Ulu Lehua Scholars Program celebrates 50 years

The William S. Richardson School of Law is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ulu Lehua Scholars Program, a groundbreaking initiative that has opened the doors of legal education to students from Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities since 1974.

Rooted in a deep commitment to social justice, the Ulu Lehua Scholars Program reflects the law school’s mission to make legal education accessible to those who demonstrate academic potential, leadership and a dedication to community service. Since the establishment of the program, the law school has graduated 445 scholars.

“The Ulu Lehua Scholars Program is an important aspect of fulfilling our mission as a law school committed to Hawai‘i, the larger Pacific Region, and to social justice,” Dean Camille Nelson said. “We are proud of the ways in which this program has recognized talent in our communities both near and far, and the determination of people to make a difference through the uplift and insight that comes from a legal education.”

Each year, a select group of scholars—chosen for their academic promise and their commitment to social justice—embark on a journey that begins with a tailored first-year curriculum designed to foster their growth in a supportive professional environment. These students benefit from a unique learning experience that empowers them to thrive in law school and beyond.  

“I am so impressed every year with the caliber of our Ulu Lehua Scholars and the passion for justice that they bring to our Richardson community,” said Troy Andrade, Director of the Ulu Lehua Scholars Program.  “From our early days in the quarry as the Pre-Admission to Law School Program, our Lehua Program has guided some of the most talented legal minds in Hawai‘i and across the Pacific to careers in service of others.”

We spoke with three Ulu Lehua Scholars and one alumni to discuss their experience in the program.

Bronson Gonzales ‘26

Growing up in Waiʻanae on the island of Oʻahu, Bronson says he witnessed firsthand the harmful stereotypes surrounding his community. Determined to break those negative narratives, he chose law school to challenge these perceptions and serve as a role model for future generations. 

“The Ulu Lehua Scholars Program has provided me with a supportive community and mentorship, empowering me to push forward in my pursuit of justice,” Bronson shared. A key moment for him came when Prof. Andrade encouraged scholars to reflect on their motivations for attending law school—a powerful reminder that reignited his passion.

Angie Anderson ‘25

As a former independent artist, Angie pursued law school to become a legal advocate for underrepresented voices in Hawaiʻi’s arts and entertainment industry. The Lehua community has been her “guiding star” throughout this journey. 

She shared how meeting an alumnus during her first-year summer internship shows the strength of the Lehua network. “The care and generosity extended to me during that time showed me how invaluable the Lehua Scholars program is—not just in law school, but in life and career.”

Kayla Ongoy ‘25

Before attending law school, Kayla worked with at-risk youth across Hawaiʻi, an experience that ignited her passion for advocacy. “The resilience of the keiki I worked with inspired me to apply to the William S. Richardson School of Law,” she said. Determined to protect the state’s most vulnerable populations, Kayla chose law school to advocate for children’s rights.

Kayla credits the Ulu Lehua Scholars Program with providing her the tools to succeed. “The program has supported my personal and professional growth, connecting me with valuable experiential learning opportunities in family law.” A powerful moment for her was watching a tribute to Professor Judy Weightman, which deepened her commitment to using her legal education to make a meaningful impact.

Ashley Kaono ‘20

Ashley’s passion for public service grew while working with the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges people with disabilities face in accessing legal representation. Inspired by the need for more advocates in this area, she pursued law school to address those gaps.  She is now a staff attorney with the Medical Legal Partnership for Children, an organization she learned about as a first-year Lehua Scholar.

“The Ulu Lehua Scholars Program gave me a community rooted in shared values of accessibility and social justice,” Ashley said. Graduating during the pandemic, she leaned on the Lehua network to navigate an uncertain time. “The program’s support during that period was invaluable. The connections and friendships I made carried me through law school and beyond.”

Over the past five decades, the Ulu Lehua Scholars Program has cultivated a community of leaders. Lehua alumni have gone on to assume leadership roles in government, the judiciary, social justice organizations, and prestigious legal positions, including clerkships with the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court and the federal judiciary. This year, the program was also recognized by the American Bar Association with the 2024 Diversity Leadership Award, further highlighting its profound impact on the legal landscape.

The William S. Richardson School of Law will host a gala on Nov. 2 to commemorate the program’s milestone and to raise support for future Lehua Scholars. Contributions can be made here to ensure the continued success of this vital initiative.

For more information on the program or to donate, please visit law.hawaii.edu/ululehua.