His practice is limited to estate planning and related matters. Originally from Wyoming, he graduated from the University of Wyoming with a BA in political science and math in 1968, then spent six years on active duty in the U.S. Navy. He moved to Honolulu after graduating from the University of Michigan Law School in 1977, then moved to the Big Island in 1983. Hastings is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Council. He currently serves on the board of the North Hawaii Community Hospital, and as a co-trustee of the Anna Ranch Charitable Trust.