Opinion ID: 6493113
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: This Court Must Dismiss MDWS’s Cross-Appeal, As It Seeks Resolution of an Abstract Proposition of Law.

Text: MDWS filed a cross-appeal in this case seeking “clarification” of several COL, in which the Commission articulated that it established the IIFS prior to considering noninstream uses, including MDWS’s diversions for the public water supply. MDWS contends that Waiahole I established a “higher status” for public trust uses as compared to commercial noninstream uses, and that municipal use, though a noninstream use, should be afforded higher status and preferential consideration as a public trust use. Hui/MTF filed an answering brief to MDWS’s opening brief; OHA joined the brief. In its answering brief, Hui/MTF argues that MDWS’s point of error is not reviewable by the court because MDWS seeks clarification of language in the Commission’s D & 0 but does not argue that the Commission’s alleged error affected MDWS’s rights or interests. Hui/MTF reasons that because MDWS sought and was issued water use permits in the amounts requested, any treatment of their point of error would be an “advisory opinion.” Hui/MTF accordingly requests that the court dismiss MDWS’s cross-appeal. Hui/MTF’s argument is well-taken. This court has recently affirmed its practice not to issue “advisory opinions on abstract propositions of law.” Kemp v. State of Hawai'i Child Support Enforcement Agency, 111 Hawai'i 367, 385, 141 P.3d 1014, 1032 (2006) (citing Kona Old Hawaiian Trails Group v. Lyman, 69 Haw. 81, 87, 734 P.2d 161, 165 (1987)). This is a longstanding value of the court. The duty of this court, as of every other judicial tribunal, is to decide actual controversies by a judgment which can be carried into effect, and not to give opinions upon moot questions or abstract propositions, or to declare principles or rules of law which cannot affect the matter in issue in the case before it. Wong v. Bd. of Regents, 62 Haw. 391, 394-95, 616 P.2d 201, 204 (1980) (citing Anderson v. Rawley Co., 27 Haw. 150, 152 (1923)) (further citations omitted). MDWS’s point of error seeks resolution of an abstract proposition because any possible resolution of MDWS’s point of error would not affect MDWS’s right—or any other party’s right—to the water use permits issued by the Commission. MDWS sought permits for 1.042 mgd for the Kepaniwai Well (Well No. 5332-05), and 1.359 mgd for the Tao Tunnel (Well No. 5332-02). The Commission found that MDWS’s applications met all the permitting criteria and awarded the permits in full. Analysis of MDWS’s point of error would not affect this determination because MDWS’s request was granted, even without the requested treatment as a public trust use. MDWS’s cross-appeal is therefore dismissed.