Berkoff v. Hasegawa

OPINION OF THE COURT BY

RICHARDSON, C.J.

This case raises the issue of when a “valid claim” is filed and a “benefit year” established for payment of unemployment insurance benefits under the Hawaii Unemployment Security Law, HRS Chap. 383. The case originated as an appeal to the circuit court on an agreed statement of facts and questions from a decision of a Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (hereinafter referred to as the “Department”) referee for unemployment compensation appeals.

Claimant Brian Berkoff, having been employed as a car washer in Honolulu from July 6, 1970, voluntarily…