HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0637.003 1996-1998 Ntv or
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Stephen K. Yamashiro Richard Wurdeman
Mayor Corpor¢tion Counsel
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~OLtIC~~I II~ ~2i~lT2lit C
OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
IOI Aupuni Street, Suite 325 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4262 • (808) 961-8251 • Fax (808) 961-8622
March 4, 1998
The Honorable James Arakaki
Chairman, Hawaii County Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki:
Re: Resolutions Concemin Henrv A. Ross v. Count~ofHawaii. et al .Civil No
97-452 and Dean E. Beaumont v. Richard Carter. Jr.. et al. Civil No 97-187K
We respectfully request that the following resolutions be assigned to the appropriate
Council member and committee, if necessary, so that, they may be taken up at the next regularly
scheduled County Council meeting:
1. Resolution authorizing the Corporation Counsel, and his authorized
representatives, to enter into an agreement with the individually named
defendants, who are officials and employees of the County of Hawaii, to represent
them in the civil action entitled Henry A. Ross vs. County of Hawaii, et al., Civil
No. 97-452.
2. Resolution authorizing the Corporation Counsel, and his authorized
representatives, to enter into an agreement with the individually named defendant,
who is an employee of the County of Hawaii, to represent him in the civil action
entitled Dean E. Beaumont vs. Richard Carter, Jr., et al., Civil No. 97-187K.
We further request that the resolutions be waived past committee meetings. On
January 16, 1998, this County Council approved similar resolutions. Because of an objection by
the Mayor, the resolutions now include a provision requiring a signature from the Chairperson of
the County Council or his designated representative from the (:ounty Council. The subject ~y
t..._ MAR ~ o roca
~r Ate-
The Honorable James Arakaki
Page 2
March 4, 1998
matter of these resolutions were discussed with the County Council during the executive session
held on Wednesday, December 3, 1997, and in open session at the Finance Committee meeting
on January 6, 1998.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me.
Sincerely,
RICHARD D. WLJRDEMAN
Corporation Counsel
,
i' _
~3`- ' -
JOSEPH K. KAMELAMELA
Deputy Corporation Counsel
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Enclosures
cc/enc: Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro
Chief of Police Wayne Carvalho
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Stephen K. Yamashiro Richard Wurdeman
Mayor ~ Corporation Counsel
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OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL r
101 Aupuni Stree4 Suite 325 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720.4262 • (808) %1-8251 • Fax (608) 961.8622
TO Ms. Liana Cox DATE: March 18, 1998
County Council
FROM: Joseph K. Kamelamela
Deputy Corporation Counsel
RE Beaumont. Civil No. 97-187K/Ross. Civil No. 97-452
COPIES/ITEMS DATE DESCRIPTION
2 originals Agreement Providing Representation by the Office of the
Corporation Counsel (tor Jay Kimura & Richard Carter, Jn)
TRANSMITTED FOR:
[ ]Information and Files [ ]Approval
[ ]Signature and Return [ ]Review and Comments
[ ]Signature and Forwarding As Noted Below [x] See Remarks Below
[ ]Pursuant to Your Request [ ]Filing and Return (Envelope Enclosed)
REMARKS: For the County v. Ross case, we only provided the agreement concerning
Jay Kimura because the other agreements will be the same for the other
defendants.
/mo
Enclosures
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400~YY Oi y,K,' a
AARON S.Y. CHUNG ~,IJ~, Phone: (808) 961-8396
Couneilmember FAX: (808) 969-3291
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COUNTY COUNCIL ~ ,
County of Hawaii
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 16, 1998
Council Chair James Y. Arakaki
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
RE: Attached Resolutions
Pursuant to Section 1(e) of Rule 4 of the Rules of Procedure of the Council of the County
of Hawaii, this written approval is submitted in regazd to Resolution Nos.2 48 and 2 49 ,
concerning Henry A. Ross v. County of Hawaii, et al., Civil No. 97-452 and Dean E.
Beaumont v. Richard Carter, Jr., et al., Civil No. 97-187K,waiving said referral from the
Committee on Finance in order that appropriate action can be taken by the Council.
In reviewing the contents of the referral, it is deemed advisable that such a waiver be
granted.
