OUR ADVOCACY

CASES

Enforcing the Public's Right to Transparency

The following case summaries and select court filings provide a resource for those seeking to enforce public rights of access.

In re Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest (United States v. Jamie English & United States v. Ty Cullen)

The Law Center moved to unseal the sentencing statements and memoranda filed in United States v. Jamie Kalani English, 22-CR-12 SOM RT and in United[...]

In re Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest (United States v. Arthur Brun)

The Law Center moved to unseal the Government’s sentencing memorandum in United States v. Arthur Brun, 20-CR-24 DKW RT. The memorandum should state the Government’s[...]

In re Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest (United States v. Daniel Sellers)

The Law Center moved to unseal Defendant Daniel Seller’s sentencing memorandum and a motion by the Government filed under seal in United States v. Daniel[...]

Honolulu Civil Beat v. County of Maui

Online publication Civil Beat challenged the County of Maui’s refusal to disclose arbitration decisions regarding Maui Police Department employees. In response to similar requests, every[...]

In re Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest (United States v. Donna Leong)

The Law Center objected to the parties’ effort to authorize sealing of court records as part of a proposed protective order for discovery purposes in[...]

In re Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest (United States v. Michael Miske)

The Law Center objected to the proposed sealing of exhibits to a motion to compel discovery in United States v. Michael J. Miske, Jr., 19-CR-99[...]

Sonomura v. Kubota (Confidential Flag)

In 2018, the Law Center learned more about the State Judiciary’s use of a confidential flag. The confidential flag seals the entire case from public[...]

Honolulu Civil Beat v. Department of Public Safety

Online publication Civil Beat challenged the Department of Public Safety’s refusal to identify and provide autopsy reports for individuals who died while in the Department’s[...]

Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest v. Chang

The Law Center requested public access to a “confidential” civil case. The Judiciary’s confidential flag seals the entire case from public view, including the names[...]

In re Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest (United States v. Norman Akau)

The Law Center moved to unseal the plea agreement in United States v. Norman Akau, 19-CR-99 DKW-KJM. Contrary to local rule, the Defendant did not[...]