Aloha Y’all:

This edition of Jail Mail is a somber one. We are pausing our usual updates to pay tribute to a giant in the Hawaii legal community who we lost last month.

On December 11, 2025, Attorney Rustam "Rus" Aaron Barbee passed away in Honolulu. Whether you knew him from the courtroom, the golf course, or just by reputation, his absence leaves a void that will be hard to fill.

Rus was more than just a defense attorney; he was a warrior for the underdog and a man who believed, down to his core, that there is only one race—the human race.

A Legacy of Law

Rus came from a lineage of justice—the son of civil rights icon Lloyd A. Barbee. After earning his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1984, he started as a prosecutor (Deputy Attorney General) in Wisconsin.

In 1989, the islands called, and he moved to Hawaii to serve as a Federal Public Defender. For nearly a decade, he fought for those who couldn’t afford representation, establishing himself as exceptional, competent, and courageous.

Since 1997, he operated his private practice, handling everything from complex white-collar federal cases to traffic violations. He also gave back to the future of the industry, teaching law at Chaminade and Kapiolani Community College and serving as the treasurer for the African American Lawyers Association of Hawaii for decades.

A Perfect Record of Care

In an industry where it is impossible to please everyone, Rus stood apart. He held a perfect rating on both Google Reviews and Avvo.

This wasn’t just about winning cases; it was about how he treated people. As a former deputy attorney general turned defense attorney, he had 30+ years of experience on both sides of the aisle. He was known for being compassionate, keeping his clients informed, and fighting tooth and nail to protect their rights, whether they were facing a serious felony or a DUI charge.

The Man Behind the Suit

Those of us who saw him around town know that Rus had a colorful personality and grit that was a wonder to observe.

• The Packers Fan: He spent years trying to convince everyone in Honolulu that the "Packers goin' to dah Super Bowl!"

• The Renaissance Man: When he wasn't in court, he was painting, hiking, playing softball and racquetball, or traveling to Jamaica.

• The Family Man: He was a proud father of five and a grandfather to four.

Rus was a warrior for equality and justice. He will be missed by all who knew him and his dedication to the rule of law. 
- Attorney Myles Breiner

Rest in Justice

We send our deepest aloha and condolences to his siblings (including fellow attorney Daphne Barbee-Wooten), his children, and his grandchildren.

Rus lived by the words of the poem Invictus: "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."

Rus, your door was always open to all. You will be missed.

Rest in Justice.

Jail Mail Nick