~ r
t)d 'i- ~
Aaron S.Y. Chung, Chairman
Committee on Finance
Approved:
James Y. Arakaki, Chai an
Hawaii County Council
u
AGREEMENT PROVIDING REPRESENTATION
BY THE OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
THIS AGREEMENT, made this day of , 1998, by and
between the COUNTY OF HAWAII, a municipal corporation duly organized under the
laws of the State of Hawaii, whose principal place of business is 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo,
Hawaii 96720, hereinafter called the "County," and JAY KIMURA, whose business
address is 34 Rainbow Drive, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, hereinafter called "Kimura,"
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Kimura has been sued via a complaint in Henry A. Ross vs. County of
Hawaii, et al., Civil No. 97-452; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii County Council has found that Kimura was acting in the
scope of his employment when the alleged acts complained of in that lawsuit occurred;
and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii County Council on ,approved
Resolution No. -98, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit "A," and agreed therein
to indemnify Kimura for al] damages that may be awarded, including punitive damages,
so that the Corporation Counsel, or his authorized representatives, may represent Kimura
and the County in the above-mentioned lawsuit; and
-1-
ATTACH. C-637.03
(RES. 248-98 & 249-98)
WHEREAS, Kimura received and reviewed a letter dated ,
from the Office of the Corporation Counsel (hereinafter "letter"), a copy of which is
attached as Exhibit "B"; and
WHEREAS, Kimura had an opportunity to discuss and ask questions as to the
contents of the letter with the Corporation Counsel or his assigned deputy in Civil
No. 97-452; and
WHEREAS, Kimura understands that there may be potential conflicts of interests,
which were recited in the letter; and
WHEREAS, Kimura understands that the Office of the Corporation Counsel of the
County, through its deputies (hereinafter "Corporation Counsel"), will represent him prior
to and subsequent to any answer filed on his behalf in Civil No. 97-452;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
l . That the Corporation Counsel will render such legal services to and on
behalf of Kimura by preparing a defense to the allegations in the civil case styled and
entitled Henry A. Ross vs. County of Hawaii, e[ al., Civil No. 97-452.
2. That the Corporation Counsel will not file a counterclaim against the
plaintiff in Civil No. 97-452. This is not a waiver of Kimura's right to hire his own
private attorney to file a counterclaim against the plaintiff in Civil No. 97-452.
3. That the County will indemnify Kimura for all damages that may be
awarded, including punitive damages.
-2-
4. That Kimura waives any potential conflicts of interest, which were recited
in the letter.
5. That Kimura agrees to have the Corporation Counsel represent him prior to
and subsequent to any answer filed on his behalf in Civi] No. 97-452.
6. That Kimura agrees to fully cooperate, including but not limited to the
disclosure of all facts in a truthful manner, with the Corporation Counsel.
The above constitutes the whole Agreement between the County and Kimura.
Both parties agree to put their best faith efforts into resolving the case in the County's
best interests.
IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, the parties hereto have executed this agreement the
day and year first above written.
COUNTY OF HAWAII
By
STEPHEN K. YAMASHIRO
Its Mayor
By
JAMES Y. ARAKAKI
Its Chairman, Hawaii County Council
JAY KIMURA
-3-
AGREEMENT PROVIDING REPRESENTATION BY THE OFFICE OF THE
CORPORATION COUNSEL-COUNTY OF HAWAII AND JAY KIMURA
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND LEGALITY:
JOSEPH K. KAMELAMELA
Deputy Corporation Counsel
Date:
RECOMMEND APPROVAL:
RICHARD D. WURDEMAN
Corporation Counsel
Date:
agrm[jay.jkk
-4-
STATE OF HAWAII )
SS.
COUNTY OF HAWAII )
On this day of , 1998, before me personally appeared
STEPHEN K. YAMASHIRO, to me personally known, who, being by me duly sworn, did say
that he is the Mayor of the County of Hawaii, a municipal corporation of the State of Hawaii;
that the seal affixed to the foregoing instrument is the corporate seal of the said County of
Hawaii; that the foregoing instrument was signed and sealed in behalf of the County of Hawaii
by authority given to said Mayor of the County of Hawaii by Section 5-1.3(g) of the County
CharCer, County of Hawaii (1991), as amended; and said STEPHEN K. YAMASHIRO
acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and deed of said County of Hawaii.
