It's Your Money

DOE Sexual Abuse Case From 1970s Could Cost Taxpayers $400K Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

DOE Sexual Abuse Case From 1970s Could Cost Taxpayers $400K

Hawaiʻi schools have faced multiple lawsuits in recent years involving decades-old incidents, after lawmakers temporarily lifted the statute of limitations around the sexual abuse of minors.

It’s Your Money: Blocking Religious Clubs At Schools Could Cost Hawaiʻi $100k Cory Lum/Civil Beat

It’s Your Money: Blocking Religious Clubs At Schools Could Cost Hawaiʻi $100k

A lawsuit filed last year claims the education department violated a religious organization’s First Amendment rights by preventing the group from using school facilities.

It’s Your Money: $28,500 To COFA Migrant Denied Gun Permit By HPD Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

It’s Your Money: $28,500 To COFA Migrant Denied Gun Permit By HPD

The Micronesian plaintiff sued the state, arguing he was denied fundamental rights protected under the U.S. Constitution.

It’s Your Money: ‘The White Lotus’ May Cost Hawai‘i Taxpayers $550,000 Fabio Lovino/HBO

It’s Your Money: ‘The White Lotus’ May Cost Hawai‘i Taxpayers $550,000

The hit show debuted on Maui in 2021. Filming has since moved offshore but editing work done on Kaua‘i allows for tax benefits.

It’s Your Money: School Sex Abuse Case From The ’70s Could Cost State $330K Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

It’s Your Money: School Sex Abuse Case From The ’70s Could Cost State $330K

The state has already settled two other lawsuits filed by former students at Highlands Intermediate School.

It’s Your Money: Kauaʻi Hiking Hazards Could Cost Taxpayers $550K Nathan Eagle/Honolulu Civil Beat/2013

It’s Your Money: Kauaʻi Hiking Hazards Could Cost Taxpayers $550K

The state has tentatively agreed to pay a pair of tourists injured at Waimea Canyon State Park in 2021 and 2023.

It’s Your Money: School Harassment Case Could Cost Hawaiʻi Taxpayers $150K Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

It’s Your Money: School Harassment Case Could Cost Hawaiʻi Taxpayers $150K

Stevenson Middle School Principal Katherine Balatico sued the education department for failing to protect her and her family after they received death threats through her job.

It’s Your Money: Youth Facility Can Spend Up To $80,000 On Fast Food David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

It’s Your Money: Youth Facility Can Spend Up To $80,000 On Fast Food

For the third year in a row, the Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility’s kitchen is understaffed, so it is turning to plate lunches for emergency meals.