HRS §661-31
When lawsuits based on public information are blocked
This section stops people from suing under this part if the same claims are already in a state lawsuit or penalty case, or if the claims were already publicly disclosed. The court must dismiss such cases unless the state objects or the person is an original source. An original source is someone who told the state the information before it became public.
everyone
The statute, as written — Certain actions barred
(a) In no event may a person bring an action under this part that is based upon allegations or transactions which are the subject of a civil suit or an administrative civil money penalty proceeding in which the State is already a party. (b) The court shall dismiss an action or claim under this part, unless opposed by the State, if the allegations or transactions alleged in the action or claim are substantially the same as those publicly disclosed: (1) In a state criminal, civil, or administrative hearing in which the State or its agent is a party; (2) In a state legislative or other state report, hearing, audit, or investigation; or (3) By the news media, unless the action is brought by the attorney general or the person bringing the action is an original source of the information. (c) For purposes of this section, "original source" means an individual who: (1) Prior to public disclosure under subsection (b), has voluntarily disclosed to the State the information on which the allegations or transactions in a claim are based; or (2) Has knowledge that is independent of and materially adds to the publicly disclosed allegations or transactions, and who has voluntarily provided the information to the State before filing an action under this part.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.