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<br /> POP: gam v. blane Page 6 of 11 <br /> 1. Standard of review <br /> Review of a decision made by the circuit court upon its review of an agency's decision is a secondary <br /> appeal. The standard of review is one in which this court must determine whether the circuit court was <br /> right or wrong in its decision, applying the standards set forth in HRS § 91-14(g) to the agency's <br /> decision. This court's review is further qualified by the principle that the agency's decision carries a <br /> presumption of validity and appellant has the heavy burden of making a convincing showing that the <br /> decision is invalid because it is unjust and unreasonable in its consequences. <br /> Kovno v. County of Hawai i, 85 Hawai' i 61, 77, 937 P.2d 397, 413 <br /> (citations omitted). <br /> HRS § 91-14(g) (1993) enumerates the standazds of review applicable to an agency appeal and provides: <br /> Upon review of the record the court may affirm the decision of the agency or remand the case with <br /> instructions for further proceedings; or it may reverse or modify the decision and order if the substantial <br /> rights of the petitioners may have been prejudiced because the administrative findings, conclusions, <br /> decisions, or orders are: <br /> (1) In violation of constitutional or statutory provisions; or <br /> (2) In excess of the statutory authority or jurisdiction of the <br /> agency; or <br /> (3) Made upon unlawful procedure; or <br /> (4) Affected by other error of law; or <br /> (5) Clearly erroneous in view of the reliable, probative, and <br /> substantial evidence on the whole record; or <br /> (6) Arbitrary, or capricious, or characterized by abuse of discretion <br /> or clearly unwarranted exercise of discretion. <br /> Poe v. Hawai i Labor Relations Board, 87 Hawaii 191, 194-95, 953 P.2d 569, 572-73 (1998). <br /> http://www.hawaii.gov/jud/20385.htm 12/22/2006 <br /> <br />