Opinion ID: 2516625
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Award of damages under the theory of unjust enrichment

Text: Tatibouet contends that Ellsworth expressly waived and released his rights to the Hotels and to any equitable remedy in the Settlement Agreement. He cites several provisions, which he selectively edits, that he contends prohibit Ellsworth from claiming an ownership interest in either the Pickwick or the Mark Twain Hotels and obtaining equitable remedies. He posits that these provisions limited the panel's scope of authority to fashion a remedy based on unjust enrichment. Tatibouet's self-serving interpretation of the Settlement Agreement would not only strip the arbitration panel of its ability to fashion an appropriate remedy, but would render the arbitration clause meaningless. Contrary to Tatibouet's attempt at skewing the purpose and effect of the cited provisions, which included sections 1.4, 4.7, 8.1, 8.2, 9.2, and 9.3, [14] Ellsworth's waiver and release of the claims against Tatibouet do not apply to disputes arising out of the Settlement Agreement. Tatibouet also argues that the arbitration panel exceeded its authority when it based its award on a theory of unjust enrichment because Ellsworth did not have an existing ownership interest. This contention, however, is beyond the review of this court. The panel's misinterpretation of law is not one of the grounds upon which this court may vacate an arbitration award; whether or not the claim is permitted under the applicable law is irrelevant under HRS § 658-9(4). Eljer Mfg. v. Kowin Dev. Corp., 14 F.3d 1250, 1256 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 512 U.S. 1205, 114 S.Ct. 2675, 129 L.Ed.2d 810 (1994). As discussed in section IV.A., supra, this court lacks the authority to vacate the award because questions of law are not one of the four grounds specified HRS § 658-9. Mars Constr., 51 Haw. at 336, 460 P.2d at 319; see also Eljer Mfg., 14 F.3d at 1256 (Mere error in the interpretation of the law (as opposed to failure to decide in accordance with relevant provisions of law) does not provide grounds for disturbing an arbitration award.) (Citation omitted.).