Thanksgiving in the Judiciary: 

What I’m Grateful For 🦃😇 

Let me start with a name that should resonate with anyone familiar with Hawaii's judiciary: Judge Ronald Johnson.

In my opinion, his appointment as Chief Administrative Judge has been the most impactful reform to Hawaii’s bail system since the 2018 Hawaii Criminal Pretrial Reform report authored by Judge Rom Trader and Judge Shirley Kawamura. (You can read the full report here.)

Judge Johnson’s ability to deliver fair, decisive bail rulings while transparently explaining his rationale is unmatched. He exemplifies what the judiciary should strive for—a balance between public safety and the rights of the accused. His thoughtful approach to bail hearings ensures justice is not only done but also seen to be done by those observing in the gallery. This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the leadership and fairness Judge Johnson brings to the bench and world of bail.

Now, as a bail agent with over 20 years of experience in Hawaii, Thanksgiving offers a moment to reflect on the many bright spots within Hawaii's criminal justice system. Unlike other jurisdictions that embraced radical bail reform—such as the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and New York—Hawaii has remained steadfast in its approach to justice. Today, with years of data available, it’s evident that those sweeping #endcashbail reforms brought unintended consequences, such as revolving-door arrests, increased failure to appear statistics, and unchecked recidivism. I’m deeply grateful that Hawaii could not be bought by big money political lobbies and instead upheld a balanced system that values public safety.  Which brings me to my next point..

A New Generation of Judges to Be Thankful For

I’m also thankful for the newest wave of judges, including RJ Brown, Steve Nichols, and David Hayakawa. Having worked with each of them when they were private attorneys, I’ve witnessed their professionalism, intelligence, and dedication firsthand.

• Judge RJ Brown: I had the pleasure of interviewing him during my City Prosecutor candidate podcast series. RJ impressed me not just with his credentials but also with his ethical commitment and grounded demeanor. His appointment to the bench is a huge win for Hawaii's judiciary.

• Judge Steve Nichols: Steve’s journey from being one of the top public defenders to excelling in private practice showcases his extraordinary skill and drive. Transitioning to private practice isn’t just about winning cases—it requires mastering business management, client relations, and marketing, all while delivering in court. Steve proved he’s more than capable, and now, as a judge, he brings that same rigor to the bench.

• Judge David Hayakawa: A gifted mediator, David has a unique ability to navigate highly emotional situations and find equitable resolutions. His detail-oriented approach ensures that both public safety and the rights of the accused are carefully balanced. I have no doubt he’ll continue to serve Hawaii’s judiciary with the same excellence he brought to his private practice.

Gratitude for Mentors and Peers

Lastly, I want to extend a special acknowledgment to Myles Breiner, an attorney who has been a cornerstone of Hawaii’s criminal defense game for decades. Myles has not only been an advocate for the accused but also a wealth of knowledge and guidance for those of us navigating this complex field. His work ethic, especially on weekends, taught me the value of dedication. In this business, there are no sacred days—not Thanksgiving, not Christmas, every day you must answer your phone. The job requires constant vigilance, and Myles exemplifies what it means to truly serve clients.

And selfishly, I must admit that because of the great results he gets for his clients, I rarely encounter forfeiture issues with his cases. Why, you may ask? Well, defendants who receive favorable outcomes rarely miss sentencing. 

A Word to My Clients

Thanks for making A-1 Bail Bonds the #1 rated bail bond company by a mile. We know it’s hard to resist the lure of agents claiming expertise while steering clients toward companies that might not even have a website or a license to do business. A-1 appreciates the opportunity to serve, even if it’s just verifying bail amounts or charges without closing a transaction. Many of our reviews come from people who didn’t initially choose A-1, but were either referred by an attorney, or called after a poor experience with another agency.

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, I’ll be working—regardless of the pay, as always. Bail never sleeps, and I’m here to answer your calls, no matter the day. 

To my colleagues, clients, and the judiciary system we rely on, I am profoundly thankful. Here’s to another year of fairness, integrity, and progress in Hawaii’s courts.

- A-1 Bail Bonds
Helping you navigate the system, one bond at a time.

Call me anytime—yes, even on Thanksgiving.

P.S. If you’ve gotten value from A-1’s service, tell the world by posting a review!