Title
LITIGATION MATTERS (SPECIAL COUNSEL AUTHORIZATION: HARRY DONENFELD V. COUNTY OF MAUI, ET AL., CIVIL 16-00381 DKW-KJM) (COW-1(41))
Description
The Committee is in receipt of correspondence dated July 19, 2016, from the Department of the Corporation Counsel, transmitting a proposed resolution, entitled “AUTHORIZING THE EMPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL IN HARRY DONENFELD v. COUNTY OF MAUI, ET AL., USDC CIVIL NO. 16-00381-DKW-KJM,” and attaching a copy of the Complaint. The Complaint, filed July 8, 2016, alleges Donenfeld was terminated as the Maui County Film Commissioner in violation of his due process rights under the United States and Hawaii Constitutions, breach of contract, defamation, and violations of statutory privacy interests, among other things. The purpose of the proposed resolution is to authorize employment of Kobayashi Sugita & Goda, LLP as special counsel for Alan Arakawa, who has been identified as a Defendant in his individual capacity, in Harry Donenfeld v. County of Maui, et al., Civil 16-00381 DKW-KJM, for a total compensation not to exceed $75,000.
Status
The Committee may consider whether to recommend adoption of the proposed resolution, with or without revisions. The Committee may also consider other related action.
Note
With reference to this agenda item, one or more executive meetings are anticipated pursuant to Section 92-5(a)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, to consult with legal counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities of the County, the Council, and the Committee; and Section 92-5(a)(8), Hawaii Revised Statutes, to deliberate or make a decision upon a matter that requires the consideration of information that must be kept confidential pursuant to a State or Federal law, or a court order.