HCF Advisor Highlight: John Roth, Esq.
Facilitating Values, Building Legacy
For Hawai‘i Trust & Estate Counsel’s John Roth, estate planning is less about persuasion and more about listening. John’s goal is helping his clients articulate what already matters most to them.
“It’s usually the client who is philanthropic by nature,” John says. “By the time they’re talking to me, they’ve already given some thought to whether giving back is important to them. My involvement is more to help brainstorm how they can accomplish their goals.”
A founding partner of Hawai‘i Trust & Estate Counsel in 2014, John’s practice is focused on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Based on Hawai‘i Island, he’s a frequent speaker on estate planning, legal ethics, probate, and law firm management. John brings both technical expertise and a thoughtful approach to his work.
It’s a commitment to community that extends beyond the office. John was an adjunct professor at the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law and taught business law at UH Hilo. He has also served as past president of the Rotary Club of North Hawai‘i, spent nine years on the board of North Hawai‘i Hospice (including as president), and has supported Hawai‘i Community Foundation through service on the West Hawai‘i Fund Advisory Committee and the Hawai‘i Island Leadership Council. Service beyond John’s practice is simply part of how he puts care into action.
“As an estate planning attorney, I have the opportunity to discuss people’s values,” says John. “Mostly these values focus on their family members. A lot of clients also incorporate philanthropy into their plan because their values include giving back to the community.”
Often, these conversations lead naturally to Hawai‘i Community Foundation. When his clients aren’t sure which organizations to support, or they want to make a broader, lasting impact, John connects them with HCF as a critical resource. “Hawai‘i Community Foundation is a valuable partner for my clients, particularly when they want guidance on how to structure their giving in a meaningful and effective way,” John says.
One such client led to an extraordinary legacy gift. Through John’s referral, HCF philanthropy advisor Malu Debus worked closely with Daniel “Gonzo” Gonzalez, a recent widower honoring the life and passions of his wife, Dr. Natalie “Spunky” Gonzalez. Together, they established seven named funds supporting causes ranging from medical research and physician support to food security, domestic violence prevention, support animals, and more. All of it, reflecting the couple’s shared values and life together. “It was very clear that Daniel wanted their entire estate to be invested in supporting the community in a way that would last forever,” says Malu.
To John, these decisions reflect generosity guided by purpose. “Sometimes the conversation isn’t about giving to charity versus family, it’s more about what values you want to pass along,” he says. “Clients want to ensure their resources are used to show what’s important to them and to model those priorities for the people they care about.” Philanthropy can be a way to encourage purpose and support the broader community alongside loved ones.
Grounded and collaborative, John is an independent advisor with care. “I really see my role as just helping facilitate the conversation around what they’re trying to accomplish,” says John. In partnership with Hawai‘i Community Foundation, these conversations help turn values into action and intention into lasting benefit for Hawai‘i’s communities.
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