Yoshioka v. Hutton

The plaintiffs-appellants/cross-appellees in this consolidated appeal are two minor children and their respective parents [hereinafter, collectively, the "plaintiffs"], all of whom have consented to the disclosure of their identity in connection with this case. Doe Parents No. 1 are retired Lieutenant Colonel Ira Steven Davis and Cynthia Davis, and Jane Doe No. 1 is their daughter, Melony Fay Davis (Melony). Doe Parents No. 2 are George Benjamin Draughn and Mary Draughn, and Jane Doe No. 2 is their daughter, Nicole Draughn (Nicole). The State of Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) is the defendant-appellee/cross-appellant. In their complaint, the plaintiffs named as a co-defendant, and the DOE subsequently filed a cross-claim against, Lawrence J. Norton (Norton), Melonys and Nicoles (the girls) teacher; Norton, however, did not enter an appearance at trial, the circuit court dismissed all of the parties claims against him, see infra section III.B, and he is not a party to this appeal.