The Law Center challenged the Honolulu Police Commission’s interpretation that the Sunshine Law required closure of a public meeting concerning the “Status of the Chief of Police.” On January 4, 6, and 18, 2017, the Honolulu Police Commission met behind closed doors to discuss its evaluation of the police chief and voted in closed session to approve a retirement agreement. The Commission’s public statements reveal several misinterpretations of law regarding open meetings. The case was assigned to Judge Virginia L. Crandall. Civil No. 17-1-0142-01 VLC. On November 30, Judge Crandall entered judgment in favor of the Commission. The Law Center appealed. No. CAAP-17-899, No. SCAP-17-899. On June 26, 2019, the Hawaii Supreme Court held that the Sunshine Law does not require closure of a public meeting and will not punish a board member for holding an open meeting. It also clarified the meaning of the Sunshine Law’s personnel privacy exception and attorney consultation exception. After remand, the Honolulu Police Commission released the executive session minutes, and the parties stipulated to dismissal of the case.
- Complaint (1/26/17)
- Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss
- Motion and Memorandum in Support (2/16/17)
- Memorandum in Opposition (3/13/17)
- Reply Memorandum (3/16/17)
- Order Granting Motion to Dismiss (11/20/17)
- Final Judgment (11/30/17)
- Notice of Appeal (12/19/17)
- Record on Appeal (2/5/18)
- Opening Brief (4/18/18)
- Answering Brief (6/28/18)
- Reply Brief (7/12/18)
- Application for Transfer (7/23/18)
- Order Granting Application for Transfer (8/27/18)
- Oral Argument (audio) (1/17/19)
- Opinion (6/26/19)
- Request for Costs (7/16/19)
- City Response to Request for Costs (7/19/19)
- Order Granting Request for Costs (7/31/19)
- Judgment on Appeal (8/2/19)
- Executive Session Minutes at UIPA.org