Attorneys suspended in record numbers in Hawaii

Lawyers say the Hawaii Supreme Court, long criticized for moving slowly and tepidly in handling complaints, is showing a new resolve to enforce the rules of the legal profession. As part of an effort helped by some key rule changes, six lawyers have been suspended from practice for reasons ranging from failing to return clients' phone calls to stealing money from them. The figure so far for this year is twice as high as in 2004, when three lawyers were suspended.

The Supreme Court, which makes and enforces the rules of conduct for Hawaii lawyers, has been criticized in the past for moving slowly on complaints.

Last year, the court approved rule changes that made the disciplinary board more effective and allowed it to move more quickly. For instance, the board can now decide on its own whether the evidence is strong enough to go after a lawyer, a power it didn't have before.

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