U Memo 19-11

Posted on May 17, 2019 in Informal Opinions - UIPA Opinions

U Memo 19-11
May 17, 2019
Ombudsman Investigation File

Requester sought “any and all information, notes, final reports, conversations . . ., and any other . . . information” regarding his complaint to the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman’s investigation of that complaint.  In support of its denial of access to the requested case file, the Ombudsman argued that it was required by statute to maintain secrecy as to its investigations.  OIP concluded that the UIPA allowed the Ombudsman to withhold the requested case files to maintain secrecy regarding its investigations as required by statute.  HRS §§ 92F-13(4) and -22(5) (2012); HRS § 96-9(b) (2012).