Richardson Law Hosts 2026 Future of Property Law Conference

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi (March 5, 2026) — The William S. Richardson School of Law recently welcomed leading scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and regulators from Hawaiʻi and the continental United States for the 2026 Future of Property Law Conference. This full-day event, held on Friday, February 13, 2026, fostered dialogue on emerging issues in property law.

Sponsored by the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association (HSBA) Real Property and Financial Services Section, the William S. Richardson School of Law, and First Hawaiian Bank, and co-sponsored by HSBA, the program offered Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits and focused on timely and consequential topics shaping land use and development.

Panels throughout the day addressed housing, physical and regulatory takings, the ALI Restatement (Fourth) of Property Law, intellectual property and artificial intelligence, coastal protection and public trust doctrine, and climate change.  Professor Emeritus David Callies led the organization of this conference, and Richardson Professors Alina Boyte and Richard Wallsgrove served as panelists for topics on IP and climate change, respectively. Professor Thomas W. Mitchell of Boston College Law School delivered the keynote address.

With both in-person and webcast participation options, the conference created a space for meaningful engagement among attorneys, judges, government officials, scholars, and students. The day concluded with a reception in the law school courtyard.

“We were delighted to host the Future of Property Law Conference at the William S. Richardson School of Law,” Dean Camille Nelson said. “In an era defined by rapid technological change and environmental challenges, the evolving conceptions of property law deserve our continued attention. This gathering provided a vital forum for dialogue, discovery, and forward-looking engagement. We are grateful to all of the organizers and participants for making it a momentous event.”

By hosting the 2026 Future of Property Law Conference, Richardson Law reinforced its role as a hub for thoughtful legal scholarship and practical engagement on issues central to Hawaiʻi’s future.

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About William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law is a collaborative, multicultural community preparing students for excellence in the practice of law and related careers that advance justice and the rule of law. We develop highly qualified, ethical professionals through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service. We embrace Hawai‘i’s diversity and values and recognize a special responsibility to our state and the Pacific region.

MEDIA CONTACT

Collin Cedotal, Public Information Specialist
(808) 956-9391 | ccedotal@hawaii.edu