MAUI VOICES
Michael Lilly
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
What’s been your favorite OCC memory so far?
I’m a fifth-generation keiki o ka ‘āina. My forebears came here from Scotland in the 1840s. I am a retired Surface Warfare Navy Captain, and former Hawai‘i Attorney Gen- eral, who spent 45 years practicing law on O‘ahu before retiring in 2019. My greatest achievement in law, aside from arguing a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, was forcing the State to grant a vaccine exemption from rabies quarantine for guide dogs for the blind, which paved the way for all pets to travel without suffering quarantine. I am also a Vietnam War combat veteran, having served two tours in the war. I am currently the vice chair of Maui’s Board of Ethics. My book Nimitz at Ease details how my grandparents gave Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz a place, space, and time free of the demands of command, thereby helping him win the Pacific War. My wife Cindy and I live in Kula on Maui. We have four children. What’s your connection to Maui — were you born and raised here, or did life bring you here later on? My dad retired from the Navy in 1970 after serving for 30 years, including service in World War II, Korea, and Viet- nam, and became the State Harbormaster for Maui Coun- ty. My parents bought a beautiful estate in Kula, 3,600 feet up the slopes of Haleakalā. I have been coming to Maui ever since. After they passed, I acquired their home, to which my wife and I moved when I retired in 2019. How long have you been a member of Outrigger Ca- noe Club, and what brought you to the club? I became an athletic member in 1984 to paddle for the Club and joined as a regular member in 1986. I have en- joyed water sports all my life and especially wanted to paddle for the Club. My grandparents became members around 1915.
My canoe winning the Novice A Men’s Macfarlane Regat- ta on July 4, 1984, beating the competition by a whopping 40 seconds. What sports or activities have you participated in — either currently or during your time with OCC? Paddling. I also loved surfing Old Man’s and snorkeling the reef in front of the Club. How has your experience with OCC shaped you — as an athlete, teammate, or person? In many ways. Paddling with a team helped foster the teamwork that was an integral part of my Navy life. Being a lover of the ocean, I strongly support the Club’s promotion of water sports—especially outrigger canoe racing—and its preservation of the Hawaiian sport. I love the passion of Outrigger members for outrigger canoe paddling, water sports in general, and love of the ocean. It is inspiring how our members come together in fellowship to support ca- noe racing and volleyball. Similarly, the Club founded the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, which supports and inspires athletic achievement. These are wonderful endeavors for which all members are justly proud.
What’s your perfect day on Maui?
Every morning, I walk Thompson Road in Kēōkea, marvel- ing at the breathtaking majestic beauty of Haleakalā, the West Maui Range, and Lāna‘i in the distance.
OCC member Michael Lilly relaxes in the lobby of the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, where guests are invited to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich culture of Maui.
18 AMA | September/October 2025
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