Posted on: Friday, August 23, 2002

Retired judge appointed as Lili'uokalani trustee

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Retired Circuit Judge Patrick Yim was appointed yesterday by the Probate Court as a trustee for the $320 million Queen Lili'uokalani Trust.

The appointment takes effect immediately, said Thomas Kaulukukui Jr., chairman of the board.

Yim, 60, wrote the 1997 report on Bishop Estate that contributed to the removal of trustee Lokelani Lindsey. His report concluded Lindsey "created an oppressive and hostile atmosphere" at Kamehameha Schools.

The report was submitted in the court hearing that resulted in Circuit Judge Eden Elizabeth Hifo's May 1999 decision removing Lindsey as a trustee for the estate.

Yim retired from the judiciary in 1994 after 23 years on the bench.

Yim had been nominated by Kaulukukui and fellow trustee David Peters to fill the position formerly held by First Hawaiian Bank, which announced it wanted to help promote Native Hawaiian economic self-reliance by withdrawing after 65 years as trustee in favor of a trustee of Hawaiian ancestry.

"Pat Yim's appointment marks the start of a new era for the trust," Kaulukukui said. "Pat's personal qualities and relevant expertise will greatly strengthen trust leadership to help guide us in the future."

Each of the trustees was paid $150,000 last year.

The trust was established in 1917 — the year of Queen Lili'uokalani's death — for the benefit of children of Native Hawaiian ancestry. It operates Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Centers throughout the state, benefiting about 5,000 poor and orphaned children. The trust employs 182 staff members and maintains 11 offices statewide.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8012.