HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0683.002 1998-2000 (Y OF y
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OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL _
101 Aupuni Sereer, Suire 725 • I-lilo, Hawaii 96720.4262 • (808) 961.8251 • Fax (808) 961.8622: '
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March 8, 2000
The Honorable James Y. Arakaki
Chairperson, Hawaii County Council erg
25 Aupuni Street -
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
RE: Submission of Budget Statement, Office of the Corporation Counsel.
Dear Chairperson Arakaki:
After reviewing the Budget Statement for the Office of the Corporation Counsel, I noticed some
typographical errors. The errors were a result of having to retype our statement because it was in
the wrong format. I have attached a new original, which contains the corrections. Please
substitute and distribute the corrected page to our previously submitted statement.
Please accept my apology for the errors and inconvenience that this may have caused you. If you
have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully yours,
~ed H. S. Hong
Assistant Corporation Counsel
Comm. No• C$3. 002
File No. BND
Ref, To: ~G
lief. Date MAR 0 9
200 ~~f
CORPORATION COUNSEL
LITIGATION PROGRAM
Program Description
Provides legal representation on behalf of the County of Hawaii, its officers,
representatives and employees in resolving disputes such as lawsuits, arbitration,
mediation and claims, filed against the County of Hawaii and its officers,
representatives and employees.
Program Objectives
1. Reduce the response time for claims filed against the County of Hawaii under
the Hawaii County Charter (1991). In the coming Fiscal Year, 25% of all
claims filed against the County of Hawaii will receive a decision on whether to
accept or deny a claim within fourteen (14) business days of the filing date.
2. Improve pre-trial motions practice. In all non-complex cases, the Litigation
Division will file disposition pre-trial motions in 25% of all new cases.
3. Improve inter-departmental communication. The Litigation Division will
contact all major County departments to schedule a meeting to discuss ongoing
cases, the scope of liability and methods to reduce the department's exposure to
unnecessary risks.
4. Control the settlement of pending lawsuits by only recommending settlement
when quantifiable and articulable justification exists.
Program Highlights
1. Screen cases to identify and prioritize cases according to potential exposure,
complex issues and impact on the County of Hawaii. Those cases identified a
"high priority" will be assigned greater resources and attention. Those cases,
which can and should be settled early, should be moved to a
settlement/negotiation mode in order to reduce litigation costs.
2. Improve skills in electronic or computerized legal research.
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