Notary Public, State of Hawaii
My commission expires:
STATE OF HAWAII )
SS.
COUNTY OF HAWAII )
On this day of , 1998, before me personally appeared
JAMES Y. ARAKAKI, to me personally known, who, being by me duly sworn, did say that he is
the Chairperson of the County Council of the County of Hawaii, a municipal corporation of the
State of Hawaii; that the foregoing instrument was signed and sealed in behalf of the County of
Hawaii by authority given to said Chairperson of the County of Hawaii by Resolution -98;
and said JAMES Y. ARAKAKI acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and deed of said
County of Hawaii.
Notary Public, State of Hawaii
My commission expires:
STATE OF HAWAII )
SS.
COUNTY OF HAWAII )
On this _ day of , 1998, before me personally appeared JAY
KIMURA, to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing
instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed.
Notary Public, State of Hawaii
My commission expires:
COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII
RESOLUTION N0.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CORPORATION COUNSEL, AND HIS
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES, TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH
THE INDIVIDUALLY NAMED DEFENDANTS, PARTIES, WHO ARE OFFICIALS
AND EMPLOYEES OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII, TO REPRESENT THEM IN
THE CIVIL ACTION ENTITLED HENRYA. ROSS VS. COUNTY OF HAWAII, ETAL.,
CIVIL NO. 97-451
WHEREAS, the County of Hawaii, Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro, Chief of Police
Wayne G. Carvalho, Police Officer Steven S. Clark, Police Officer Joseph T. Lally,
Police Lt. Henry W. Hickman, Police Officer Joseph Kealoha, Police Officer Alan M.
Kimura, Prosecutor Jay Kimura, Deputy Prosecuting Attomey William Smith and Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney Janet Garcia are being sued by Henry A. Ross in Civil No. 97-452;
and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii County Police Commission has found that the concerned
officers, i.e., Chief of Police Carvalho, Officer Clark, Officer Lally, Lt. Hickman, Officer
Kealoha and Officer Kimura, were acting in the performance of their duty when the
alleged acts of the complaint in that suit occurred; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the County of Hawaii finds that whatever involvement
Mayor Yamashiro, Prosecuting Kimura, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Smith and Deputy
Prosecuting Attomey Garcia might have in this matter were also done in the scope of
their employment; and
EXHIBIT
WHERE,4S, the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel of the Supreme Court of the
State of Hawaii has rendered the opinion that representation by one attorney of multiple
parties in such actions is improper unless those parties waive the potential conflicts
involved or unless the governmental entity agrees to indemnify all the individual parties
for all damages, including punitive damages; and
WHEREAS, the Counci] of the County of Hawaii finds that the acts alleged in the
complaint, if occurred, were done in good faith and the probability of punitive damages
being adjudged is small; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the County of Hawaii finds that the payment of
punitive damages serves a public purpose because it encourages public service, minimizes
the costs of hiring a cadre of attorneys by the County of Hawaii and assures that a
plaintiff can collect on his judgment, if any; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the County of Hawaii further finds that for this reason,
it is in the public interest to indemnify the individually named defendants in this action
for all damages that may be assessed, including punitive damages, so that the Corporation
Counsel, and his authorized representatives, can represent all the named parties who are
officials and employees of the County of Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, the representation by the Corporation Counsel, and his authorized
representatives, of such individually named parties is not an admission of liability by the
Council of the County of Hawaii.
-2-
NOW. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE
COUNTY OF HAWAII, that the Corporation Counsel, and his authorized
representatives, is authorized to enter into an agreement with the individually named
parties, who are officials and employees of the County of Hawaii, to carry out the purpose
of this resolution, to be executed and provided by law.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor of the County of Hawaii and
Chairman of the County Council, and their authorized representatives, are authorized to
sign the above-noted agreement on behalf of the County of Hawaii pursuant to the Hawaii
County Charter.
Dated: Hilo, Hawaii, this day of , 1998.
