoi said today.

“Lincoln has clearly been the best legal mind that the county has had the privilege of working with,” Kenoi said. “After 26 years, he’s moving on to private practice, and I wish him and his family all the best.”

The mayor noted that Ashida was among the finalists for a family court judgeship that went to Hilo attorney Henry T. Nakamoto.

“I know if he continues that interest he will make a fine judge,” Kenoi said.

Born in Hilo and raised in Papaikou, Ashida received his law degree from Creighton University in 1987.

Ashida has been an instructor in law and political science at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and is a former president of the Hawaii County Bar Association.

Founded in 1947, Torkildson, Katz, Moore, Hetherington & Harris has offices in Honolulu and Hilo.

According to its website, the firm specializes in business law with clients in Hawaii, Asia, the Pacific and US mainland.