Pasene v. Correa et al

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF HAWAI‘I
IOSEFA PASENE,
Plaintiff,
vs.
BOISSE CORREA, et al.,
Defendants.
Case No. 21-cv-00427-DKW-WRP
ORDER REFERRING CASE TO
THE CIVIL PRO BONO PANEL
Plaintiff Iosefa Pasene, proceeding pro se, raises various civil rights claims
against the City and County of Honolulu and several Honolulu Police Department
detectives and officers, arising out of his decade-long incarceration on a murder
charge vacated in 2019 by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. Dkt. No. 70. Throughout
the course of these proceedings, Pasene has moved several times for the
appointment of counsel, most of which were denied without prejudice. See, e.g.
Dkt. Nos. 20, 22, 48, 50, 59, 65, 68, 69, 71, 72, 80, 81. However, on February 23,
2023, the Court referred this case to the Civil Pro Bono Panel (“Panel”) to find
suitable representation. See Dkt. No. 92 at 53–55; Dkt. No. 93. Shortly thereafter,
the Panel reported to the Court that it had been unable to do so. See Dkt. No. 101.
As such, the Court terminated its order directing such appointment. Id.
Now, the Court again finds that under the circumstances of this case, the
appointment of counsel for limited purposes, as explained below, is both
Case 1:21-cv-00427-DKW-WRP Document 159 Filed 03/11/24 Page 1 of 2
PageID.<pageID>

- 2 -
reasonable and reasonably calculated to serve the interests of the parties and to
further the administration of justice. See Rule 4(B) of the Rules for the Civil Pro
Bono Panel for the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii (“Panel
Rules”). Accordingly, the Court again REFERS this case to the Panel. See Panel
Rule 3(A). This appointment will be for the limited purposes of: (1) fully effecting
service of the Complaint; (2) preparing, responding to, and presenting any
appropriate discovery motions; (3) engaging in settlement negotiations or
conferences; and (4) undertaking any discovery or work necessary to complete the
aforementioned tasks. See Panel Rule 4.
Once the Federal Bar Association Pro Bono Liaison has secured pro bono
counsel for Pasene, that attorney shall enter a Notice of Appearance and provide a
copy of the same to the Federal Bar Association Pro Bono Liaison. See Panel Rule
3(C). Upon filing the Notice of Appearance, pro bono counsel will be rendered
counsel of record for Pasene. See Panel Rule 3(D).
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED: March 11, 2024 at Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
_______________________________
Derrick K. Watson
Chief United States District Judge
/s/ Derrick K. Watson
Case 1:21-cv-00427-DKW-WRP Document 159 Filed 03/11/24 Page 2 of 2
PageID.<pageID>