I should also point out this section from the response:

Agency  justification  for withholding  information/records:

Some  of the   records   requested  contain   information  protected  under   section   92F-13(2) and   (3),  Hawaii Revised   Statutes,   as  attorney  work  product   information,   attorney-client   privileged  information,   and/or information  protected by the  deliberative  process  privilege, and  such  information  will not be disclosed.

* * * * *
In the past I have had the experience of similar claims re "attorney-client privileged information" which resulted in zero documents being produced, and thus, I am skeptical, even if they in this case produced the $930 of documents, with all of the exceptions/exemptions above, if I'd end up receiving anything truly informative about how the AG and county decided they couldn't handle the litigation and how they decided upon which law firm to handle the case. I have 20 business days to file a response and am considering a couple of possibilities. The only other option, once denied or facing prohibitive costs, is to file a lawsuit, which is likely a serious expenditure of money, which may not result in a much more informative release of documents in the end.

Our "public servants" at work "serving" us. Remind me again how I'm being "served' by "my" government keeping all this stuff, including how much of my money their spending, secret?

You can try Rep Ito's office.  He's currently the most pro gun rep at the capitol and he lost his election and will be out in January.  He has nothing to lose.  He could probably get you a verbal.  Can also try Kong or one of the Republicans.

You can try Rep Ito's office.  He's currently the most pro gun rep at the capitol and he lost his election and will be out in January.  He has nothing to lose.  He could probably get you a verbal.  Can also try Kong or one of the Republicans.

Had already sent my sen and rep... just sent above and other Repubs. Not holding my breath. 

Dear Russell Suzuki

Under the Hawaii Open Records Law § 91-1 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to obtain copies of public records. The records I am requesting are in relation to the retainment of Gogan Lovells US LLP and/or the individuals Neal Katyal, Colleen Sinzdak and Mitchell Reich for legal services with regards to representing the state and/or the Attorney general in Young vs Hawaii. I am requesting you provide a copy of the retainment agreement/contract including any/all payment terms conditions and agreements.


Just submitted this as a UIPA request to the AG's office. This is something that will provide a lot of the information requested previously BUT should not take them anything but an hour or two at most to sort through.

Dear Russell Suzuki

Under the Hawaii Open Records Law § 91-1 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to obtain copies of public records. The records I am requesting are in relation to the retainment of Gogan Lovells US LLP and/or the individuals Neal Katyal, Colleen Sinzdak and Mitchell Reich for legal services with regards to representing the state and/or the Attorney general in Young vs Hawaii. I am requesting you provide a copy of the retainment agreement/contract including any/all payment terms conditions and agreements.


Just submitted this as a UIPA request to the AG's office. This is something that will provide a lot of the information requested previously BUT should not take them anything but an hour or two at most to sort through.

Thanks. I greatly appreciate the effort. I hope we can at least find out the cost to taxpayers. I wonder if they will claim that even that is "protected" information? Thanks again. 

Thanks. I greatly appreciate the effort. I hope we can at least find out the cost to taxpayers. I wonder if they will claim that even that is "protected" information? Thanks again. 

I’ve already consulted a lawyer. The document would not show any privileged information and because they entered into the contract on behalf of the people it’s our contract not theirs.

Since I am the people, can I fire the attorneys and hire the dumbest one instead?