On Saturday, April 7, 2018, the family of William Kahelelani Richardson held his hoʻolewa and celebration of life at the family’s beach house in Lāʻie.  Billy Richardson, a dedicated supporter of the Law School and of Ka Huli Ao, was the son of Chief Justice William S. Richardson, for whom the Law School is named.  At the hoʻolewa, which was attended by many family and community members, as well as members of the Hawaiʻi bar including Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, all spoke warmly of Billy’s generous and compassionate nature and his many accomplishments.  Music by Puamana was followed by a pule by Uncle Nate Wong, short remarks by his children, Erin Richardson Severin and Shaw Richardson, and an oli aloha by Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie.  His ashes were then taken out to the ocean by his children, family, and friends, and all joined in a beach clean-up in his honor.  The day wrapped up with mea ʻai from Waiāhole Poi Factory and music by Kupaʻāina.

Celebrating the life of Billy Richardson

In reflecting on Billy’s many accomplishments, his daughter noted that he was an outstanding college volley-ball player, was the first Native Hawaiian to be involved in the technology revolution and become a high-growth venture fund entreprenuer, and most recently was the CEO of one of the newly licensed medical marijuana dispensaries.  Billy also served on the Hawaiian Homes Commission, as a trustee of the UH Foundation, and on the boards of the Trust for Public Land and the Entrepreneurs Foundation.  He also taught classes at the Law and Business Schools and was known for his tough but engaging teaching style.  He demanded the best of his students as he did of himself.

Billy is survived by his wife, Lea Hong ‘91, his children, and his sisters, Corinne Wolfe and Barbara Richardson Phillips.

E moe mālie e kuʻu hoa.