Hokama v. University of Hawaii

Opinion of the Court by

NAKAYAMA, J.

Plaintiff-appellant Yoshitsugi Hokama, Ph.D. (Dr. Hokama), appeals the trial court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of defendant-appellee University of Hawai'i (university). On appeal, Dr. Hokama argues that the circuit court erred in concluding that he failed to exhaust his administrative remedies before filing the present lawsuit. Because the only viable claim in Dr. Hokama’s complaint arises from the interpretation and application of the collective bargaining agreement (agreement), we affirm the circuit court’s ruling. However, insofar as Dr.…