Kauai attorney suspended from practice

HONOLULU — A Kauai attorney was suspended from practicing law Tuesday, following a disciplinary action for ethical and compliance matters related to a previous suspension.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on July 2 imposed a five-year suspension on the law practice of Gilbert Peter Kea, 59.

“The public is cautioned and advised that Kea cannot practice law until reinstated by order of the Hawaii Supreme Court,” according to a press release issued by the Hawaii Supreme Court. “He cannot accept any new retainers, clients, or legal matters.”

The Hawaii Office of Disciplinary Counsel under Chief Disciplinary Counsel Janet Hunt, made a recommendation to the court on July 2.

It found that Kea had failed to cooperate in the investigation of disciplinary matters on Sept. 9, 2012, and was previously suspended by the Court for the same conduct.

The current suspension is in regard to matters involving ethical misconduct including failure to communicate with clients, and keeping them apprised on the status of their cases, according to the press release. It is also in regard not properly informing clients of a previous law suspension imposed by the court.

The phone number to the Lihue law office advertised for Kea was disconnected. He could not be reached for comment.

Kea was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Hawaii on May 3, 1985. He is a current and founding board member of the Kauai Planning & Action Alliance. He has served as a member of its Board of Directors since 2003.

He is listed as a board member of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, and the Garden Island Resource Conservation and Development.

Lawyers licensed to practice in the State of Hawaii may be publicly disciplined for legal misconduct. The Hawaii Supreme Court may discipline through disbarment, suspension, public censure, or public reprimand.

To check the status of an attorney visit the Disciplinary Board of the Hawaii Supreme Court at www.odchawaii.com.