Taking Care of Our Community

Damon Key’s Commitment to Community Service Dates Back Over 60 Years!

Community service has been the foundation of Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert since its formation in 1963. Two very different people with diverse backgrounds and interests, Frank Damon and Henry Shigekane, set lofty principles that continue to guide the Firm today. Both founders were committed to giving back to the community. Frank was more the face of the firm in the community, as Henry supported causes more quietly.

Frank was an ardent supporter of education-related causes such as Punahou School and Mid-Pacific Institute. His contribution to Punahou School included creating its Foundation for Study in Hawaii and Abroad, an exchange and travel program under which students could broaden their cultural horizons through first-hand experiences. Ties to Mid-Pacific go back to Frank’s grandparents, who were instrumental in the formation of what was then called Mills School, which served mostly Chinese boys. Mills School eventually merged with Okamura School and the Kawaiaha‘o Seminary to form Mid-Pacific Institute. Both Frank and his grandfather were trustees of Mid-Pacific, as well as Damon Key Director, Kenneth Kupchak, who served as Chair.

In 1892, Frank’s grandparents formed the Kindergarten Children’s Aid Association (with Mother Rice) for Chinese boys. The organization today is known as KCAA Preschools of Hawaii, which provides preschool education to the children of all ethnicities. Frank has also been involved with organizations such as Sun Yat Sen Foundation, Palolo Chinese Home, First Chinese Church, and Kapiolani Hospital, now called the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

The founders of Damon Key were actively involved with numerous non-profit organizations throughout the island and that commitment to community continues today. The principles, characteristics, values, drive, and spirit of the Founders is reflected in a new generation at the firm. The Founders set the tone and the successors have followed their leadership. Today, the composition of the Firm continues to be notably diverse, as is its community engagement.

In addition to being active as Board members and chairs of sub-committees for the Hawaii State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, Damon Key lawyers have served within the following organizations: