About Hayden
Hayden F. Burgess, also known as Pōkā Laenui, is a dedicated attorney based in Waianae, Hawaii. He has been licensed to practice law in the state of Hawaii since 1976. His academic journey began at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law, where he earned both his Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees in 1973. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for a career focused on advocating for the health, welfare, and culture of Hawaiians. Throughout his extensive career, Mr.
Burgess has represented clients in various legal matters before all the Hawaii State Courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the United States Tax Court. His legal expertise spans multiple areas, reflecting his commitment to serving the diverse needs of his community. From 1997 to 2014, he took on a significant leadership role as the executive director of the Wai'anae Coast Community Mental Health Center in Waianae, Hawaii. In this capacity, he worked tirelessly to improve mental health services for the local population, demonstrating his dedication to community well-being. In 1993, Mr. Burgess was appointed by Governor John Waihe'e as a Commissioner to the Hawaiian Sovereignty Advisory Commission. This role allowed him to engage directly in discussions about the rights and recognition of Native Hawaiians.
His involvement in the Native Hawaiian Convention further shows his commitment to advocacy; he was elected to serve as its Chair, guiding important conversations about Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural preservation. His efforts in these areas have made a lasting impact on the community and have helped to elevate the voices of Native Hawaiians. In recognition of his contributions to Hawaiian sovereignty and legal advocacy, Mr. Burgess received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. This honor reflects not only his professional accomplishments but also his unwavering commitment to the values and rights of his community. He continues to maintain a one-person law office from his backyard in Waianae, where he provides personalized legal services to those in need. In addition to his legal practice, Mr.
Burgess is actively involved in farming activities, further connecting him to the land and culture of Hawaii. For individuals seeking legal representation or more information about his practice, Mr. Burgess can be contacted at 86-641 Puuhulu Rd, Waianae, HI 96792-2724. His dedication to his clients and community remains a driving force in his work as an attorney.
