Disappeared News, The Hawaii Independent, and Victor Gregor Limon challenged the decision of a hearing officer for the Maui Planning Commission to close contested case proceedings to the public without following the procedural and substantive constitutional standards established by the Hawaii Supreme Court. The quasi-judicial proceedings concerned the Grand Wailea Resort’s proposed special management area use permit application for an expansion of the hotel within Maui’s shoreline area. The Law Center filed an amicus curiae–friend of the court–brief supporting petitioners. On June 24, 2020, the Hawaii Supreme Court denied the petition without prejudice to give the Maui Planning Commission an opportunity to affirm or reject the hearing officer’s closure of proceedings. No. SCPW-20-386.
- Petition for Writ of Mandamus (5/21/20)
- CBLC Motion for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Petition for Writ of Mandamus (6/15/20)
- Attachment: Amicus Curiae Brief
- Hearing Officer Non-Appearance Letter (6/15/20)
- Maui Planning Commission’s Answer (6/15/20)
- Maui Planning Department Director’s Joinder (6/15/20)
- Intervenors’ Answer (6/15/20)
- Grand Wailea Resort’s Answer (6/15/20)
- Order Denying without Prejudice Petition for Writ of Mandamus (6/24/20)