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Judge Advocate General

February 25, 2026
Categories: 
HING History, Units

Staff Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Staff Judge Advocate provides professional legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard, and the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office.

Organization

The office, which consists of a judge advocate and a legal stenographer, works closely with the department’s major units on issues arising from federal laws and regulations or concerning the federal mission of the National Guard.

Activities

In performance of its mission, the office:

  • Prepares legal opinions on issues of federal law
  • Serves as federal litigation point of contact
  • Represents the adjutant general in federal labor management proceedings
  • Reviews federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions – Serves as Federal Claims Officer for the Hawaii National Guard
  • Participates as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings
  • Acts on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courts-martial
1987 Annual Report pp. 25

Joining the Department of Defense full-time staff in recent months are:

Capt. Clarence J. Gunderson is the Staff Judge Advocate. a member of the Adjutant General’s full-time staff and formerly a State Deputy Attorney General. He relaxes by reading and listening to music. Capt. Gunderson and his wife Betsy have five children, Christine, 9; Claire, 7; Joanne, 5; Jon-Erik, 3; and Jason, 8-months.

1987 October – December Pūpūkahi pp. 10

Staff Judge Advocate Office

MISSION

The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard, and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In performing its mission, the SJA provides the following services:

  • Prepares legal opinions on issues of Federal law
  • Serves as Federal litigation point of contact
  • Represents the adjutant general in Federal labor – management proceedings
  • Reviews Federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions and serves as the Federal Claims Officer for the Hawaii National Guard
  • Participates as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings
  • Acts on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courts martial.

PERSONNEL

The Staff Judge Advocate Office consists of a judge advocate and a legal stenographer.

ORGANIZATION

The SJA reports directly to the adjutant general and works closely with the department’s major units on issues arising from Federal laws and regulations concerning the Federal mission of the National Guard.

1988 Annual Report pp. 24

Patty-Ann Tamayei left the office of Lyons, Brandt, Cook & Hiramatsu to join the Staff Judge Advocate as a legal stenographer. After hours she reads and is active in bowling and aerobics.

1988 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 10

Staff Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard, and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In performing its mission, the SJA provides the following services:

  • Preparing legal opinions on issues of Federal law.
  • Serving as Federal litigation point of contact.
  • Representing the adjutant general in Federal labor – management proceedings.
  • Reviewing Federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions and serving as the Federal Claims Officer for the Hawaii National Guard.
  • Participating as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings.
  • Acting on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courts martial.

Personnel

The Staff Judge Advocate Office consists of a judge advocate and is supported by a clerk-typist.

Organization

The SJA reports directly to the adjutant general and works closely with the department’s major units on issues arising from Federal laws and regulations concerning the Federal mission of the National Guard.

1989 Annual Report pp. 31

Staff Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard, and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In performing its mission, the SJA provides the following services:

  • Prepares legal opinions on issues of Federal law.
  • Serves as Federal litigation point of contact.
  • Represents the adjutant general in Federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Reviews Federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions and serves as the Federal Claims Officer for the Hawaii National Guard.
  • Participates as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings.
  • Acts on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courts-martial.

Personnel

The Staff Judge Advocate Office consists of a judge advocate supported by a shared clerk-typist for the Special Staff.

Organization

The SJA reports directly to the adjutant general and works closely with Guard members on legal issues relating to the mission of the National Guard.

1990 Annual Report pp. 28

Staff Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard, and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In performing its mission, the SJA serves to:

  • Prepare legal opinions on issues of federal law.
  • Serve as federal litigation point of contact.
  • Represent the adjutant general in federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Review federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions and serve as the Hawaii National Guard’s federal claims officer.
  • Participate as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings.
  • Act on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courtsmartial.

Personnel

The Staff Judge Advocate Office consists of a judge advocate supported by a shared clerk-typist for the Special Staff.

Organization

The SJA reports directly to the adjutant general and works closely with Guard members on legal issues relating to the mission of the National Guard.

1991 Annual Report pp. 28

Staff Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard, and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In performing its mission, the SJA serves to:

  • Prepare legal opinions on issues of federal law.
  • Serve as federal litigation point of contact.
  • Represent the adjutant general in federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Review federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions and serve as the Hawaii National Guard’s federal claims officer.
  • Participate as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings.
  • Act on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courtsmartial.

Personnel

The Staff Judge Advocate Office consists of a judge advocate supported by a shared clerk-typist for the Special Staff.

Organization

The SJA reports directly to the adjutant general and works closely with Guard members on legal issues relating to the mission of the National Guard.

1992 Annual Report pp. 29

Staff Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In performing its mission, the SJA serves to:

  • Prepare legal opinions on issues of federal law.
  • Serve as federal litigation point of contact.
  • Represent the adjutant general in federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Review federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions and serve as the Hawaii National Guard’s federal claims officer.
  • Participate as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings.
  • Act on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courts-martial.

