Hawaii Lititgation Update: SCPU

On March14, 2003 the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii entered a default judgment against Southern California Polytechnic University (a Hawaii corporation).

Under the terms of the judgment, SCPU is enjoined from operating any degree granting institution in, from or under the color of Hawaii law and are also enjoined from owning or operating any other business from Hawaii. The judgment also directs the state's Business Registration Division to terminate the Hawaii corporate existence of SCPU.

SCPU was also ordered to offer full restitution to any students or graduates who enrolled after July 1, 1999 and to pay a civil penalty of $182,500.

Similar requests for corresponding default judgments against the related Trinity College of Science and Management of Southwest International University and Southwest International University of Nevada are pending hearing on March 27. Note: these three institutions (SCPU, Trinity, SWIU of NV) are spinoffs created by former employees of the original Southwest International University.

Anyone wishing to see an unfiled electronic version of the default judgment may email requests to [email protected]

Jeffrey E. Brunton
Staff Attorney
Office of Consumer Protection
State of Hawaii