City of Honolulu and Plaintiff Sefo Fatai Agree to Settle Lawsuit for $2.1 Million 

News Release from Loevy and Loevy, May 13, 2025

HONOLULU — In 2019, Sefo Fatai filed a lawsuit against the City of Honolulu and several officers of its police department, alleging wrongdoing concerning Mr. Fatai’s 2011 arrest and subsequent prosecution for drug crimes he steadfastly maintains he did not commit, and for which he was never convicted. Yesterday, Mr. Fatai’s lawsuit was dismissed, with all parties agreeing to a $2.1 million settlement.

The City and attorneys for Mr. Fatai issued the following joint statement in response:

“The parties collectively announce the settlement of the long-running litigation brought by Plaintiff Sefo Fatai against the Honolulu Police Department and some of its officers.

“In this lawsuit, Fatai contends he was wrongfully arrested and prosecuted for drug crimes he maintains he did not commit. The events involved in this suit reach back to 2011, and many of the events remain contested. Fatai has accused the Defendants of framing him. The Defendants deny any wrongdoing.

“In reaching this settlement, both sides acknowledge the finality and closure that comes from settling this matter short of trial and ending what would have been further litigation and potential appeals. The case, which had been set for trial in January, settled for $2.1 million, subject to City Council approval. The City Council has now approved the settlement.

“Mr. Fatai acknowledges that the officers and City have not admitted any wrongdoing in settling this case. The City and officers acknowledge that Fatai has not wavered in accusing them of wrongdoing, which they deny.

“All sides agree that it is time to move forward with this litigation in the rear-view mirror."

Mr. Fatai was represented by David B. Owens, of Loevy + Loevy and Civil Rights and Justice Clinic at the University of Washington School of Law and O’ahu attorney Jennifer Brown.  

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