INTRODUCED BY:
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAII
reso2.jkk
COUNTY COUNCII. ROLL CALL VOTE
County of Hawaii AYES NOES ABS EX
Hilo, Hawaii ARAKAKI
CHUNC
16ereby certify tbat the fo~sgoing RESOLUTION was by the LEI7HEAD-TODD
vok iadiuted to tht right hereof adopted by the COUNCQ, of the ~y
Cousq d Hawaiioo REYNOLDS
ATTEST: SANTANGELo
snnTH
TYLER
YAGONG
Reference
COUNTY CLERK CHAIRMAN & PRESIDING OFFIC)~R RESOLUTION NO.
w.e
Stephen K. Yamuhiro Ric}utd Wurdnean
Ate3or Csrpore~ien Ceeerf
M'~i~~•
~II1tItfL1 IIf ~?lfUIItT
OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
101 Aupuel greet, Suite lIS • Hilo, Hawi'i %730.363 • (!0!1 %11351 • Fas 1!!08) %I-1633
Jay ICimur~ Esq.
Prosecuting Attorney
34 Rainbow Drive
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear 1 ay:
Re: Hire
Cy A. Ross vs. Counri of Hawaii. et al.. Civil No. 97-452
We enclose an Agreement Providing Representation by the Office of the Corporation
Counsel ("Agreement") and a copy of the resolution authorizing the Corporation Counsel, and
his authorized reprexntatives, to enter into an agreement to represent you in the
above-referenced matter. After reviewing the Agreement, sign and return it to our office.
A. County Council Resolution.
We obtained the approval of the County Council to represent you. Because of
potential conflicts of interests between the County of Hawaii ("County") and you, the County
Council has agreed to indemnify you for any and all damages, if any, awarded by a court orjury
against you.
There aze several potential conflicts of interests between the County and you. First, the
complaint xeks punitive damages against you; hence, the County generally has no legal duty to
pay punitive damages should they be awarded. Second, there may be significant differences of
opinion bttweea the County and you as to whether this case should be settled or tried. Third, it
is possible, although we doubt it, that with sepazate counxl you may pursue counterclaims
against the plaintiff or third-party claims against others orcross-claims against other defendants
which possibilities the County itself has little or no interest or concern. Indeed, it could not
represent you as to cross-claims, since those would lie against other defendants we represent
also. Finally, there is always the possibility of differing recollections of past events and
testimonial differences and nuances which aze not discernible at this time.
EXHIBIT
Jay Kimura, Esq.
Page 2
In addition, the County has liabilities and immunities which differ from yours. In the
context of the federal civil rights claim, there is no County liability in the absence of a County
"custom" or "policy" which underlies the alleged violation of plaintiff's constitutional rights. As
to you personally, there is no such doctrinal immunity.
Conversely, you enjoy, as prosecuting attorney, absolute immunity from liability in the
federal civil rights context, provided your conduct arises from your court activities and events
incident thereto. Alternatively, "qualified immunity" is routinely granted individuals employed
by governmental entities regardless of their governmental role. The County has neither absolute
nor qualified immunity.
To avoid these conflicts of interests, the County Council agreed to indemnify you Cor all
damages, including punitive damages, and to have our office represent you.
We find the probability ofpunitive damages to be remote. We believe that you acted in
good faith and in the performance of your duty.
You have, however, every right to be represented by counsel of your own choosing and at
your own expense. If you choose your own separate counsel, the County will not appropriate
funds for separate counsel, since the County Council agreed to indemnify you for all damages,
including punitive damages.
B. Unitary Rgpresentation Necessary.
The advantages in unitary representation outweigh the speculative conflicts of
interests.
In our review of all pertinent reports and discussions with witnesses to date, we have yet
to discern any material differences between you and the County.
The advantages of unitary representation are the ease of communicating among you, us
and other County officials and personnel, a coordinated and coherent defense, savings in time
and expense, and the appearance of solidarity and harmony, all of which can be very important to
a successful defense.
We have already filed an answer to the complaint, and we are prepared to defend you
with entire loyalty and vigor.
a
lay Kimura, Esq.
Page 3
C. Conclusion.
Please study the contents of this letter carefully.
