Public First Law Center

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Public First Law Center operates a law center advancing the constitutional and statutory rights of the people of Hawaii by investigating government activity that appears to be misaligned with constitutional intent, illegal, ineffective and/or inefficient; advocating for the implementation of corrective measures in and out of the courts; and enforcing such corrective measures and rights.

Public First Law Center

The Public First Law Center, formerly known as the Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest, is a nonprofit public interest law firm based in Hawaii. Established in 2013 by Pierre Omidyar, founder of Honolulu Civil Beat, the organization underwent a name change in 2024 to better align with its mission[2][3].

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of the Public First Law Center is to promote transparency and accountability in government. The organization advocates for the public's right to access government information and records, striving to ensure that government activities are conducted openly and responsibly[3][5]. Its activities include providing free legal guidance on access to government information, submitting testimony before legislative bodies, and pressing for improved public access to government records[2][3].

Achievements

A notable achievement of the Public First Law Center is its role in a protracted legal battle over police misconduct records, which led to a legislative change making these records publicly accessible, aligning with other public employee misconduct records[2]. The organization has also pushed for legislation to modernize open meetings, requiring disclosure of board packets to better inform the public, and it has updated procedures for remote meetings post-pandemic[2]. Additionally, Public First Law Center has worked to preserve the integrity of the Office of Information Practices, the state agency responsible for enforcing public access laws[2].

Staff and Operations

The Public First Law Center is led by Brian Black, who serves as its president and executive director. It has expanded its team to include additional attorneys such as Ben Creps, a former deputy attorney general, and hosts fellowship positions, currently held by graduates of the University of Hawaii law school[2].

The organization's focus remains on advancing public rights and promoting government transparency through legal advocacy and community education[3][5].

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2013

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LOS GATOS

Address: Co Cfm 720 University Ave 110, LOS GATOSWeb: Sign in to see organisation websiteEmployees: 3Revenue: 407962ICO: 463490671

Public First Law Center – We Advocate for Open Government

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Patrick

🌟 Love seeing organizations like Public First Law Center fighting for our rights! Access to transparent government is essential, and your efforts are making a difference. Thank you for all you do!

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Laura

1. How can we effectively engage the public in understanding their rights related to government transparency and access to information under Hawaii's UIPA?

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Miles

2. What strategies can be employed to hold government officials accountable for questionable activities while ensuring that the legal processes encourage public trust in transparency advocacy?

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Diana

👏 So grateful for the important work you’re doing to ensure transparency and accountability in our government! Open access to information is vital for a healthy democracy. Keep it up!

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LOS GATOS

Organisations from Public First Law Center

1. SOROPTOMIST INTERNATIONAL OF LOS GATOS-SARATOGA

We are a global volunteer organization that supports and invests in the dreams of women and girls.

2. Irish Technology Leadership Group

A Global Irish Technology Leadership Network based in Silicon Valley with Chapters in New York, Hollywood and Ireland - We hold major events focused on Investment, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Education.

3. California Families Rise

Our mission is to preserve families and to hold local child protection agencies and juvenile and family courts accountable.

4. LEADERSHIP AND DESIGN

A non-profit organization building leadership capacity.

5. Enneagram Prison Project

FREEING PEOPLE - ALL OVER THE WORLD - FROM THE PRISONS OF OUR OWN MAKING.

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