DEAN YAMASHIRO / ISLE LAW ADMINISTRATOR
Official was regarded
as friend to all
Dean Yamashiro's desk in the state Public Defender's Office had what seemed to be a never-ending store of children's books.
When his colleagues' kids would come into the office after school, they'd almost always get something new to read -- along with a sweet treat and a big hug.
Dean Yamashiro: His advice was sought by judges, peers and lawyers, a colleague says
"His generosity is legendary around here," said state public defender John Tonaki, a longtime friend. "All of the children would flock to his office. ... Dean's office was at times a gathering place."
Yamashiro, the second in command who joined the Public Defender's Office in 1983 after a seven-year stint as a police officer, died Saturday apparently from a heart attack after collapsing during an exercise routine. He was 52.
"He was an all-around great guy," said deputy public defender Todd Eddins. "I can say at least generally that he was the wisest and the most knowledgeable (person) in the criminal justice system. He was my mentor."
Tonaki said judges, colleagues and private lawyers would seek out Yamashiro for advice.
"His legal abilities were superb," Tonaki said. "He helped so many of the young lawyers here."
Former state public defender William Domingo agreed.
"He was one in the office you could always count as a resource," he said. "This is a great loss to all of us who knew him."
Yamashiro graduated from McKinley High School before going into the Honolulu Police Department.
While still a police detective, he entered the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law. Shortly after receiving his degree, he started at the Public Defender's Office.
Yamashiro tried several high-profile cases, including two murders, before becoming an administrator, Domingo said.
"During his time in the Police Department, I think that ... he saw certain things in the system which he didn't like about the system and felt that as a lawyer he could serve the people even better," Tonaki said.
"Once he came into this job, he embraced it and he embraced our mission, which is to help the underprivileged in our community."
Yamashiro sat on several professional boards, including the Corrections Population Management Commission.
He had a longtime girlfriend, Elizabeth Zack, and no children, Tonaki said.
Services are set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Besides, Zack, Yamashiro is survived by father Harold; brothers Harold Jr., Roger and Robin Yamashiro; and sister Susan Poole.
