The interpretation of a statute is a question of law that we review de novo. State v. Kotis, 91 Hawai'i 319 , 327, 984 P.2d 78 , 86, reconsideration denied (1999). Similarly, a trial court’s conclusions of law are reviewable de novo under the right/wrong standard.
Because the parties do not contest the issue, the validity of the pertinent HAR rules may be assumed for purposes of this appeal. See State v. Kotis, 91 Hawai`i 319, 331, 984 P.2d 78, 90 (1999) ("Administrative rules, like statutes, have the force and effect of law."). (A) Unable to perform a major life activity that the average person in the general population can perform; or