Nakamoto v. Kawauchi.

RECKTENWALD, C.J., NAKAYAMA, McKENNA, POLLACK, AND WILSON, JJ.

OPINION OF THE COURT BY RECKTENWALD, C.J.

I. Introduction

This case concerns common law tort claims in the employment context. Petitioners Patricia Nakamoto and Shyla M. Ayau (collectively, "Petitioners") were employees of the County of Hawai'i (the County), whose employment was terminated following an investigation into alleged employee misconduct, including the use of a County Elections Office warehouse for private business purposes and to hold parties at which alcohol was consumed. An article was published in a local newspaper…