FOR
PUBLICATION
IN
THE INTERMEDIATE COURT OF APPEALS
OF THE STATE OF HAWAI`I
---o0o---
NO. 25875
APRIL 28, 2006
BURNS, C.J., WATANABE AND FUJISE, JJ.
OPINION OF THE COURT BY BURNS, C.J.
Defendant-Appellant Keeaumoku Kapu (Keeaumoku or Defendant Kapu) appeals from the circuit court's (1) May 15, 2003 Final Judgment in favor of Plaintiff-Appellee Makila Land Co., LLC (MLC), entered pursuant to the circuit court's May 7, 2003 Order Granting Plaintiff's Summary Judgment Motion. We vacate and remand.Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) § 1-13 (1993) states:
Official
languages. English and Hawaiian are the official languages of
Hawaii. Whenever there is
found to exist any radical and irreconcilable difference between the
English and Hawaiian version
of any of the laws of the State, the English version shall be held
binding. Hawaiian shall not be
required for public acts and transactions.
In an action to quiet title, the burden is on the plaintiff to prove title in and to the land in dispute, and, absent such proof, it is unnecessary for the defendant to make any showing. State v. Zimring, 58 Haw. 106, 110, 566 P.2d 725, 729 (1977) (citations omitted). The plaintiff has the burden to prove either that he has paper title to the property or that he holds title by adverse possession. Hustace v. Jones, 2 Haw.App. 234, 629 P.2d 1151 (1981); see also Harrison v. Davis, 22 Haw. 51, 54 (1914). While it is not necessary for the plaintiff to have perfect title to establish a prima facie case, he must at least prove that he has a substantial interest in the property and that his title is superior to that of the defendants. Shilts v. Young, 643 P.2d 686, 689 (Alaska 1981). Accord Rohner v. Neville, 230 Or. 31, 35, 365 P.2d 614, 618 (1961), reh'g denied, 230 Or. 31, 368 P.2d 391 (1962).
Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. v. Infiesto, 76 Hawai`i 402, 407-8, 879 P.2d 507, 512-13 (1994).RELEVANT HISTORICAL FACT
Real property laws in Hawai`i differ from real property laws in other jurisdictions in the United States.
In 1845, the government created the Board of Land Commissioners to investigate and settle all land claims of private individuals, whether native or foreign. The Land Commission subsequently adopted seven principles to guide them in deciding all claims. The commission's work led to the Mahele of 1848, the division of lands between the king and the konohiki (2). Those lands retained by the king were subsequently divided into Government Lands and King's Lands.
Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie ed., Native Hawaiian Rights Handbook 151 (1991) (footnote added).Id. at 151-52.
BACKGROUND
On March 4, 2002, MLC filed a complaint to quiet title to the following real estate in the County of Maui: `apana 1, (3) Land Commission Award 6507, Royal Patent 3457 (`apana 1). In the complaint, MLC asserts:
1. Apana 1 of Land Commission Award 6507, Royal Patent 3457, was awarded on September 15, 1857 (4) to APAA (k) (5), who did not convey during life, and died intestate, whereupon title descended to his son, Momona, who conveyed by Deed dated September 20, 1892, recorded in Book 135, Page 457, to Paul Isenberg and C. F. Horner, after which title vested by mesne conveyances in [MLC].
2. [MLC] and its predecessors in title were in adverse possession of the real property described above in excess of 10 years prior to May 4, 1973, and in excess of 20 years prior to the date hereof. The claims of all persons of an estate or interest in the real property described above, adverse to [MLC's] fee simple title, are barred by adverse possession thereof by [MLC] and its predecessors in title in excess of 10 years prior to May 4, 1973, and in excess of 20 years prior to the date hereof.
(Footnotes added.)The complaint was filed against "Heirs or assigns of APAA (k), and ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN." It asked the court to "[e]nter judgment that [MLC] is the owner in fee simple of Apana 1 of Land Commission Award 6507, Royal Patent 3457, to Apaa[.]"
On March 27, 2002, Defendant July Simeona filed an objection. On May 2, 2002, Keeaumoku filed an answer.
On March 24, 2003, MLC filed Plaintiff's Summary Judgment Motion (SJ Motion). In the SJ Motion, MLC argued only its paper title claim. More specifically, in the "Supporting Memorandum", MLC stated, in relevant part:
[MLC] has moved the Court pursuant to Haw[.] R. Civ. P. 56 for summary judgment. The evidence establishes as a matter of law that title is vested in [MLC]. Maui Land & Pineapple Co. v. Infiesto, 76 Haw. 402, 408, 879, [sic] P.2d 507, 512 (1994) (quiet title action plaintiff has burden of proving paper title or title by adverse possession).
Although the heirs of APAA (k), to whom Apana 1 of Land Commission Award 6507 was awarded, were never judicially determined, Momona's 1872 Lease recitation that APAA (k) was his father evidences that title descended from APAA (k) to his son, Momona. (Exhibit 1, Colleen H. Uahinui Declaration). . . .
As a matter of law, the evidence establishes that title is vested in [MLC].
The record on appeal includes a submission by Keeaumoku of a copy of what appears to be a page from the records of the Bureau of Conveyances (6) containing an excerpt from the November 6, 1872 Lease (1872 Lease) written in the Hawaiian language. Although parts of the passage are not legible, (7) the relevant part reads as follows: "Lahaina . . . Kooka mokupuni o Maui . . . keia apana aina mai ia Apaa kuu makuakane. . . ."
