HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0625.005 1998-2000 WILLIAM JENNINGS
PO BOX 11458
HILO, HAWAII 9672]
(808) 985-7127
May 3, 2000
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The Honorable James Arakaki Rme..__.~~~ ~,~r~r
Chairman, Hawaii County Council ~at~---__.~.!
101 Aupuni Street County Counul
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
RE: CHRISTIE v. IOPA, Civil No. 95-1026 (DAE)
Dear Chair Arakaki and Council Members:
The County's liability exposure in the above-referenced case is too great to take to trial; it
is better to settle now in the 1-2 million dollar range than to risk a 3 - 7 million dollar
judgment in June.
I base my opinion upon an examination of the facts involved in this case and upon an
estimation of the psychology of juries. In the present local atmosphere of distrust of
government officials, who seem to overstep their proper roles, a jury verdict looms even
more ominously.
I'm afraid the demeanor and conviction of the two principal plaintiffs, Aaron Anderson
and Roger Christie, along with the case facts will only add to the possibility of a
devastating financial blow to the County. The competency of the plaintiffs' attorney,
Steven Strauss, only adds to the possibility of a very negative judgment against the
County.
My particular political persuasion is conservative; I am a past president of Waiakea High
School; and past member of the Hilo Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce; and, am
about to retire after serving twenty years in the military.
I do not advocate for or use marijuana (or any drug). If I were a jury member in this
particular case, I would be irate toward the government officials and would award an
inordinate judgment as a lesson toward any future abuse of power.
Please save the tax payers' money by settling now rather than getting "hammered" later.
Respectfully Submitted,
William nings
Comm. ;ti a.
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