In addition, please telephone or come in to the office at any convenient time to discuss
any or all of the matters herein recited.
After signing and returning the Agreement to our office, you should prepare a prolix
narrative statement recounting in detail the events underlying the lawsuit. Such a chronicle often
proves to be invaluable as time passes and memories fade. In addition, if other writings exist,
such as personal notes, logs, diaries, required records or the like which you possess or know of,
please let us know. Moreover, please search your memory as to the identities and probable
knowledge of percipient witnesses so that they might be interviewed by us promptly.
[f you have any questions or concerns, please call me.
Sincerely,
RICHARD D. WURDEMAN
Corporation Counsel
sy -
JOSEPH K. KAMELAMELA
Deputy Corporation Counsel
JKK:mo
Enclosures
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~ r
AGREEMENT PROVIDING REPRESENTATION
BY THE OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
THIS AGREEMENT, made this day of , 1998, by and
between the COUNTY OF HAWAII, a municipal corporation duly organized under the
laws of the State of Hawaii, whose principal place of business is 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo,
Hawaii 96720, hereinafter called the "County," and RICHARD CARTER, JR., whose
residence is 76-6351 Kupuena Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, hereinafter called
"Carter,"
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Carter has been sued via a complaint in Dean E. Beaumont vs.
Richard Carter, Jr., et al., Civil No. 97-187K; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii County Police Commission has found that Carter was
acting in the performance of his duties as a Hawaii County police officer when the
alleged acts complained of in that lawsuit occurred; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 52D-8 and 52D-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes,
Carter shall be represented and defended by the Hawaii County Corporation Counsel, or
his authorized representatives; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii County Council on ,approved
Resolution No. -98, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit "A," and agreed therein
to indemnify Carter for all damages that may be awarded, including punitive damages, so
-1-
that the Corporation Counsel, or his authorized representatives, may represent Carter and
the County in the above-mentioned lawsuit; and
WHEREAS, Carter received and reviewed a letter dated ,from
the Office of the Corporation Counsel (hereinafter "letter"), a copy of which is attached
as Exhibit "B"; and
WHEREAS, Carter had an opportunity to discuss and ask questions as to the
contents of the letter with the Corporation Counsel or his assigned deputy in Civil
No. 97-187K; and
WHEREAS, Carter understands that there may be potential conflicts of interests,
which were recited in the letter; and
WHEREAS, Carter understands that the Office of the Corporation Counsel of the
County, through its deputies (hereinafter "Corporation Counsel"), will represent him prior
to and subsequent to any answer filed on his behalf in Civil No. 97-187K;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. That the Corporation Counsel will render such legal services to and on
behalf of Carter by preparing a defense to the allegations in the civil case styled and
entitled Dean D. Beaumont vs. Richard Carter, Jr., et al., Civil No. 97-187K.
2. That the Corporation Counsel will not file a counterclaim against the
plaintiff in Civil No. 97-187K. This is not a a waiver of Carter's right to hire his own
private attorney to file a counterclaim against the plaintiff in Civil No. 97-187K.
-2-
3. That the County will indemnify Carter for all damages that may be
awarded, including punitive damages.
4. That Carter waives any potential conflicts of interest, which were recited in
the letter.
5. That Carter agrees to have the Corporation Counsel represent him prior to
and subsequent to any answer filed on his behalf in Civil No. 47-187K.
6. That Carter agrees to fully cooperate, including but not limited to the
disclosure of all facts in a truthful manner, with the Corporation Counsel.
The above constitutes the whole Agreement between the County and Carter. Both
parties agree to put their best faith efforts into resolving the case in the County's best
interests.
IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, the parties hereto have executed this agreement the
day and year first above written.
COUNTY OF HAWAII
By
STEPHEN K. YAMASHIRO
Its Mayor
By
JAMES Y. ARAKAKI
Its Chairman, Hawaii County Council
RICHARD CARTER, JR.
-3-
•
AGREEMENT PROVIDING REPRESENTATION BY THE OFFICE OF THE
CORPORATION COUNSEL--COCINTYOFHAWAIIANDRICHARD CARTER, JR.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND LEGALITY:
JOSEPH K. KAMELAMELA
Deputy Corporation Counsel
Date:
RECOMMEND APPROVAL:
RICHARD D. WURDEMAN
Corporation Counsel
Date:
agrmGjkk
-4-
STATE OF HAWAII )
SS.