In support of the SJ Motion, MLC offered an October 11, 1990 translation by Frances N. Frazier (Frazier) of the 1872 Lease. (8) This translation states, in relevant part:
MOMONA TO WEST MAUI SUGAR CO. LEASE
Witnesseth: [Momona] has . . . leased, and by these presents does . . . lease his parcels of land situate at Lahaina, at Kooka, Island of Maui. I received this parcel [sic] of land from Apaa, my own father and this property of Apaa is described in Royal Patent No. 3457, Land Commission Award No. 6507, as follows:
These I do convey by lease unto J. O. Dominis, aforesaid Party of the Second Part for Five Years, commencing on the sixth day of March, A. D. One thousand Eight hundred Seventy-three for the sum of Thirty-five Dollars per annum until the end of this lease.
(Language as in the original; block format changed.) Thus, Frazier translated "Lahaina . . . Kooka mokupuni o Maui . . . keia apana aina mai ia Apaa kuu makuakane. . . ." as saying "Lahaina, at Kooka, Island of Maui. I received this parcel [sic] of land from Apaa, my own father[.]"This 1872 Lease from Momona concerned `apana 2 and `apana 3. It did not concern `apana 1. In addition to the signatures of two witnesses, the 1872 Lease was signed by "Momona", "John O. Dominis", and "Kamai" (11).
MLC contends, and Keeaumoku does not dispute, that Apaa died without judicially determined heirs.
In the SJ Motion, MLC alleged that "Momona conveyed [`apana 1, 2, and 3] by Deed dated September 20, 1892, recorded in Book 135, Page 457, to Paul Isenberg and C.F. Horner[.]" The June 16, 1985 translation by Frazier of this September 20, 1892 Deed (1892 Deed) states, in relevant part: (12)
In its Supporting Memorandum, MLC stated, in relevant part:
1.
Title. Title to Apana
1 of
Land Commission Award 6507 is traced in chart form as follows:
APAA(k)
Heir
= Son
Momona
Paul Isenberg and C. F. Horner
Although the heirs of APAA (k), to whom Apana 1 of Land Commission Award 6507 was awarded, were never judicially determined, Momona's 1872 Lease recitation that APAA (k) was his father evidences that title descended from APAA (k) to his son, Momona. (Exhibit 1, Colleen H. Uahinui Declaration). Haw. R. Evid. 803(b)(15)(pedigree recital admissible to show grantor's relationship to deceased owner); Hana Ranch, Inc. v. Kanakaole, 1 Haw. App. 573, 577, 623 P.2d 885, 888 (1981) (pedigree recital is competent evidence of descent); Apo v. Dillingham Invest. Corp., 57 Haw. 64, 67-69, 549 P.2d 740, 743 (1976)(pedigree recital evidences grantor's relationship to deceased owner); Haw. Rev. Stat. § 532-4(a) (intestate's property descends to intestate's issue).
In sum, MLC presented evidence that (1) Apaa (k) died and was survived by his son Momona; (2) by operation of law, (13) `apana 2 and 3 passed to Momona from Apaa, his "makuakane", and by inference also `apana 1; (3) in 1872, Momona leased `apana 2 and `apana 3 to John O. Dominis; (4) in 1892, Momona conveyed the land "whose boundaries are described in Royal Patent No. 3457, Land Commission Award No. 6507, containing 5 acres, 1 rood and 6 rods[,]" to Paul Isenberg and C.F. Horner; and (5) the chain of title from Paul Isenberg and C.F. Horner to MLC is unbroken.
Keeaumoku filed the Memorandum of Defendant Keeaumoku Kapu in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment (Opposition Memorandum) on April 11, 2003. In the Opposition Memorandum, Keeaumoku stated, in relevant part:
[MLC] tries to support its claim of paper title connection between "MOMONA" referenced in the deed and APAA by claiming that the Hawaiian word "MAKUAKANE" contained in the 1872 Lease by MOMONA proves that MOMONA was a son of APAA and that he had title to Apana 1.
There
is a break
in the chain of title to [MLC] as there is no proof of ownership of
Apana 1 in
MOMONA and no competent proof that APAA was related to MOMONA. Also, it
is clear that APAA was
survived by his wife, KEKUE, aka KEKUA, and that she [is] described as
the owner of the property in
the survey notes pertaining to Apana 1 after APAA's death. Exhibit B of
the Kalani Kapu affidavit
clearly refutes any claim that Apaa gave the property to anyone named
MOMONA at any time. The
motion should be denied on this point alone, as there is clearly a
question of significant fact.
Keeaumoku supported the Opposition Memorandum with an April 11, 2003 Affidavit of Kalani Kapu (Kalani's Affidavit) which stated, in relevant part:
1. I am a native Hawaiian and a kumu hula (14) and I understand, speak, read and write the Hawaiian language. I am a brother of Keeaumoku Kapu.
3. I have compared the original version of the [1872] Lease to the Exhibit 1 [October 11, 1990, Frazier] translation.
5. The . . . text [of the 1872 Lease] contains the Hawaiian word "MAKUAKANE" which Frances N. Frazier translates to mean "father".
7. The term "MAKUAKANE" was not normally used to identify relatives in a direct line of descent, such as grandfathers, great-grandfathers, fathers, sons, grandsons, etc., as there were specific words used to refer to those persons.