Personnel

The SJA Office consists of a judge advocate, supported by a shared clerk-typist for the Special Staff.

Organization

The SJA reports directly to the adjutant general and works closely with Guard commanders on legal issues relating to the federal mission of the National Guard.

1993 Annual Report pp. 33

Staff Judge Advocate Office

The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In performing its mission, the SJA serves to:

  • Prepare legal opinions on issues of federal law.
  • Serve as federal litigation point of contact.
  • Represent the adjutant general in federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Review federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions and serve as the Hawaii National Guard’s federal claims officer.
  • Participate as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings.
  • Act on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courts-martial.

Personnel

The SJA Office consists of a judge advocate, supported by a shared clerk-typist for the Special Staff.

Organization

The SJA reports directly to the adjutant general and works closely with Guard commanders on legal issues relating to the federal mission of the National Guard.

1994 Annual Report pp. 35

Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Judge Advocate (JA) provides legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In performing its mission, the JA:

  • Prepares legal opinions on issues of federal law.
  • Serves as federal litigation point of contact.
  • Represents the adjutant general in federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Reviews federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions and serves as the Hawaii National Guard’s federal claims officer.
  • Participates as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings.
  • Acts on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courts-martial.

Personnel

The Judge Advocate Office consists of a judge advocate supported by a shared clerk-typist for the Special Staff.

Organization

The JA reports directly to the adjutant general and works closely with Guard members on legal issues relating to the federal mission of the National Guard.

1995 Annual Report pp. 37

Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Judge Advocate (JA) provides legal support to the adjutant general, staff elements, subordinate units of the Hawaii National Guard and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. In performing its mission, the JA:

  • Prepares legal opinions on issues of federal law.
  • Serves as federal litigation point of contact.
  • Represents the adjutant general in federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Reviews federal contracts relating to procurement and acquisitions and serves as the Hawaii National Guard’s federal claims officer.
  • Participates as legal advisor or counsel in administrative board proceedings.
  • Acts on behalf of the convening authority in National Guard courts-martial.

Personnel

The Judge Advocate Office consists of a judge advocate supported by a shared clerk-typist for the Special Staff.

Organization

The JA reports directly to the adjutant general and works closely with Guard members on legal issues relating to the federal mission of the National Guard.

1996 Annual Report pp. 37

Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Judge Advocate (JA) serves as the chief legal counsel and advisor to the adjutant general; provides legal services and advice to commanders, staff elements, subordinate units, and members of the Hawaii National Guard and the United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO); serves as legal liaison to the Office of Veterans Services, State Civil Defense, Counterdrug, Drug Demand Reduction, Youth ChalleNGe, and the Family Support programs. In executing its mission, the JA:

  • Serves as the chief legal counsel for all federal and military litigation.
  • Prepares a wide range of legal opinions and advice on federal, state, and military laws and regulations.
  • Serves as the labor law attorney in all federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Serves as the environmental attorney for all Hawaii National Guard operations, projects, facilities and training areas (e.g. testified as the environmental law expert before the State Senate Committee on Military Land Use in Hawaii).
  • Serves as the legal advisor to the Adjutant General during state and federal emergencies and disasters ( e.g. drafted operational rules of engagement for Operation KOKUA, flood emergency on the Leeward Coast of Oahu, during November 1996).
  • Serves as the legal advisor to the Family Support Program.
  • Serves as the legal advisor to the Na Koa Watch Community Policing Program in Hawaii.
  • Serves as the contract attorney for the United States Property and Fiscal Office, reviews all federal contracts, bonds and sureties involving procurements, acquisitions, and construction.
  • Serves as the federal ethics counselor and advisor for the Hawaii National Guard.
  • Reviews all involuntary officer and enlisted separation actions for the Hawaii National Guard.
  • Acts on behalf of the adjutant general in all National Guard courts-martial and Article 15 nonjudicial punishment cases.
  • Supervises the administration of legal services and assistance such as wills and powers of attorney that are provided to Guard members.
  • Serves as the legal liaison to the Hawaii National Guard Association (HNGA), and the Hawaii National Guard Enlisted Association (HNGEA).
  • Advises Guard members and civilian employers on the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act(USERRA).

Personnel

The JA office consists of one full-time JA with six traditional Army National Guard Judge Advocates and their supporting paralegal staffs and provides professional legal support and services to the commanders and members of the National Guard in the execution of their federal and state missions.

