Biography

James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. has spent his life serving the public and working to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawai`i.  As a city attorney, judge and as Lt. Governor, Duke Aiona has built a proven record of integrity, leadership and commitment.  First elected to public office in 2002 as Hawai`i’s 11th Lt. Governor, Duke Aiona has led the fight against crime and illegal drugs while working to strengthen Hawai`i’s families.  Lt. Governor Aiona and Governor Linda Lingle became Hawai`i's first Republican Administration to win a second term, and they won with the largest margin of victory in any gubernatorial race in the history of the state.

Duke Aiona’s role as Lt. Governor is unprecedented in Hawai`i.  Never before has a Lt. Governor been as actively involved in the critical issues and decisions that shape our state and our future.  Lt. Governor Aiona has been instrumental in turning our economy around, restoring integrity to government, improving early childhood and higher education, creating solutions for affordable housing and pushing for meaningful tax relief for businesses and families.

During his first term in office, the Lt. Governor spearheaded a campaign to address the urgent need to confront a statewide epidemic of drug abuse that included crystal methamphetamine, or “ice”, and underage drinking.  He brought together government, nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders for Hawai`i’s first Drug Control Strategy Summit in 2003.  The summit resulted in the creation of a comprehensive strategy to combat drug and alcohol use through community mobilization, prevention, treatment and law enforcement.  As a result of new measures Lt. Governor Aiona helped to put in place, the production and use of “ice” have dropped significantly in Hawai`i.  

Lt. Governor Aiona is currently spearheading an effort to convene the first constitutional convention in Hawai`i since 1978. Believing the time has come to take a fresh look at our existing constitution, the Lt. Governor certified that the question of whether to convene a constitutional convention would be placed on the next general election ballot. The Lt. Governor is also chairing an 11-member non-partisan task force to study the costs associated with a constitutional convention, taking a comprehensive and transparent approach to provide the citizens of Hawai`i with accurate and credible information in advance of their decision in the November 2008 General Election.

Lt. Governor Aiona has served as a member of the advisory council for the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  He was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2006 to the Advisory Commission on Drug-Free Communities, which advises the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Policy.  He is also a co-chair for the Aerospace States Association, a national organization of Lt. Governors whose purpose is to promote aerospace policies relating to education and economic development. Additionally, Lt. Governor Aiona is a Co-Chair of Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, a national leadership coalition that seeks to prevent underage drinking across the nation.

Duke Aiona began his legal career at the City and County of Honolulu as a deputy prosecutor.  Members of the legal community recognized his strong work ethic and leadership, resulting in his appointment to the Hawai`i State Judiciary in 1990 as a Family Court judge.  His experience in family court gave him first-hand knowledge of the real problems facing Hawai`i families, and reaffirmed his belief that strong families are the foundation of a strong society.  

In 1996, Duke Aiona became the first administrative judge and primary architect of the highly successful and innovative Drug Court Program in Hawai`i.  The program gives non-violent offenders a chance to stay out of prison through active and effective drug rehabilitation.  Under his leadership, 85% of offenders stayed in the program and out of prison.

Lt. Governor Aiona was born in Pearl City, Hawai`i. He graduated from St. Louis High School, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific and earned his law degree from the University of Hawai`i’s William S. Richardson School of Law in Honolulu.  He is a dedicated family man and leader in the church and community.  He and his wife, Vivian, have been married for 25 years and have four children, Makana, Ohulani, Kuli`a and Ka`imilani.  He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for St. Louis School. And he is a former board member of Maryknoll School and a former assistant varsity basketball coach for St. Louis School.