9. I have conducted genealogical research concerning the person identified as Apaa in Land Court Award 6507.
11. Kekue and Kamokulewa survived Apaa (Exhibit C, FT 56, v.5). (16)
13. I have conducted traditional research concerning the geneology of Keeaumoku Kapu which shows the following to be true:
(a) Apaa was married to Kekue, also known as Kekua (Exhibits B, C)
(b) Kekue and Apaa had one son, Kamokulewa (Exhibit C)
(c) Kekue survived Apaa (Exhibit B)
(c) (18) [sic] Namauu succeeded to the interest of Apaa (FT 20.7 #6606, Puali, Ex. D)
(d) Namauu and his wife, Kealo, had one daughter, Tereka, who died with no issue. (Exhibit E)
(e) Kealo and Namauu, did not survive Tereka (Exhibit E)
(g) Their interest went to Koinui (w) and Kaiwi (k) by intestate succession (Exhibit E)
(g) [sic] Their interest went to Koinui (w) and Kaiwi (k) by intestate succession (Exhibit C)
(h) When Koinui died, her interest passed to Kaiwi by intestate succession.
(i) Kaiwi married Kapololu(w) and they had one daughter, named Keanaai (Exhibit D)
(j) Keanaai married Manuia Kekai (k), (Exhibit E)
(l) Julia Kekai married Harry (Hale) Kapu and they had a son named John Paul Kekai Kapu[,] aka Paul Kekai Kapu, (Exhibit G). (20)
(m) John Paul Kekai Kapu married Barbara Hao (Exhibit H). (21)
(n) Keeaumoku Kapu is the son of John Paul Kekai Kapu and Barbara Hao (Exhibit I).
(o) Lineal descent from Olala (k) and Kanawakiwali (k) is verified in Exhibit J. (22)
(a) Kekue, also known as Kekua, the wife of Apaa, survived Apaa.
(b) Kekue married Keawe Haia after the death of Apaa.
(c) Keawe Haia survived Kekue.
(d)
Upon the death
of Keawe Haia, his interest in the property passed by intestate
succession to
his brother Haia Kekai who had one
son named John Manuia
Kekai.
(e) When Haia Kekai died, his interest in the property passed by intestate succession to his son, John Manuia Kekai.
(f)
Upon the death
of John Manuia Kekai, his interest in the property passed by intestate
succession to his daughter, Julia Kealani
Kapu.
(g) Julia Kealani Kapu married Hale Kapu, also known as Harry P. Kapu.
(h) Upon the death of Julia Kealani Kapu, her interest in the property passed by intestate succession to Paul Kekai Kapu.
(i) John Paul Kekai Kapu married Barbara Hao (Exhibit H). (23)
(j) Keeaumoku Kapu is the son of John Paul Kekai Kapu and Barbara Hao (Exhibit H). (24)
(k) John Paul Kekai Kapu, has transferred his interest in the property to his son, Keeaumoku Kapu.. [sic] (25)
(Footnotes added.) Our examination leaves open the question whether Exhibit E supports the allegations stated in sub-paragraphs 13(d) and (e).
Exhibit B, referred to in part 10, above, is identified as follows:
This survey describes the boundaries of three kuleana land parcels belonging to Apaa, L.C.A. 6507, situated at Kook, Lahaina, Maui. The English translation of the survey (26) of the first parcel states, in relevant part:
Survey of a kuleana land belonging to Kekua, the widow of Apaa. Apaa is the awardee of L.C.A. 6507, situate in the ahupuaa of Kooka, at Lahaina, Maui.
Containing 3 acres, 2 roods & 21 rods.
(Spelling as in the original.) The second parcel contains "1 acre, 1 rood & 3 rods." The third parcel contains "1 rood & 22 rods." The total of these three parcels is 5 acres, 1 rood and 6 rods. (27)(1) from Apaa to Namauu:
Apaa
Heir = Namauu (successor land agent)
Heir = Tereka (w) (Namauu's daughter)
Heirs = Kapili (k) and Puali (k) (Tereka's surviving uncles)
Heirs = Koinui (w) and Kaiwi (k) [no relationship stated]
Heir = Kaiwi (k) (upon death of Koinui)
Heir = Keanaai (w) (Kaiwi's daughter)
Heir = Julia Kekai (w) (Keanaai's daughter)
Heir = John Paul Kekai Kapu (aka Paul Kekai Kapu, Julia's son)
Heir = Keeaumoku Kapu ["transferred" interest from John Paul]
(2) from Apaa to his widow Keku[e]: (28)
Apaa
Heir = Widow (29)
Kekue
Heir = Keawe Haia (Kekue's husband after death of Apaa)
Heir = Haia Kekai (Keawe Haia's brother)
Heir = John Manuia Kekai (Haia Kekai's son)
Heir = Julia Kealani [Kekai] Kapu (John Manuia Kekai's daughter)
Heir = [John] Paul Kekai Kapu [Julia's son, per above]
Heir = Keeaumoku Kapu ("transferred" interest from John Paul)
(3) From Apaa to his son Kamokulewa:
Apaa
Heir = Kamokulewa (Apaa's son by Kekue)
Heir (30) = ?
MLC argues, in response to Keeaumoku's first genealogical tree starting with Namauu, that: a) there is no evidence that Namauu inherited `apana 1 from Apaa; and b) a Land Commission Awardee's title descended to his heirs, not a successor King's agent.
