Justices Consider Legal Aid Proposal

Justices Consider Legal Aid Proposal: "Small businesses that provide legal documents for do-it-yourself court filings would be forced to close under a proposal before the Hawaii Supreme Court.

The Hawaii State Bar Association has asked the court to clarify a law that covers unauthorized practice by nonlawyers.

'This basically shuts me down,' objects Betty Marais, whose business, Legal-Ez, attracts about 20 to 30 customers a month.

Other critics say the proposed new definition would crimp the livelihoods of Realtors, accountants, architects, title insurance companies and sports agents and the activities of public interest groups."