What's Being Discussed

The Hawaiʻi Intermediate Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in a lawsuit involving a local church and its denominational leadership. The case is:

• Aiea Korean United Methodist Church (the appellant, who is appealing a lower court decision) versus the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church and its leadership, including the District Superintendent and Resident Bishop (the appellees).

During oral arguments, attorneys for both sides present their legal positions directly to the appellate judges, who may ask questions. The specific legal issues in dispute are not detailed in the agenda, but the case involves a local Hawaii church and its regional United Methodist governing body.

Decisions Expected

No immediate decision or vote will be announced at this hearing. Appellate judges listen to arguments and then issue a written ruling at a later date. The court's eventual decision could affect the outcome of the original lawsuit between the church and the conference leadership.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Members of Aiea Korean United Methodist Church and others connected to the congregation
• United Methodist Church members in Hawaii and the California-Pacific Conference region
• Legal professionals interested in church-related or religious organization law
• Anyone interested in how Hawaii appellate courts handle disputes involving religious institutions

The public can watch the hearing in person at the Supreme Court Courtroom in Ali'iōlani Hale, or online via the Judiciary's YouTube channel at YouTube.com/hawaiicourts or on ʻŌlelo Community Media. If you need disability accommodations, contact the ADA Coordinator at 539-4700 in advance.