1997 Annual Report pp. 42

Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Judge Advocate (JA) serves as the chief legal counsel and advisor to the adjutant general; provides legal services and advice to commanders, staff elements, subordinate units, and members of the Hawaii National Guard and the United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO); serves as legal liaison to the Office of Veterans Services, State Civil Defense, Counterdrug, Drug Demand Reduction, Youth ChalleNGe, and the Family Support programs. In executing its mission, the JA:

  • Serves as the chief legal counsel for all federal and military litigation.
  • Prepares a wide range of legal opinions and advice on federal, state, and military laws and regulations.
  • Serves as the labor law attorney in all federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Serves as the environmental attorney for all Hawaii National Guard operations, projects, facilities and training areas (e.g. testified as the environmental law expert before the State Senate Committee on Military Land Use in Hawaii).
  • Serves as the legal advisor to the adjutant general during state and federal emergencies and disasters (e.g. drafted operational rules of engagement for Operation KOKUA, flood emergency on the Leeward Coast of Oahu, during November 1996).
  • Serves as the legal advisor to the Family Support Program.
  • Serves as the legal advisor to the Na Koa Watch Community Policing Program in Hawaii.
  • Serves as the contract attorney for the United States Property and Fiscal Office, reviews all federal contracts, bonds and sureties involving procurements, acquisitions, and constrnction.
  • Serves as the federal ethics counselor and advisor for the Hawaii National Guard.
  • Reviews all involuntary officer and enlisted separation actions for the Hawaii National Guard.
  • Acts on behalf of the adjutant general in all National Guard courts-martial and Article 15 nonjudicial punishment cases.
  • Supervises the administration of legal services and assistance such as wills and powers of attorney that are provided to Guard members.
  • Serves as the legal liaison to the Hawaii National Guard Association (HNGA).
  • Advises Guard members and civilian employers on the Unifonn Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Personnel

The JA office consists of one full-time JA with six drill-status Army National Guard Judges Advocate and their supporting paralegal staffs, and provides professional legal support and services to the commanders and members of the National Guard in the execution of their federal and state missions.

1998 Annual Report pp. 43

Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Judge Advocate (JA) serves as the chief legal counsel and advisor to the adjutant general; provides legal services and advice to commanders, staff elements, subordinate units, and members of the Hawaii National Guard and the United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO); serves as legal liaison to the Office of Veterans Services, State Civil Defense, Counterdrug, Drug Demand Reduction, Youth ChalleNGe, and the Family Support programs. In executing its mission, the JA:

  • Serves as the chief legal counsel for all federal and military litigation.
  • Prepares a wide range of legal opinions and advice on federal, state, and military laws and regulations.
  • Serves as the labor law attorney in all federal labor-management proceedings.
  • Serves as the environmental attorney for all Hawaii National Guard operations, projects, facilities and training areas (e.g. testified as the environmental law expert before the State Senate Committee on Military Land Use in Hawaii).
  • Serves as the legal advisor to the adjutant general during state and federal emergencies and disasters.
  • Serves as the legal advisor to the Family Support Program.
  • Serves as the legal advisor to the Na Koa Watch Community Policing Program in Hawaii.
  • Serves as the contract attorney for the United States Property and Fiscal Office, reviews all federal contracts, bonds and sureties involving procurements, acquisitions, and construction.
  • Serves as the federal ethics counselor and advisor for the Hawaii National Guard.
  • Reviews all involuntary officer and enlisted separation actions for the Hawaii National Guard.
  • Acts on behalf of the adjutant general in all National Guard courts-martial and Article 15 nonjudicial punishment cases.
  • Supervises the administration of legal services and assistance such as wills and powers of attorney that are provided to Guard members.
  • Serves as the legal liaison to the Hawaii National Guard Association (HNGA).
  • Advises Guard members and civilian employers on the Unifonn Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Personnel

The JA office consists of one full-time JA with six drill-status Army National Guard Judges Advocate and their supporting paralegal staffs, and provides professional legal support and services to the commanders and members of the National Guard in the execution of their federal and state missions.

1999 Annual Report pp. 44

Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Judge Advocate (JA) serves as the chief legal counsel and advisor to the adjutant general; provides legal services and advice to commanders, staff elements, subordinate units, and members of the Hawaii National Guard and the U.S. Property & Fiscal Office (USPFO); serves as legal liaison to the Office of Veterans Services, State Civil Defense, and Hawaii National Guard Youth CHalleNGe Academy.