COUNTY OF HAWAII )
On this day of , 1998, before me personally appeared
STEPHEN K. YAMASHIRO, to me personally known, who, being by me duly sworn, did say
that he is the Mayor of the County of Hawaii, a municipal corporation of the State of Hawaii;
that the seal affixed to the foregoing instrument is the corporate seal of the said County of
Hawaii; that the foregoing instrument was signed and sealed in behalf of the County of Hawaii
by authority given to said Mayor of the County of Hawaii by Section 5-1.3(g) of the County
Charter, County of Hawaii (1991), as amended; and said STEPHEN K. YAMASHIRO
acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and deed of said County of Hawaii.
Notary Public, State of Hawaii
My commission expires:
G
STATE OF HAWAII )
SS.
COUNTY OF HAWAII )
On this day of , 1998, before me personally appeared
JAMES Y. ARAKAKI, to me personally known, who, being by me duly sworn, did say that he is
the Chairperson of the County Council of the County of Hawaii, a municipal corporation of the
State of Hawaii; that the foregoing instrument was signed and sealed in behalf of the County of
Hawaii by authority given to said Chairperson of the County of Hawaii by Resolution -98;
and said JAMES Y. ARAKAKI acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and deed of said
County of Hawaii.
Notary Public, State of Hawaii
My commission expires:
R
z
STATE OF HAWAII )
SS.
COUNTY OF HAWAII )
On this _ day of , 1998, before me personally appeared RICHARD
CARTER, JR., to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing
instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed.
Notary Public, State of Hawaii
My commission expires:
' ~ r.
COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII
RESOLUTION N0.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CORPORATION COUNSEL, AND HIS
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES, TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH
THE INDIVIDUALLY NAMED DEFENDANT, WHO IS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE
COUNTY OF HAWAII, TO REPRESENT HIM IN THE CIVIL ACTION ENTITLED
DEAN E. BEAUMONT US. RICHARD CARTER, JR., ETAL., CIVIL NO. 97-187K
WHEREAS, the County of Hawaii and Police Officer Richard Carter, Jr., are
being sued by Dean E. Beaumont in Civil No. 97-187K; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii County Police Commission has found that the concerned
officer, i.e., Officer Carter, was acting in the performance of his duty when the alleged
acts complained of in that lawsuit occurred; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel of the Supreme Court of the
State of Hawaii has rendered the opinion that representation by one attorney of multiple
parties in such actions is improper unless those parties waive the potential conflicts
involved or unless the governmental entity agrees to indemnify the individual party for all
damages, including punitive damages; and
EXHIBIT ~~A"
F
WHEREAS, the Council of the County of Hawaii finds that the acts alleged in the
complaint, if they occurred, were done in good faith and the probability of punitive
damages being awarded is small; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the County of Hawaii finds that the payment of
punitive damages serves a public purpose because it encourages public service, minimizes
the costs of hiring a cadre of attorneys by the County of Hawaii and assures collection of
a judgment, if any, by a plaintiff; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the County of Hawaii further finds that for this reason,
it is in the public interest to indemnify the individually named defendants in this action
for all damages that may be assessed, including punitive damages, so that the Corporation
Counsel, and his authorized representatives, can represent all the named parties in the
above-mentioned lawsuit; and
WHEREAS, the representation by the Corporation Counsel, and his authorized
representatives, of such individually named party is not an admission of liability by the
Council of the County of Hawaii.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE
COUNTY OF HAWAII, that the Corporation Counsel, and his authorized
representatives, is authorized to enter into an agreement with the individually named
party, who is an employee of the County of Hawaii, to carry out the purpose of this
resolution, to be executed and provided by law.
2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor of the County of Hawaii and
Chairman of the County Council, and their authorized representatives, are authorized to
sign the above-noted agreement on behalf of the County of Hawaii pursuant to the Hawaii
County Charter.
