In the recent case of Reardon v. Windswept Farm, LLC (9/29/2006), the Supreme Court of the State of Connecticut found that a release from liability for ordinary negligence arising out of the recreational activity of horseback riding violates public policy. This decision is contrary to a recent Hawaii Supreme Court decision. In holding that the Windswept Farm's release violated public policy, the Connecticut court reasoned that: (1) the Plaintiff was under the control of the Defendant; (2) there is a societal expectation that recreational activities performed under another party's control will be reasonably safe; (3) the Defendants had greater expertise and information concerning the dangers associated with horseback riding at their facility, and thus should bear the burden of removing or preventing such dangers; and (4) the release signed by the Plaintiff was a classic contract of adhesion. Hopefully, the decision makers of Hawaii will someday reverse their "anti-citizen"/"pro big business" course.
On March 17, 2026, at a little after 7 am, a fatal motor vehicle accident occurred on Vineyard Blvd in the Liliha area. For unknown reasons, a 59-year-old city bus driver lost control of his bus, traveled onto the center median, and collided directly into a tree. The driver was critically injured in spite of wearing his seatbelt. The bus was not carrying any passengers at the time of the accident. Later on the same day, the bus driver succumbed to his injuries. The cause of the crash continues to be under investigation. HPD states that this was the 12th Traffic Fatality on Oahu so far in 2026. Man, 59, dead following bus vs. tree crash .
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