Opinion
25418
January 29, 2003.
APPEAL FROM THE THIRD CIRCUIT COURT (CIV. NO. 01-1-0394)
MOON, C.J., LEVINSON, NAKAYAMA, and ACOBA, JJ. and CIRCUIT JUDGE AUGUST, ASSIGNED BY REASON OF VACANCY
ORDER DISMISSING APPEAL
Upon review of the record, it appears the Honorable Greg K. Nakamura's September 20, 2002 order in Civil No. 00-1-0394 is not an appealable final order. HRS § 641-1(a) (1993) limits appeals to "final judgments, orders, or decrees[.]" Furthermore, "[a]n appeal may be taken from circuit court orders resolving claims against parties only after the orders have been reduced to a judgment and the judgment has been entered in favor of and against the appropriate parties pursuant to HRCP 58[.]" Jenkins v. Cades Schutte Fleming Wright, 76 Haw. 115, 119, 869 P.2d 1334, 1338 (1994). "An appeal from an order that is not reduced to a judgment in favor of or against the party by the time the record is filed in the supreme court will be dismissed." Id. at 120, 869 P.2d at 1339. "[I]f the judgment resolves fewer than all claims . . . an appeal may be taken only if the judgment contains the language necessary for certification under HRCP 54(b)." Id. at 119, 869 P.2d at 1338. A final judgment has not been entered, the September 20, 2002 order is not appealable, and this appeal is premature. Therefore,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this appeal is dismissed for lack of appellate jurisdiction.