Dated: Hilo, Hawaii, this day of , 199
INTRODUCED BY:
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAII
JKK:reso 1 /pc
COUNTY COUNCII. ROLL CALL VOTE
County of Hawaii AYES NOES ABS EX '
Hilo, Hawaii ~ ARAKAKI
CHUNC
16ercby certify tha[ the forcgoios RESOLUTION waf by the LFJTfIEAD-TODD
Yote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL, of the ~y
County of Ilawao 0o REYNOLDS
ATTEST: sANTwNCELo
SMITH
TYLER
YACONG
Reference
COUNTY CLERK CHAIRMAN & PRESmING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO.
Stephrn K. Yamuhiro ~ 1tielurd Waede~n
Mopor Gq..ati.w
~•M"~
(~IIUnt~r of ~~fu~ii
OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
poi e~w~c x.~. sdu pis . wio, w..i•i vsno-~~u . ieoe) ssiazsi . t;. iaoet ss~-es::
Mr. Richard Carter, Jr.
76-6351 Kupuena Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Deaz Mr. Carter:
Re: Beaumont v. Carter. Civ. No. 97-187K
We enclose an Agreement Providing Representation by the Office of the Corporation
Counsel ("Agreement") and a copy of the resolution authorizing the Corporation Counsel, and
his authorized representatives, to enter into an agreement to represent you in the above-
referenced matter. After reviewing the Agreement, sign and return it to our office.
A. Coun Council Resolution.
As you know, we were unable to obtain special counsel to represent you in this lawsuit.
However, we obtained the approval of the County Council to represent you. Because of potential
conflicts of interests between the County of Hawaii ("County") and you, the County Council has
agreed to indemnify you for any and all damages, if any, awazded by a court or jury against you.
There are several potential conflicts of interests between the County and you. First, the
complaint seeks punitive damages against you; hence, the County generally has no legal duty to
pay punitive damages should they be awarded. Second, there may be significant differences of
opinion between the County and you as to whether this case should be settled or tried. Third, it
is possible, although we doubt it, that with separate counsel you may pursue counterclaims
against the plaintiff or third-party claims against others as to both of which possibilities the
County itself has little or no interest or concern. And fourth, there is always the possibility of
differing recollections of past events and testimonial differences and nuances which aze not
EXHIBIT'~6"
Mr. Richazd Carter, Jr.
Page 2
discernible at this time. To avoid these conflicts of interests, the County Council agreed to
indemnify you for all damages, including punitive damages, and to have our office represent you.
We find the probability of punitive damages to be remote. We believe that you acted in
good faith and in the performance of your duty as a police officer.
You have, however, every right to be represented by counsel of your own choosing and at
your own expense. If you choose your own separate counsel, the County will not appropriate
funds for separate counsel, since the County Council agreed to indemnify you for all damages,
including punitive damages.
B. Unitary
Representation Necessary.
The advantages in unitary representation outweigh the speculative conflicts of
interests.
In our review of all pertinent reports and discussions with witnesses to date, we have yet
to discern any material differences between you and the County.
The advantages of unitary representation are the ease of communicating among you, us
and other County officials and personnel, a coordinated and coherent defense, savings in time
and expense, and the appeazance of solidarity and harmony, all of which can be very important to
a successful defense.
We have already filed an answer to the complaint, and we are prepazed to defend you
with entire loyalty and vigor.
C. Conclusion.
Please study the contents of this letter cazefully.
In addition, please telephone or come in to the office at any convenient time to discuss
any or all of the matters herein recited.
After signing and returning the Agreement to our office, you should prepare a prolix
narrative statement recounting in detail the events underlying the lawsuit. Such a chronicle often
proves to be invaluable as time passes and memories fade. In addition, if there exist other
writings such as personal notes, logs, diaries, required records or the like which you possess or
Mr. Richard Carter, Jr.
Page 3
know of, please let us know. Moreover, please seazch your memory as to the identities and
probable knowledge of percipient witnesses so that they might be interviewed by us promptly.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me.
Sincerely,
RICHARD D. WURDEMAN
Corporation Counsel
B -
JOSEPH K. KAMELAMELA
Deputy Corporation Counsel
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Enclosures
carter.jkk