Name: Kenneth Ling
Age: 56
Position: Director, Family Court
Education: UH; Linfield College
Pastimes: Wiseman activities; time with wife

But there's a brighter side to his business: adoptions and reunifying broken families - the court's goal.

As family director, Ling handles the administrative end of Family Court cases on Oahu and coordinates policies statewide with the other courts.

He recently received the Distinguished Service Award, the highest under the judiciary's incentive and service awards program.

"In all organizations there are the unsung heroes that work really diligently behind the scenes but receive no glory," said Judge Frances Wong. "Kenneth Ling is one of those people."

In 17 years in the judiciary, Ling has worked to develop Family Court into a nationwide model, she said.

It is one of the first family courts to deal with both parents and children. Other states have separate courts for divorce, adoption and other family matters.

"It's a one-stop shop," Wong added.

Ling credits his staff for his accomplishments and awards.

Ling spent several years working with disadvantaged youths at Palama Settlement. The greatest satisfaction has been with at-risk youths who have graduated from high school and college. Some have returned to help at the settlement, and others are working in the judiciary.

"To me that is the greatest thrill, to have taken you up on options other than crime."