PacMar Technologies LLC, fka Martin Defense Group, LLC v. Martin Kao, Tiffany Jennifer Lam, Lawrence Kahele Lum Kee, Clifford Chen, Duke Hartman, Society of Young Women Scientists and Engineers LLC

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Hawaii grants Duke Hartman’s petition for a determination that his settlement with PacMar Technologies LLC was entered into in good faith under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 663-15.5. The court also grants PacMar’s joinder to the same extent, finding that the settlement’s consideration of $425,000 and the totality of the circumstances supported approval. The order explains the effect of the good-faith determination and identifies claims remaining against the nonsettling defendants.

Holdings

1. The settlement was entered into in good faith because the totality of the circumstances, including the complexity and expense of the remaining claims, the $425,000 consideration, the absence of opposition, the lack of evidence of collusion or wrongful purpose, and Hartman's ability to satisfy the settlement obligations, supported approval.
2. PacMar's joinder was construed as a joinder of simple agreement and granted to the same extent as the petition.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the settlement between PacMar Technologies LLC and Duke Hartman was entered into in good faith under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 663-15.5.
2. Whether PacMar's joinder should be treated as a joinder of simple agreement and granted to the same extent as Hartman's petition.

Disposition

approved