Kenji Price.
HPU is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenji Price to the role of Senior Vice President and General Counsel. He is returning to his hometown of Honolulu with an illustrious legal career that spans public service and private law practice, including having served as United States Attorney for Hawai‘i.
“Hawai‘i Pacific University is a student-centered learning community, committed to academic excellence. I am excited to join the dedicated team of professionals who year in and year out devote their talent and expertise to educating tomorrow's leaders in HPU's exceptional learning environment,” said Price.
In his new role, Price will provide legal guidance and counsel in executive and policy decision-making, while serving as a member of HPU President John Gotanda’s senior leadership team. Price will oversee HPU’s legal operations, offering expertise on a wide range of issues including labor and employment law, intellectual property, real estate transactions, and regulatory compliance.
Raised in Hawai‘i, Price brings an impressive background in both law and public service. A graduate of Mililani High School, he earned his B.A. magna cum laude from Gonzaga University and his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review. His early legal career includes clerking for Judge Robert Kugler of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and Judge Kent Jordan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He then served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of New York.
Upon returning to Hawai‘i, Price practiced law as of Counsel and a partner at Carlsmith Ball and later as a director at Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing (now Dentons LLP). In 2018, he was appointed United States Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i, where he led an office of over 20 attorneys and served as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the state. After his tenure, Price joined McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Washington D.C. as partner, focusing his practice on white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations, and complex civil litigation. Most recently, Price was a Managing Counsel at Epic Games, Inc. developer of the popular video game Fortnite and creator of the Unreal Engine.
In addition to his legal career, Price has an extensive background in military service. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2006, completing four overseas deployments—three in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. During this time, was a Captain in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment (Special Operations) and Second Lieutenant in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for service in Iraq.
Price’s family has a strong legacy in education, with several relatives serving in educational leadership roles throughout Hawai‘i that span K-12 and higher education. This deep-rooted connection to education complements Price’s long-standing dedication to service and leadership, values that have defined his career in both the public and private sectors.
Gotanda expressed his enthusiasm for Price’s appointment, saying, “Kenji’s vast legal experience, coupled with his leadership in both the public and private sectors, will greatly benefit Hawai‘i Pacific University. His deep connection to Hawai‘i and his commitment to service make him an invaluable asset to our leadership team, and we are excited for the impact he will have as we continue to advance our institution.”
Price officially assumed his role at HPU on October 1, 2024.
