Korean Community Events in Hawaii

Andrew Agard is a former Insurance Defense Attorney turned Plaintiff Personal Injury Attorney. Born and mostly raised in Hawaii, Andrew has over 36 years of experience fighting for the legal rights of clients and personal injury victims. He considers some of his best achievements working as a volunteer in the legal field. Andrew has proudly served as a volunteer Arbitrator with the HawaiiCourt Annexed Arbitrator Program (“CAAP ”), a volunteer with the Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii organization, visiting judge for the Hawaii State High School Debate tournaments, “Ask an Attorney” free legal clinics and volunteer lecturer at a halfway house for in- crisis women transitioning out of prison. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Andrew received his bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University and his Juris Doctorate degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Outside of his lifetime commitment to injured victims, Andrew is a family man who appreciates quality time with his wife, two sons and extended family. He is a sports and exercise enthusiast who humbly tries to play golf with his wife and friends. "Born in Honolulu (Kapiolani Hospital) my parents struggled to make ends meet. At the age of 3 and my brother at 5, my family relocated to San Francisco My parents, fueled by aspirations and undeterred by their modest means and the absence of good jobs, sought to escape the family strife and limited job prospects they faced at home. Despite my young age, I was very aware of the disparity in how we were perceived and treated on the mainland. Strangers would mock, belittle and disrespect us, judgments based purely on our skin color. It got worse during my elementary school years. Among a predominantly caucasian student body, only myself, an Asian and an American Indian student stood out. The unprovoked taunts, threats, bullying and fighting caused my parents to worry for my safety. But over time, even though I was outnumbered, I got stronger. I started to notice other students getting bullied, even some of my friends. That triggered a fierce protective spark in me. Always, the bullies were older and twice our size. Every fiber in me resisted the wrong being done to other kids that weremuch weaker. I found myself stepping in, fighting for myself and trying to shield others. That innate compulsion to protect others that were weaker and in need has stayed with me throughout my adult life. Today, it shapes my laser focused dedication and resolve as an attorney, championing forthose who are subject to injustice and need a voice."

Since its establishment in 1949, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu has served as a cornerstone of Korean diplomatic presence in the Pacific. As one of the first five overseas missions created immediately following the establishment of the Korean Government, this consulate has built a legacy of service spanning over seven decades in the Honolulu community and across Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Consulate General in Honolulu is dedicated to supporting and empowering Korean Americans while protecting the interests and safety of Korean nationals throughout its jurisdiction. The mission prioritizes meaningful engagement with the local Korean community and broader Pacific region, fostering cultural and diplomatic connections that strengthen ties between peoples. Through its commitment to community support, the consulate works to ensure that Korean nationals and Korean Americans have access to vital services and representation. Beyond its official governmental role, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu represents a commitment to partnership and mutual understanding. The mission strives to reinforce the deep alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States while serving as a trusted resource for community members throughout Hawaii and the Pacific territories. By maintaining strong relationships with local communities and government officials in Honolulu, the consulate continues its historic mission of bridging cultures and advancing shared interests.

Since 1999, the Korean American Foundation Hawaii has served as a vital steward of Korean culture and history in Honolulu, preserving the remarkable legacy of Korean immigration to America. What began as the Centennial Committee of Korean Immigration to the United States evolved in 2004 into KAFH, an organization deeply committed to honoring the contributions and heritage of Korean Americans while building meaningful connections within the local community. At its heart, KAFH is driven by a profound respect for history and community. The organization maintains sacred monuments and memorial sites, including the Centennial Monument at Pawaa In-Ha Park and Puuiki Cemetery in Waialua, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the courage of those first Korean immigrants who arrived on the SS Gaelic in 1903. By commemorating January 13 each year—now recognized nationally as Korean American Day—KAFH keeps this foundational story alive for residents throughout Honolulu and beyond. What distinguishes KAFH is its comprehensive approach to community support. Beyond preservation efforts, the organization invests directly in the community through educational programs, cultural celebrations like the annual Korean Festival, scholarships, and grants for projects that advance Korean cultural awareness. KAFH recognizes that honoring the past means actively supporting the present and future of the Korean American community in Hawaii. This commitment to both remembrance and progress makes KAFH an essential cultural institution for anyone seeking to understand and celebrate Korean American heritage.