Related to my previous post on my consulting business, I wanted to do a question and answer-type format post that would hopefully broaden the discussion in thinking more creatively and hopefully make more space for discussion and collaboration for possible solutions that push the envelope with thinking outside of the box.
And seriously, I want to hear from YOU! Comment, email, direct message me. What is your manaʻo? Let me know what you think! How can I serve you and/or your community?
These questions are common questions that I have received when I share about my budding consulting business and bridge that I hope to build to connect various pieces to move towards solutions.
Question: so what kind of consulting do you want to do?
Answer: Ultimately, I want to do consulting in the area of work that improves Native Hawaiian health. Looking at the various social determinants of health, the type of work that I’d like to do can be quite broad. Using my unique background in public health and law, I want to use these skills to improve Native Hawaiian health.
Question: what can a lawyer help a kalo farmer with?
Answer: From water rights to ensuring that they are paying their taxes correctly, there is quite a bit that a lawyer can do to support our kalo farmers and cultural practitioners. Thus far, it is has also been identified that there is an interest in writing a will to ensure that the farmer’s (or cultural practitioners alike) legacy is secured.
Question: preventative law? What is that?
Answer: my background in public health lends itself to be a compatible partner with law. Just as within a health context there is discussion of preventative health, I aim to practice preventative law. I do not see myself as a the type of attorney that is in court fighting cases. Instead, my goal is support resolution of potential issues before they reach the last resort of being battled out in the courtroom.
Question: so what about medical malpractice claims? Are you wanting to help people who got hurt working on the job?
Answer: No, I don’t anticipate doing much work in this area. Health is different than medicine. My goal is to improve Native Hawaiian health by lifting up and supporting many people and organizations already doing this type of work.
Question: have you done consulting work before?
Answer: Yes 🙂
Questions: so you’re interested in policy?
Answer: Yes, but I also recognize the importance of ensuring that policies are informed from the ground up. Communities have the answers and solutions. I see my role as ensuring that their voices are heard and represented at all levels, from an individual to a community to the policy/governmental level.