MLC argues, in response to Keeaumoku's second genealogical tree starting with Kekue and passing through Keawe Haia, that: a) Keeaumoku's evidence is inadmissible hearsay, not having been made on personal knowledge; and b) Keeaumoku identifies Kamokulewa as Apaa's heir and therefore Kekue could not inherit since she had a living son when Apaa died.
In response to Keeaumoku's third genealogical tree, starting with Kamokulewa, MLC argues that: a) Keeaumoku's evidence is inadmissible hearsay; b) Kamokulewa is a stranger to Keeaumoku's genealogical tree because there is no evidence to show that Kekue received `apana 1 from Kamokulewa; and c) Momona identified himself as heir to Apaa, whether son or other male relative, and there is no admissible evidence to support a claim that Kamokulewa was also an heir.
After hearing arguments on April 23, 2003, the court entered the May 7, 2003 order granting the SJ Motion which stated, in relevant part:
Keeaumoku timely appealed on June 9, 2003. The appeal was assigned to this court on February 9, 2004.
We review de novo a circuit court's grant or denial of a motion for summary judgment. Hawaii Cmty. Fed. Credit Union v. Keka, 94 Hawai`i 213, 221, 11 P.3d 1, 9 (2000). Accordingly,
[o]n appeal, an order of summary judgment is reviewed under the same standard applied by the circuit courts. Summary judgment is proper where the moving party demonstrates that there are no genuine issues of material fact and it is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. In other words, summary judgment is appropriate if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue of material fact and the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.
Iddings v. Mee-Lee, 82 Hawai`i 1, 5, 919 P.2d 263, 267 (1996). See also Hawai`i Rules of Civil Procedure (HRCP) Rule 56 (c) (2005). (31)HRCP Rule 56(e) (2005) states:
Form of Affidavits; Further Testimony; Defense Required. Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Sworn or certified copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in an affidavit shall be attached thereto or served therewith. The court may permit affidavits to be supplemented or opposed by depositions, answers to interrogatories, or further affidavits.
On a motion for summary judgment, "[a] fact is material if proof of that fact would have the effect of establishing or refuting one of the essential elements of a cause of action or defense asserted by the parties." Crichfield v. Grand Wailea Co., 93 Hawai`i 477, 482-83, 6 P.3d 349, 354-55 (2000) (quoting Hulsman v. Hemmeter Dev. Corp., 65 Haw. 58, 61, 647 P.2d 713, 716 (1982)). "[A] 'genuine issue as to any material fact' . . . under a conflict in the affidavits as to a particular matter must be of such a nature that it would affect the result." Richards v. Midkiff, 48 Haw. 32, 39, 396 P.2d 49, 54 (1964).In reviewing a circuit court's grant or denial of a motion for summary judgment, "we must view all of the evidence and the inferences drawn therefrom in the light most favorable to the party opposing the motion." Crichfield, 93 Hawai`i at 483, 6 P.3d at 355. "[A]ny doubt concerning the propriety of granting the motion should be resolved in favor of the non-moving party." GECC Fin. Corp. v. Jaffarian, 79 Hawai`i 516, 521, 904 P.2d 530, 535 (App. 1995).
Similarly,
[c]ourts will treat the documents submitted in support of a motion for summary judgment differently from those in opposition. Although they carefully scrutinize the materials submitted by the moving party to ensure compliance with the requirements of Rule 56(e), HRCP (1990), the courts are more indulgent towards the materials submitted by the non-moving party. This is because of the drastic nature of summary judgment proceedings, which should not become a substitute for existing methods of determining factual issues.
Miller v. Manuel, 9 Haw. App. 56, 66, 828 P.2d 286, 292 (1991) (citations omitted). "Once the movant has satisfied the initial burden of showing that there is no genuine issue of material fact, the opposing party must come forward, through affidavit or other evidence, with specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue of material fact." Id. at 65, 828 P.2d at 292. If the non-moving party fails to meet this burden, the moving party is entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law. Hall v. State, 7 Haw. App. 274, 284, 756 P.2d 1048, 1055 (1988); see also HRCP Rule 56(e). (32)
In deciding a motion for summary judgment, a circuit court must keep an important distinction in mind:
A judge ruling on a motion for summary judgment cannot summarily try the facts; his role is limited to applying the law to the facts that have been established by the litigants' papers. Therefore, a party moving for summary judgment is not entitled to a judgment merely because the facts he offers appear more plausible than those tendered in opposition or because it appears that the adversary is unlikely to prevail at trial. This is true even though both parties move for summary judgment. Therefore, if the evidence presented on the motion is subject to conflicting interpretations, or reasonable men might differ as to its significance, summary judgment is improper.
Kajiya v. Dep't of Water Supply, 2 Haw. App. 221, 224, 629 P.2d 635, 638-39 (1981) (quoting 10 Charles Alan Wright and Arthur R. Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure: Civil § 2725 (1973)). In other words, "summary judgment must be used with due regard for its purpose and should be cautiously invoked so that no person will be improperly deprived of a trial of disputed factual issues." Miller, 9 Haw. App. at 65-66, 828 P.2d at 292 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).POINTS OF ERROR
In the opening brief, Keeaumoku contends that the record reflects the following:
A. Question of fact regarding the meaning of language in the MOMONA [1872 Lease].
C. Question of fact regarding whether MOMONA owned Apana 1 of LCA 6507 at the time the 1892 Deed was signed.
(Footnote added). Keeaumoku asserts that "there is conflicting evidence as to the meaning of the [1872] Lease, as well as other evidence which shows that [Momona] was not the son of [Apaa]."
