The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals has dismissed an appeal involving Liberty Dialysis – Hawaii, LLC, and several health trust funds. The decision affects the ongoing legal disputes between the parties and clarifies the status of claims against one of the defendants. This ruling is significant for those involved in similar healthcare and trust fund disputes.
The case, Liberty Dialysis – Hawaii, LLC v. Health Management Network, Inc., was filed on August 28, 2026, under docket number CAAP-24-0000193. The plaintiffs in this case are Liberty Dialysis – Hawaii, LLC, and Liberty Dialysis – North Hawaii, LLC, both foreign limited liability companies. The defendants include Health Management Network, Inc. (HMN) and Multiplan, Inc., as well as several health and welfare trust funds.
The dispute arose from claims related to healthcare services and payments. Liberty Dialysis alleged that HMN and Multiplan failed to meet their obligations under the agreements concerning the health trust funds. As the case progressed, HMN and Multiplan filed a joint motion to hold the appeal in abeyance, indicating they were in settlement discussions with the ILWU Local 142 Health and Welfare Trust.
On August 11, 2026, the parties filed a stipulation for dismissal of the appeal concerning ILWU Local 142 Health and Welfare Trust. This stipulation indicated that HMN and Multiplan would dismiss their appeal against ILWU Trust without any award of costs or attorneys' fees to either party. The stipulation clarified that this dismissal only applied to ILWU Trust and did not affect the claims against other parties involved in the case.
The court ruled in favor of the stipulation for dismissal, stating, "The Stipulation to Dismiss complies with HRAP Rule 42(b), which provides in relevant part, 'If the parties to a docketed appeal or other proceeding sign and file a stipulation for dismissal, specifying the terms as to payment of costs, and pay whatever fees are due, the case shall be dismissed upon approval by the appellate court.'" The ruling was made by Presiding Judge Katherine G. Leonard, Associate Judge Clyde J. Wadsworth, and Associate Judge Sonja M.P. McCullen.
This ruling has implications for the parties involved, as it allows them to focus on the remaining claims against other defendants in the case. By dismissing the appeal against ILWU Trust, the court has streamlined the legal process and reduced the complexity of the ongoing disputes. The decision also indicates that the parties are willing to negotiate and resolve some of their differences outside of court.
Going forward, this ruling may impact similar cases involving healthcare service agreements and trust fund disputes. It highlights the possibility of settlements in complex legal battles, which can save time and resources for all parties involved. The resolution of this specific appeal may encourage other parties in similar situations to seek settlements rather than prolonged litigation.
Details were not available in the court filing regarding any potential appeals or related cases pending. However, the dismissal of the appeal against ILWU Trust suggests that the parties may continue to negotiate and resolve their remaining claims.