NALANI FUJIMORI KAINA, General Counsel and Vice President
Nalani Fujimori Kaina is general counsel and vice president for Kamehameha Schools. Her kuleana includes overseeing KSʻ Legal Services Group, which is comprised of six divisions: Human Resources, Education and Administration, Real Estate, Tax, Ethics and Compliance, and the Office of the VP of Legal – which includes Litigation.
The Legal Groupʻs cornerstone contribution to KSʻ educational mission is protecting and upholding the purpose and integrity of the last will and testament of Kamehameha Schools founder Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. The group provides legal and tax advice and services to KS trustees, management and staff. They are responsible for building and supporting an engaged workforce and helping foster a safe, supportive and ethical work environment.
Kaina began her new role as general counsel and vice president in February 2023. She comes to KS with more than 20 years of experience in leadership and serving the legal needs of Hawai‘i families and the Native Hawaiian community. She previously served as executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i, a position she held for thirteen years. Prior to becoming executive director, she started her career with Legal Aid as a staff attorney on Moloka‘i and later served as Maui County managing attorney and Legal Aid deputy director.
An alumnus of KS Kapālama, she holds a juris doctorate from the New York University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Macalester College.