Lawsuit in Hawaii seeks to hold Calvary Chapel accountable for what it alleges is defrauding the state out of money for use of state facilities.
The Beat, Hawaii
An amended lawsuit was filed yesterday against two of the Hawaii churches accused of underpaying the state in their use of school facilities.
Local activists Mitch Kahle and Holly Huber, who are realtors suing on behalf of the state, contend that One Love Ministries and Calvary Chapel Central Oahu intentionally deprived public schools of about $1 million in underpaid rental payments and other charges.
Full article here: http://hawaii.news.blogs.civilbeat.com/post/77439414078/amended-lawsuit-churches-shortchanged-hawaii-schools
According to the article, the plaintiffs are seeking triple damages on behalf of the State of Hawaii, or $3.6 million. The lawsuit alleges that Calvary Chapel used state facilities for much longer than the paid-for periods of time agreed to in contracts.
The original lawsuit was sent back by a judge who requested more detailed information and proof of claims. The now 60-page lawsuit provides a much more detailed account of the allegations with supporting data.
View the amended complaint here: http://www.slideshare.net/civilbeat/2014-0220-filed-1st-amd-complaint-wo-exh
The suit alleges “fraudulent material omissions” and “falsifying records” to defraud the Department of Education out of monies collected for rent and utilities etc.
Another church that was attached to the first version of the lawsuit has settled out of court for $775,000.
CalvaryChapelAbuse.com Commentary:
I’ve reviewed the lawsuit, it is very detailed and gives specifics of dates, times, events and alleges the facilities were in use by Calvary Chapel…but the Plaintiffs could find no record of payment for use during those many specific time periods.
To cut to the chase, I think Calvary Chapel screwed the pooch on this one and they’re in some big trouble. Read the lawsuit and tell us what you think.