The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals has dismissed an appeal filed by Brandy Lecker-Tolentino on behalf of a minor against Shannon W. Mollena. This decision, made on September 25, 2026, is significant as it concludes a legal dispute without further court proceedings. The dismissal means that the appeal will not be reconsidered, and both parties will bear their own legal costs.
The case, identified by docket number CAAP-26-0000564, involved a stipulation to dismiss the appeal that was filed on August 17, 2026. The court's decision to approve this stipulation indicates that both parties agreed to end the appeal process. This resolution impacts the minor involved and reflects the complexities of legal proceedings in family law cases.
Background
Brandy Lecker-Tolentino, the petitioner in this case, sought to represent a minor in a legal matter against Shannon W. Mollena. The specific details of the original dispute were not provided in the court filing. However, it is common in family law cases for one party to seek legal action on behalf of a child, often involving custody, support, or other related issues.
The appeal reached the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals after a decision was made in the District Court of the Second Circuit, Wailuku Division. The appeal process allows parties to challenge lower court decisions, but in this instance, the parties opted to dismiss the appeal before it was fully docketed.
The Ruling
The court ruled to approve the Stipulation to Dismiss Appeal. Chief Judge Karen T. Nakasone, along with Associate Judges Clyde J. Wadsworth and Sonja M.P. McCullen, signed the order. In their ruling, they noted that the appeal had not been docketed and that both parties agreed to dismiss it with prejudice.
“The parties shall bear their own attorneys' fees and costs incurred in this appeal,” the judges stated in their order.
This ruling effectively ends the legal proceedings related to this appeal, meaning that the previous court's decision stands without further challenge. The dismissal with prejudice indicates that the matter cannot be brought back to court in the future.
Impact
This dismissal has implications for the parties involved, particularly for the minor represented by Lecker-Tolentino. While specific details of the case are not available, the conclusion of the appeal means that any prior decisions made in the lower court will remain in effect. This can affect the minor's legal standing and any related issues that were part of the original case.
The ruling also highlights the importance of collaboration between parties in legal disputes. By agreeing to dismiss the appeal, both sides avoided the costs and time associated with further litigation. This case may serve as an example for future cases where parties can reach an agreement before escalating to a full appellate review.
What's Next
Since the appeal has been dismissed with prejudice, it cannot be appealed further. There are no related cases pending in this matter according to the available court filings. The parties involved will now proceed based on the outcomes determined in the lower court.