On December 16, 1856, King Kamehameha IV signed a "Palapala Sila Nui" (34) (PSN) concerning lands hereafter described as `apana 1, `apana 2, and `apana 3, to Apaa. This PSN describes the boundaries of each of the three `apana (35) and contains a surveyor's sketch of each of the three `apana. This PSN is written entirely in the Hawaiian language and states, in relevant part:
Helu (36) 3457
PALAPALA SILA NUI
A he Alii, mamuli o ha Olelo a ha poe Hoona Kuleana
No ka Mea (37), Ua hooholo na Luna Hoona i na kumu kuleana aina i ka olelo, he kuleana oiaio ko APAA (Kuleana Helu 6507)
E hoomaka ana ma ke kihi Komohana o keia apana, kahi i pili ai oia me kaia a me ka aipa o keia, a e holo ana
Apana 2 E hoomaka ana ma ke kihi Akau o keia a e holo
a hiki i kahi i hoomaka ai 1 Eka 1 Ruda 3 Roda
Maloko o ........keia mau.............apana 5.... Eka 1 Ruda 6 Roda (45).... a oi iki aku, a emi iki mai paha. Ua koe nae i ke Aupuni na mina minerela a me na metela a pau.
. . . .
(Footnotes added.) This original Hawaiian language version of the PSN contains the only description of the PSN in the record.
This appeal involves only `apana 1. MLC's chain of title to `apana 1 is explained in the declaration of their expert, Colleen H. Uahinui, quoted in relevant part as follows:
APAA (k) filed his claim for Apana 1 of Land Commission Award 6507 in 1848.
There is no Bureau of Conveyances record of a conveyance by, and no judicial determination of the heirs or probate of the estate of, APAA (k).
By Deed dated September 20, 1892, recorded in Book 135, Page 457, Momona conveyed [`apana 1, 2 and 3] to Paul Isenberg and C.F. Horner.
We first address whether MLC satisfied its initial burden of presenting admissible evidence of its paper title to `apana 1.
Keeaumoku argues that the 1872 Lease is not admissible evidence because it does not make any reference to `apana 1 and is therefore not relevant. We disagree. Momona's statement describing his relationship to Apaa and an explanation of how `apana 2 and 3 passed from Apaa to Momona is relevant to the dispute regarding `apana 1 because it is evidence that Apaa conveyed `apana 1 to Momona.
Keeaumoku further argues that to properly admit the 1872 Lease into evidence, MLC must first establish evidence aliunde of the relationship between Apaa and Momona. Mist v. Kapiolani Estate, Ltd., 13 Haw. 523 (1901). See also Drummond v. Makaena, 30 Haw. 116 (1927). Keeaumoku fails to consider the following parts of the Hawaii Rules of Evidence (HRE), Chapter 626, HRS (1993):
Rule 803. Hearsay exceptions; availability of declarant immaterial. The following are not excluded by the hearsay rule, . . .:
(b) Other exceptions.
(15) Statements in documents affecting an interest in property. A statement contained in a document purporting to establish or affect an interest in property if the matter stated was relevant to the purpose of the document, unless the circumstances indicate lack of trustworthiness.
The statement by Momona in the 1872 Lease that [Momona] "received this parcel [sic] of land from Apaa, my own father" is in a document affecting an interest in `apana 2 and 3 and the statement asserted Momona's right to transfer the interest in that property. Additionally, the document was dated more than twenty years prior to the initiation of this case, and Keeaumoku does not dispute the authenticity of the document itself. In light of HRE Rule 803(b)(15) and (16), the document is admissible as an exception to the hearsay rule.
"Documents that are plainly inadmissible in evidence and are unsworn, not properly sworn to, and/or uncertified cannot be considered upon a summary judgment motion." Pioneer Mill Co., Ltd. v. Dow, 90 Hawai`i 289, 297, 978 P.2d 727, 735. Citing this precedent, Keeaumoku further argues that even if the 1872 Lease is admitted into evidence, the October 11, 1990 Frazier translation of the 1872 Lease should not have been considered by the court because a signed form of the document identifying the translation was not filed until April 24, 2003, "[t]he day after the hearing on the motion and the ruling of the Circuit Court granting summary judgment to MAKILA[.]" (46) This argument has no merit. The 1872 Lease translation indicated that it was "[t]ranslated by Frances N. Frazier truly and correctly to the best of my ability" and was signed by Frances N. Frazier. Furthermore, the record shows that the Frances N. Frazier Declaration (Frazier Declaration), dated April 19, 2003, was filed in the circuit court on April 24, 2003, after the April 23, 2003 hearing, but prior to the May 7, 2003 Order and May 15, 2003 Judgment.
