Harris v. Desoto

OPINION OF THE COURT BY MOON, C.J. Plaintiffs-appellants Jeremy Harris, Russell W. Miyake, Malcolm J. Tom, and Darolyn Hatsuko Lendio, in their respective official capacities as Mayor, Director of Finance, Chief Budget Officer, and Corporation Counsel of the City and County of Honolulu [hereinafter, collectively, the administration] appeal the First Circuit Court's order granting summary judgment in favor of defendants-appellees John DeSoto, Duke Bainum, John Henry Felix, Mufi Hannemann, Stephen A. Holmes, Donna Mercado Kim, Rene Mansho, Andrew K. Mirikitani, and Jon C. Yoshimura, in their official capacities as members of the City Council, City and County of Honolulu (the city), and the City Council [hereinafter, collectively, the City Council or the council]. By granting summary judgment in favor of the council, the circuit court upheld the validity of an ordinance recently passed by the council, over the mayor's veto, that effectively vests authority in the council to settle claims, demands, debts, disputes or other matters involving the city, except when settlement would not involve or require payment in excess of $5,000.00.