Bert T. Kobayashi Sr.

From dKosopedia

Category: Hawaii Democrats

Bert T. Kobayashi Sr., (b. July 8, 1916 - d. Oct. 6, 2005), was former Gov. John A. Burns' first attorney general, serving from 1962 to 1969. Burns called lawyer Kobayashi his administration's "strong right arm." Kobayashi was a skilled negotiator and served as a mediator for Burns in several dock strikes that threatened to cripple the state's economy.

In 1966 he declined several offers by Burns to run with him as his lieutenant governor candidate.

In 1969, when Gov. Burns named Kobayashi to the Hawaii State Supreme Court, the Hawaii State Senate showed its respect for the Harvard-trained attorney by confirming his nomination with a standing vote. Burns and other governors used Kobayashi as a mediator in labor disputes even when he was still on the bench.

In 1978, Kobayashi retired from the court.

As attorney general, Kobayashi was instrumental in breaking up the state's interlocking directorates.

After retiring from the court, Kobayashi continued to work as a mediator.

Kobayashi went to McKinley High School, graduating in 1935. He graduated from Gettysburg College and worked his way through Harvard University law school in 1943.

He was in private practice from 1948 to 1962 and served as president of the Bar Association in 1959.[1]

External Links

• Isle lawyer lauded for skill as negotiator By Richard Borreca (Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 10-11-05)