The record shows that Momona received `apana 2 and 3 from Apaa, but does not reveal whether or not Momona received `apana 1 from Apaa. The record also shows that Momona (a) was the lessor of `apana 2 and 3 and (b) deeded the land "whose boundaries are described in Royal Patent No. 3457, Land Commission Award No. 6507, containing 5 acres, 1 rood and 6 rods[,]" to Paul Isenberg and C.F. Horner. A "court is permitted to draw only those inferences of which the evidence is reasonably susceptible and it may not resort to speculation." Pioneer Mill, 90 Hawai`i 289, 296, 978 P.2d 727, 733 (1999) (citing Waimea Falls Park, Inc. v. Brown, 6 Haw. App. 83, 97, 712 P.2d 1136, 1146 (1985). Here, the question is whether it is reasonable to infer that `apana 1 was also "received from Apaa" by Momona. No statement was made to that effect in either the 1872 Lease (47) from Momona, which covered only `apana 2 and `apana 3, or the 1892 Deed from Momona, which transferred land with a description matching `apana 1, 2, and 3 combined.
MLC presented evidence that Momona was Apaa's son and that Apaa died intestate. The laws of intestacy at that time provided that a decedent's heir(s) was (were) his issue. (48) Accepting that Momona (1) was Apaa's son; (2) received `apana 2 and 3 of Royal Patent No. 3457/LCA 6507 from Apaa; and (3) included `apana 1 in the Deed transferring his interest in lands in Royal Patent No. 3457/LCA 6507, it is reasonable to infer that Momona also received `apana 1 from Apaa. 2.
We next consider whether Keeaumoku established a genuine issue of material fact regarding the ownership of `apana 1 based on the relationship between Apaa and Momona. In the 1872 Lease, Momona states that he received lands from Apaa, his "makuakane". Keeaumoku argues that, if the Frazier translations are considered by the court, then Frazier incorrectly translated the term "makuakane" as "my own father". In support of this argument, Keeaumoku submits Kalani's Affidavit. Beyond his declaration that he is a hula teacher, Kalani does not provide extrinsic support for his contention that he understand[s], speak[s], read[s], and write[s] Hawaiian. (49) Nonetheless, neither the record on appeal nor MLC contradicts Kalani's assertions concerning his ability to translate from Hawaiian to English. Since we view the evidence in the light most favorable to Keeaumoku, Crichfield at 483, 6 P.3d at 355, we accept Kalani's statements that he does understand, speak, read, and write Hawaiian.
KEEAUMOKU'S GENEALOGICAL TREE NO. 3
According to Keeaumoku, Kamokulewa was Apaa's son and heir. Keeaumoku offers Exhibit C (50) attached to Kalani's Affidavit, a copy of a typewritten document which appears to be a description of sections of land. Exhibit C refers to "No. 6507 Apaa" and states that "Apaa is dead, his son Kamokulewa is his heir, also his wife Kekue. No one has objected and here are the boundaries." Keeaumoku declares that Exhibit C is a copy of "[f]oreign testimony".
HRE Rule 901 (1993) states, in relevant part:
Requirement of authentication or identification. (a) General provision. The requirement of authentication or identification as a condition precedent to admissibility is satisfied by evidence sufficient to support a finding that the matter in question is what its proponent claims.
. . . .
HRE Rule 902 states, in relevant part:
Self-authentication. Extrinsic evidence of authenticity as a condition precedent to admissibility is not required with respect to the following:
Exhibit C is not authenticated by a citation to a verified source. (51) Without such certification, the document is hearsay and does not fall under any exception. Applying HRE Rules 801, 901, and 902, Keeaumoku's Exhibit C is inadmissible and cannot be considered by this court.
Kalani's Affidavit stating that Kamokulewa was the son of Apaa and Kekue is, however, admissible to show family relationships. HRE Rule 804 (1993) states, in relevant part:
Hearsay exceptions; declarant unavailable.
. . . .
(b) Hearsay exceptions. The following are not excluded by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness:
(4) Statement of personal or family history. (A) A statement concerning the declarant's own birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, legitimacy, relationship by blood, adoption, or marriage, ancestry, or other similar fact of personal or family history, even though declarant had no means of acquiring personal knowledge of the matter stated; or (B) a statement concerning the foregoing matters, and death also, of another person, if the declarant was related to the other by blood, adoption, or marriage.
Kalani's Affidavit establishes Kamokulewa as a possible rival heir to Momona for `apana 1. Keeaumoku does not, however, provide any evidence to show how he would have received land from Kamokulewa. Keeaumoku's claim of ownership through Kamokulewa therefore fails.In this case, both Keeaumoku and MLC contend that Apaa had a son who was heir to Apaa, but they disagree on the identity of that son. However, as discussed above, the Survey Notes identified Keku[e] as the owner of `apana 1, and Keeaumoku may argue his right to `apana 1 by showing his genealogical descent from Kekue. HRE Rule 804 (1993).
MLC contends that Keeaumoku's Exhibit C establishes Kamokulewa as the son and heir of Apaa, and that Apaa's widow Kekue therefore cannot be Apaa's heir. Because we have determined that Exhibit C is not admissible, this argument is moot.
KEEAUMOKU'S GENEALOGICAL TREE NO. 2
Keeaumoku's assertion, supported by the Survey of Land Commission Award 6507, Royal Patent No. 3457, with English translation, from Survey Notes [Series 294], Department of Land and Natural Resources on file in the State of Hawaii Archives (Survey Notes), that Apaa's widow Keku[e] owned `apana 1 directly contradicts MLC's contention that Momona owned the land, `apana 1, that he conveyed to Isenberg and Horner. We must review the evidence and draw inferences in the light most favorable to Keeaumoku, Crichfield, 93 Hawai`i at 483, 6 P.3d at 355. If Momona was Apaa's son, all Apaa's lands could have descended to him by intestacy, as MLC argues. However, Keeaumoku presented evidence by Survey Notes that land matching the description of `apana 1 was owned by Kekue, and HRE Rule 803(b)(15) and (16) allow admission of such evidence as an exception to the hearsay rule for the same reasons that the 1872 Lease is admissible. There is a genuine issue of material fact because the inference that Momona also received `apana 1 from Apaa is directly contradicted. This precludes the granting of summary judgment. Crichfield, 93 Hawai`i at 482-83, 6 P.3d at 354-55.
