An Idealist in a Time of Division
Anne Marie Smoke serves as Administrator of the Appellate Mediation Program and Trainer for the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR) within the Hawai‘i State Judiciary where she brings the skills of mediation and conflict resolution to our community. With a career that combines her expertise in public relations, sustainability, and conflict resolution, Smoke’s journey shows how effective communication can foster community resilience.
Professional Journey
Educated at Central Michigan University, with a B.S. in Journalism and a minor in Fine Arts, Smoke later earned an M.S. in Tourism Management, focusing on sustainable tourism, at the School of Travel Industry Management at UH Mānoa. Smoke’s interest in mediation and facilitation was sparked by her desire to learn more effective ways of conflict management. “I used to joke that I was always good at the conflict. It was the resolution that I needed to learn about,” she remarked.
After moving to Hawaiʻi in 1995, Smoke centered her public relations experience and art background on promoting Hawaiʻi museums where she emphasized community engagement and education. In this role, she helped to open the Hawai‘i State Art Museum (now known as Capitol Modern) and fulfill its mission to make art and culture accessible to all of Hawai‘i’s people. Smoke’s transition into sustainable tourism was a natural evolution, driven by her passion for community involvement and sustainable development. “I’ve always been interested in community building and community engagement,” she explained.
These interests guided her research focus toward communities on O‘ahu’s west side to help raise issues of tourism readiness and foster resident engagement with resort developments that were planned in their own communities. Inspired by the community-centered work of her mentors at UH Mānoa, she also worked with the Kaka‘ako Makai Community Planning Advisory Council where she honed her early conflict resolution and facilitation skills. These experiences led her to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution at the Matsunaga Institute for Peace, where she later served as the program coordinator and educational specialist.
Teaching Conflict Resolution Skills
Smoke’s philosophy on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and facilitation is centered around the power of engagement and community building. She believes in the importance of inclusivity and the collective wisdom of multiple voices in decision-making processes. “The more voices, the better in any kind of decision-making,” Smoke said.
At the Hawai‘i State Judiciary, Smoke currently provides alternatives to traditional litigation for appellate cases. Beyond this, her role extends to teaching conflict resolution skills across a range of State and City and County departments, and promoting the Judiciary’s commitment to collaborative leadership and dispute resolution. “If you can provide skills and guidance and direction for people who are dealing with difficult situations or managing conflict or crises, you really can change lives,” she said.
Advice for Students
For those considering a career in ADR, mediation, or facilitation, Smoke offers encouraging advice, emphasizing the transformative potential of conflict resolution skills. “Everything is possible,” she said, noting that despite living in a time of increasing divisiveness, the ability to unite people and manage conflict is not only achievable but more essential than ever. “Yes, I am an idealist, but in negotiation you always start with the biggest ask and work from that,” she explained.
Anne Marie Smoke’s work and philosophy serve as a testament to the potential of conflict resolution to change lives and foster community resilience. The Matsunaga Institute for Peace is proud to honor her as an inaugural recipient of the School of Communication and Information’s Distinguished Alumni Award.