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Committee approves $925,000 cap for special counsel in Christopher Salem suit after executive session
Summary
After an executive session, the committee approved Resolution 25-75 authorizing up to $925,000 for special counsel Kobayashi Sugita & Goda LLP to continue representation of the county in Christopher Salem v. County of Maui; vote was unanimous 9-0.
The Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee on March 18 approved Resolution 25-75 authorizing additional compensation for special counsel Kobayashi Sugita & Goda LLP in the civil case Christopher Salem v. County of Maui. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend adoption after an executive session in which legal strategies and settlement posture were discussed.
Deputy Corporation Counsel John Gores introduced the item and said special counsel had been retained previously; the request before the committee would raise the total authorized compensation to a cap of $925,000 to cover continued litigation through trial. Counsel for special counsel (appearing via video) was present. The committee moved into executive session under Hawaii Revised Statutes sections cited on the record to consult with legal counsel on powers, duties and liabilities and to deliberate on matters for which confidentiality is required.
Why it matters: The authorization increases the county's approved spending for outside counsel in a high-value liability case, and the committee's executive-session summary said the discussion addressed special counsel's assessment, legal strategy, settlement efforts and the county's rights and liabilities.
Executive session and summary
- The committee convened an executive session citing HRS —92-5(a)(4) (consultation with legal counsel on powers and liabilities) and HRS —92-5(a)(8) (deliberations that must remain confidential). After the executive session, Committee Secretary Hinalo provided the required public summary stating the discussion included the special counsel's assessment and legal impressions, legal strategies, settlement efforts and county rights and liabilities.
Vote and next steps
- The motion to recommend adoption of Resolution 25-75 was made by Council member Yukile Sugimura and seconded by Council member Tasha Kama; the committee approved the resolution 9-0. The item will now proceed to the full council for final action.
