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OUR ADVOCACY

CASES

Enforcing the Public's Right to Transparency

The following case summaries and select court filings provide a resource for those seeking to enforce public rights of access.

Johann Peter Lall v. County of Maui

In 2023, Johann Lall sent a public records request for information concerning the Maui Planning Department reducing a fine by nearly $50,000 for a developer’s[...]

In re Motion to Unseal (Isabella P. Kalua)

Public First moved to unseal portions of the sealed family court proceedings of Isabella P. Kalua f.k.a. Ariel Sellers, whose adoptive parents have been charged[...]

Public First Law Center v. Defender Council

Under the Sunshine Law, Public First challenged the actions of two State boards that each hired–entirely behind closed doors–a top official to run important government[...]

M.K. v. Schlesinger (Confidential Flag)

In 2018, the Law Center learned more about the State Judiciary’s use of a confidential flag.  The confidential flag seals the entire case from public[...]

South Point Inc. v. Paese (Confidential Flag)

In 2018, the Law Center learned more about the State Judiciary’s use of a confidential flag.  The confidential flag seals the entire case from public[...]

State ex rel. Torricer v. Liberty Dialysis-Hawaii LLC (Confidential Flag)

In 2018, the Law Center learned more about the State Judiciary’s use of a confidential flag.  The confidential flag seals the entire case from public[...]

State of Hawaii v. CaremarkPCS Health

On October 4, 2023, the State of Hawaii filed a complaint alleging that pharmacy benefit managers CaremarkPCS Health, Express Scripts, and OptumRX engaged in unfair[...]

Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest v. Department of Public Safety

A preliminary step toward data-driven accountability for government agencies is knowing what information an agency collects regarding its operations.  The Department of Public Safety maintains[...]

In re Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest

The Law Center moved to unseal the Defendant’s sentencing filings in United States v. Milton Choy, 22-CR-71 DKW.  The documents should state the Defendant’s position[...]

David Alan Lopez v. Diane R. Corn (Confidential Flag)

In 2018, the Law Center learned more about the State Judiciary’s use of a confidential flag.  The confidential flag seals the entire case from public[...]