Keeaumoku's support for his claim of genealogical descent from Kekue is Kalani's Affidavit, which in turn is "supported by the oral history of [the Kapu] family." While "an affidavit consisting of inadmissible hearsay cannot serve as a basis for awarding or denying summary judgment[,]" First Hawaiian Bank v. Weeks, 70 Haw. 392, 397 n.2, 772 P.2d 1187, 1190 n.2. (internal citations omitted), family oral history can reasonably be viewed as an exception to the hearsay rule under HRE Rule 804. These statements allege Keeaumoku's genealogical descent from Kekue, and present Keeaumoku as a viable claimant with standing to contest MLC's assertion of ownership of `apana 1.
KEEAUMOKU'S GENEALOGICAL TREE NO. 1
Keeaumoku also asserts an interest in `apana 1 by descent from a person named Namauu. This assertion is without merit. In response to Keeaumoku's genealogical tree "(1)" alleging that title to `apana 1 went from Apaa to Namauu, and ultimately to Keeaumoku, MLC presented the following evidence to show that `apana 1 could not descend to Namauu because Namauu was Apaa's successor "luna (52) or headman (King's Agent)" and not his heir.
First, MLC presented "Land Commission Testimonies, Series 287, Board of Commissioners to Quiet Land Titles" (LCT 287) (53) from the State of Hawai`i Archives (State Archives), testimony on Land Commission Award (LCA) No. 6606 to Puali, page 20 of Foreign Testimony, volume 7, which states, in relevant part: "[Puali] had them from Apaa, once head man of Kooka now dead, he gave them to him in 1832 - and he has held them undisputed ever since. Namauu elua is now head man there as Kings [sic] Agent, to whom belongs Poalima."
Second, MLC offers LCT 287 testimony on LCA No. 6800 to Kekukahiko, pages 51-52 of Foreign Testimony, volume 7, State Archives, which states, in relevant part:
[Kekukahiko] [received] these lands from Apaa in the ancient days of Hoapili, and has possessed the kula land in peace ever since. But the luna Apaa, who gave him the Kula land, took it from him soon after, and he has held it ever since allowing [Kekukahiko] however to dwell on it. Apaa and his successor Namauu Ehu, have now enjoyed the fruit of this kula for 4 or 5 years. Apaa took it away by the right of his lunaship.
Third, MLC offers LCT 287 testimony on LCA No. 4878-V to Kaia, pages 36-37 of Foreign Testimony, volume 7, State Archives, which states, in relevant part:I know all the lands of [Kaia]. They consist of one piece of Kula, and 26 lois (54), which is in "Kooka," Lahaina. This land came to [Kaia] in 1837 from Apaa the head man of Kooka, and he has had the undisturbed possession of the same ever since. The head man, Apaa, took however some lois from him as did the present head man Namauu Ehu, but still he has 26 lois left.
Fourth, MLC offers LCT 287 testimony on LCA No. 4878-I to Kupalii, pages 31-32 of Foreign Testimony, volume 7, State Archives, which states, in relevant part:[Kupalii] [received] these lands from Namauu Ehu with the exception of the Kula, which he [received] from Apaa.
The House lot and Kalo land he (received) in 1845, and has had quiet possession of them ever since. Namauu Ehu was the luna of the land. The King is the great Lord of the land.
These testimonies identify Namauu as Apaa's successor as "luna" or King's Agent. HRE Rule 803(b)(16). Namauu, as the King's Agent, could not inherit the contested property because Land Court Award/Royal Patent Lands descended to the heirs of the awardee, not successor land agents. Statutory Laws of His Majesty Kamehameha III 1845-46, at 101.CONCLUSION
Based on the foregoing, we conclude that summary judgment was erroneously granted to MLC, as there are genuine issues of material fact regarding the ownership of `apana 1 in 1892. First, there is conflicting evidence as to the relationship between Apaa and Momona, the determination of which would establish whether `apana 1 could have been inherited by someone other than Momona. Second, there is evidence presenting Kekue as the record owner of `apana 1, which directly refutes MLC's claim that Momona received `apana 1 from Apaa, and that allows the purported heir of Kekue, in this case, Keeaumoku, to claim `apana 1.
Accordingly, we vacate the May 7, 2003 Order Granting Plaintiff's Summary Judgment Motion and the May 15, 2003 Final Judgment and remand to the circuit court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
1. The Honorable Shackley F. Raffetto presided.
2. A "konohiki" is the "[h]eadman of an ahupuaa land division under the chief[.]" Mary Kawena Pukui & Samuel H. Elbert, Hawaiian Dictionary 166 (rev. ed. 1986). An "ahupuaa" is a "[l]and division usually extending from the uplands to the sea[.]" Id. at 9.
