(HONOLULU, Hawai‘i) – On January 26, 2024, Hawai‘i Women’s Legal Foundation (HWLF) awarded Thalia Murphy with the 2024 Rhoda Lewis Award in recognition of her extraordinary contribution and commitment to public service. Each year, HWLF presents the Rhoda Lewis Award, named after the first female member of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, to a woman attorney who has devoted her career to public service.

“Ms. Murphy has devoted her career to public service, toiling in the trenches, and serving as an “unsung hero” for women and children in our community,” said Tricia Nakamatsu, HWLF Board President. “We are proud to present her with this year’s Rhoda Lewis Award.”

Over the past 40 years, Thalia Murphy has served diligently and steadfastly as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City & County of Honolulu. During her years as head of the Department’s Domestic Violence Division, and her decades as a supervisor and member of the Felony Sexual Assault Team, Ms. Murphy has relentlessly sought justice for victims whose voices are all-too-often silenced by fear, shame, and violence.

At the same time, Ms. Murphy is known to have taught generations of deputy prosecutors to always “do the right thing,” even if that means more work for yourself or less favorable results for a case. She has exemplified these values in her own work.

Throughout her career, Ms. Murphy has developed an exceptional reputation for professionalism, integrity, humility and passion for her work, and has fostered strong relationships with partnering agencies and community organizations, to ensure the best possible prosecution of cases, justice for victims, and the safety of our community.