January 2010 #3. From the Bench: Judge Steven Aim.

Authorby Elizabeth Kent

Hawaii Bar Journal

2010.

January 2010 #3.

From the Bench: Judge Steven Aim

Hawaii State Bar JournalJanuary 2010From the Bench: Judge Steven Aimby Elizabeth KentThis is part of a series of short interviews with judges to find out a little more about their views on law and their lives.

E. Kent: What is your typical workday?

S. Aim: I usually get to my office between 6:00 and 7:00 in the morning and go home between 5:00 and 6:00 in the afternoon. I'm here most Saturday mornings to get some uninterrupted time. I oversee the project called HOPE -Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement and also carry a general criminal calendar. I do a lot of different things during the day and that keeps it interesting. Of course I preside over trials and hearings on a daily basis. I also attend meetings related to HOPE, the Penal Code Review Committee, the Intermediate Sanctions Committee, and other projects.

E. Kent: How has your job as a judge changed over time, and what changes have you seen in the legal system?

S. Aim: I just made my eighth year on the bench. Coming to the state courts was like coming home for me. As a deputy prosecutor (for 9 years) I was in court a lot more than I was when I was an administrator at the U.S. Attorney's Office, and I have enjoyed being back in the courtroom.

One of the more exciting things about being a judge is that we are in a unique position to affect people's lives. My job has changed as I have spent more time in the Judiciary because I have been allowed to try new projects that I think will find the balance between giving people an opportunity to be successful in life and protecting society. These have resulted in changes to the "system."

One of those changes was the implementation of HOPE, which I think brings integrity to the system. HOPE is built on the premise that people should be accountable for their actions and that there should be swift and proportionate consequences when people don't follow the rules. HOPE is also about rehabilitation (and habilitation in some cases) and second chances. It's been great working with others to implement these changes.

E. Kent: What opportunities and challenges do you see for the legal system in the future?

S. Aim: The criminal bar will always have lots of cases to deal with, and that is a big part of the challenge. The question is how...

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