HONOLULU (March 14, 2019) – Honolulu Circuit Judge Jeffrey P. Crabtree this week issued an order allowing OHA to continue its lawsuit against the University of Hawaii (UH) and the State for breach of fiduciary duty and for injunctive relief arising from their failed management of Mauna Kea.
In January, UH and the State filed a motion seeking to dismiss all of OHA’s claims. But on Monday, March 11, the judge only agreed to dismiss OHA’s breach of contract claim because OHA came into existence 10 years after the general lease between the State Department of Land and Natural Resources and UH for Mauna Kea was formed.
OHA is pleased to be able to pursue its legitimate breach of fiduciary duty claims against the university and the State for their longstanding and well-documented failures as stewards of Mauna Kea, which will ultimately help improve the quality of the State’s management of the mountain as well as of all its ceded lands resources.
After 50 years of empty promises to the mauna and our community, the state must be held accountable. Mauna Kea deserves better.