In executing its mission, the Judge Advocate serves as: chief legal counsel for all federal and military litigation; legal liaison (to State Attorney General’s Office; U.S. Attorney General’s Office; Chief Counsel, National Guard Bureau; and the Judge Advocate Generals of the Air Force and Army); labor law attorney in all federal labor management proceedings; environmental attorney for all Hawaii National Guard operations, projects, facilities, and training areas; legal advisor to the adjutant general during state and federal emergencies and disasters; legal advisor to the Family Support Program; legal advisor to the Na Koa Watch Community Policing Program in Hawaii; contract attorney for the U.S. Property & Fiscal Office, reviews all federal contracts, bonds and sureties involving procurements, acquisitions, and construction; federal ethics counselor and advisor for the Hawaii National Guard; legal liaison to the Hawaii National Guard Association (HNGA). Additionally, the Judge Advocate prepares a wide range of legal opinions and advice on federal, state, and military laws and regulations; reviews all involuntary officer and enlisted separation actions for the Hawaii National Guard; acts on behalf of the adjutant general in all National Guard courts-martial and Article 15 nonjudicial punishment cases; supervises the administration of legal services and assistance such as wills and powers of attorney that are provided to Guard members; and, advises Guard members and civilian employers on the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Personnel

The office consists of one full-time Judge Advocate with six drill-status Army National Guard Judges Advocate, two drill-status Air National Guard Judges Advocate, their supporting paralegal staffs, and one full-time clerk typist.

2000 Annual Report pp. 36

Judge Advocate Office

Mission

The Judge Advocate (JA) serves as the chief legal counsel and advisor to the adjutant general; provides legal services and advice to commanders, staff elements, subordinate units, and members of the Hawaii National Guard and the U.S. Property & Fiscal Office (USPFO); serves as legal liaison to the Office of Veterans Services, State Civil Defense, and Hawaii National Guard Youth CHalleNGe Academy.

In executing its mission, the Judge Advocate serves as: chief legal counsel for all federal and military litigation; legal liaison (to State Attorney General’s Office; U.S. Attorney General’s Office; Chief Counsel, National Guard Bureau; and the Judge Advocate Generals of the Air Force and Army); labor law attorney in all federal labor management proceedings; environmental attorney for all Hawaii National Guard operations, projects, facilities, and training areas; legal advisor to the adjutant general during state and federal emergencies and disasters; legal advisor to the Family Support Program; legal advisor to the Na Koa Watch Community Policing Program in Hawaii; contract attorney for the U.S. Property & Fiscal Office, reviews all federal contracts, bonds and sureties involving procurements, acquisitions, and construction; federal ethics counselor and advisor for the Hawaii National Guard; legal liaison to the Hawaii National Guard Association (HNGA). Additionally, the Judge Advocate prepares a wide range of legal opinions and advice on federal, state, and military laws and regulations; reviews all involuntary officer and enlisted separation actions for the Hawaii National Guard; acts on behalf of the adjutant general in all National Guard courts-martial and Article 15 nonjudicial punishment cases; supervises the administration of legal services and assistance such as wills and powers of attorney that are provided to Guard members; and, advises Guard members and civilian employers on the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Personnel

The office consists of one full-time Judge Advocate with six drill-status Army National Guard Judges Advocate, two drill-status Air National Guard Judges Advocate, their supporting paralegal staffs, and one full-time clerk typist.

2001 Annual Report pp. 36

Legal help on JAG Line

All members of the Hawaii National Guard are invited to participate in a new legal assistance program being established by the Army and Air National Guard Judge Advocates General at the direction of the adjutant general.

Members are invited to contact the JAG Line at 733-4110 during the hours of 1 to 3 p.m. on the Sunday of each weekend that Headquarters STARC is drilling.

Questions may be of either a military or civilian nature. Even if the JAGs may not able to represent the caller in a particular matter (representation is generally limited to military matters), the attorneys may be able to assist the caller to sort out the issues and refer them to other sources of assistance.

In many cases, this may be the Lawyer Referral Service of the Ha waii State Bar Association.

The phone being used for the JAG Line is the line for Lt. Col. Donald McKinney, the full-time JAG for the Hawaii Naltional Guard.

McKinney continues to be available to handle questions and requests for legal assistance on non-drill days.

Air Guard JAGs are conducting their call or come in period from 10a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays during normal scheduled drill weekends.

2003 April – June Pūpūkahi pp. 2

Federal recognition

Six Hawaii National Guard employees from the Human Resources Office were recognized at the 53rd Annual Excellence in Federal Government Awards Luncheon was held in May at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort. . .

Capt. David Lusk, a license attorney in Hawaii and member of the Judge Advocate Generals staff, is serving the department’s state labor relations specialist. His leadership is key to pending internal labor relations issues, to include the renegotiation of the agency’s union contract and mediation efforts. His knowledge of the law, his superior leadership skills continue to be instrumental to the agency’s ability to remain fully and effectively engaged with employee concerns.

2009 April – September Pūpūkahi pp. 24

Judge Advocate General Leadership

  • FY 1996 – FY 2011 Lt. Col. Donald G. McKinney
  • FY 2012 – FY 2015 Lt. Col. David L. Lopina
  • FY 2019 Maj. Lloyd Phelps
  • FY 1987 – FY 1996 Maj. Clarence Joseph Gunderson
  • FY 1996 – FY 2011 Lt. Col. Donald G. McKinney