3. An "`apana" is a "piece, slice, portion, fragment, section, segment, installment, part, land parcel, lot, district, sector, ward, precinct. . . ." "A kuleana, land division, may consist of several `apana." Pukui & Elbert, supra note 2, at 28.
4.
A "Palapala Sila Nui" is
a "royal
patent". Jon J. Chinen, Original
Land Titles in Hawaii 56
(1961).
The Act of 1860 authorized awards of land to konohiki whose names appeared in the Mahele Book of 1848 but had failed to file claims to the Land Commission. The awards were issued in the name of the original claimant, whether alive or dead. Territory v. Gay, 26 Haw. 382, 398 (1922); Smith v. Hamakua Mill Company, 15 Haw. 648, 660 (1904).
Under the act of July 29, 1872, Royal Patents based on Land Commission Awards were issued "in the name of the person to whom the original award was made, even though such person be deceased or the title to the real estate thereby granted have [sic] been alienated." Id. at 661.5. In genealogical documentation, the "k" or "(k)" denotes "male". Similarly, the "w" or "(w)" in such document denotes "female". Edith Kawelohea McKinzie, Hawaiian Genealogies Vol. 1, xiii (1983).
6. The
Hawaii Revised Statutes (Supp. 2005)
states, in relevant part:
7.
The document is
handwritten in cursive. Although some words are clear, the combination
of the
handwriting and the degradation caused by copying methods make some of
the parts of the record
illegible. We have therefore
excerpted a small part of the document which includes the contested
wording.
8.
The November 6,
1872 Lease translation was signed by Frances N. Frazier (Frazier) and
stated: "Translated by Frances N. Frazier truly and correctly to the
best of my ability." It was neither
notarized nor signed by a witness.
14. A " kumu hula" is a hula
teacher. Pukui & Elbert, supra note 2, 182. 15.
This information is presented in Exhibit "C", not "B", of the
Affidavit.
16.
Exhibit C is a
copy of a typewritten document containing statements
about what appears to be
sections of land. It states, in relevant part:
We note that
Exhibit C states only that "[Apaa's] son Kamokulewa is his heir", not
that Kamokulewa
is Apaa's only son. 18. The alphabetized
listing of item 13 is incorrect in the original, from
this point to the end.
20.
Exhibit
G
is a death certificate for Julia Kapu, listing Manuwia [sic] Kekai and
Julia Namaunu
as her parents. Exhibit H is a birth certificate for Paul Kekai Kapu,
listing Harry Kapu and Julia
Manuia as his parents.
24.
Supra
note 21.
Haa Heo" as her parents.
<>27.
Although the boundaries of the first parcel (parcel 1)
described
in the Survey of Land
Commission Award 6507, Royal Patent No. 3457 Series 294 Survey Notes
(Survey Notes) and the
boundaries of `apana 1 described in Land Commission Award 6507/Royal
Patent 3457 (LCA 6507) are the
same, the total acreage of parcel 1 is stated as 3 acres, 2 roods, and
21 rods, while the total
acreage listed for `apana 1 is 2 acres, 2 roods, and 21 rods - an
exactly
one acre difference. A
"court is permitted to draw only those inferences of which the evidence
is reasonably susceptible.
. . ."
Pioneer
Mill Co., Ltd. v. Dow,
90
Hawai`i 289, 296,
978
P.2d 727, 733 (1999) (citing Waimea
Falls Park, Inc. v. Brown, 6 Haw. App. 83,
97, 712 P.2d 1136,
1146 (1985). It is reasonable to
infer that a typographical error occurred within the Palapala Sila Nui
document, and the correct
acreage for `apana 1 is 3 acres, 2 roods, and 21 rods. This inference
is
based on the statement
that the total acreage for LCA 6507 is 5 acres, 1 rood, and 6 rods, and
on the statement that the
total acreage in the Survey Notes for `apana 1, 2, and 3 is also 5
acres
1 rood, and 6 rods.
28. According
to
Keeaumoku's brother Kalani Kapu, "Kekue" was also known as
"Kekua".
29. Nothing
in the
record shows how Kekue received `apana 1 from Apaa.
30. Nothing
in the
record explains how Keeaumoku or his ancestors received
the land from
Kamokulewa.
31. Hawai`i
Rules of
Civil Procedure (HRCP) Rule 56(c) (2004) provides, in
relevant part:
32.
Hawai`i
Rules of Civil
Procedure Rule 56(e) provides, in relevant part:
33. MLC did not base its
March 24, 2003 summary judgment motion, and there
is no indication that the
court based its May 7, 2003 Order Granting Plaintiff's Summary Judgment
Motion, on MLC's adverse
possession claim.
36.
"Helu" means "[t]o
count, number, compute, take a census"; also, "to
chant a list of names, as
of genealogy; including, counting, enumeration, census, . . .
statistics." Pukui & Elbert, supra
note 2, at 65.
37.
"No . . .
ka mea, kuleana" is translated as "ownership". Id. at 494.
40.
"Akau" means "North". Id. at 13.
41.
"Kom" is an abbreviation for "komohana, west." Id. at 164.
48.
Supra
note 13.
49. A "luna" was the land
agent for the King, and land grants went to heirs
of the awardee - they
did not revert back to the King.
Chinen, supra note 4,
at 55. 53.
The
testimony is transcribed into written form by unidentified persons and
the date of the
testimony is omitted.
54.
Here is an example of the improper use of the letter "s" in the
Hawaiian language. Supra note
35.