Unaccredited Degree Granting Institution Civil Enforcement Lawsuits
An alphabetized list of unaccredited degree granting institutions that OCP took civil enforcement action against is provided below.
Please locate and click on the name of the institution for more information about that case.
Some explanatory notes that may be helpful:
The case information presented represents only those cases in which civil enforcement lawsuits have been commenced. The Office of Consumer Protection has investigated numerous other unaccredited institutions operating in, from or under the claimed authority of Hawaii. In some of those instances, warning or advisory letters have been issued in lieu of litigation.
Complaint – The Complaint is the document that initiates the litigation. It contains a caption identifying the parties and a case tracking number; i.e. Civil No. xxxxx. The complaint contains a brief statement of the nature of the allegations against the defendants and of the relief requested from the court. The complaint may be amended during the course of the proceedings, hence documents titled First Amended Complaint, etc. The parties identified as defendants are required to file an answer to the complaint. Most complaints are filed in the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii (located in Honolulu), but others may be filed in the Second Circuit (covering Maui and Molokai), the Third Circuit (covering the island of Hawaii) or the Fifth Circuit (covering the island of Kauai).
Judgments – The judgment is typically the final document in the litigation which resolves the issues. Unless otherwise indicated therein, the judgment is usually effective as of the date it is filed with the court (the specific date and time can be found on the court clerk’s stamp on the first page of the document). In cases involving multiple defendants, there may be one than one judgment entered in the case. The title of the judgment usually specifies the defendant(s) against whom the judgment is entered. There are several types of judgments.
Default Judgment – A default judgment is typically entered when the defendants fail to file an answer the complaint or are otherwise deemed in noncompliance with court rules and procedures. Typically a default judgment is obtained by filing a written motion requesting such and the court holding a (usually uncontested) hearing thereon.
Stipulated Judgment – A stipulated judgment is typically entered when the parties to the lawsuit are able to agree on terms of settlement, which are contained in the document. It, like all judgments, is enforceable by the court.
Summary Judgment – A summary judgment is typically entered by the court upon a motion. It is called “summary” since no trial is held, but instead, the court decides the matter at hearing.
Other Documents – There are often many other documents filed with the court between the time of the filing of the Complaint and the entry of judgment. The First Circuit Court has a searchable online public access website (http://jimspss1.courts.state.hi.us:8080/eCourt/) which indicates what other documents have been filed with the court.
Academy of Natural Therapies was an unregistered trade name used by former Hawaii resident Stephen Byrnes. Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. ANT no longer operates in, from or under the color of Hawaii law and is believed to have relocated to the state of Wyoming.
(PDF) Complaint
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant Stephen Byrnes
Civil Penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full.
(PDF) Complaint and Summons
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, AIMS was based in Indonesia. AIMS’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on August 6, 2002.
(PDF) Complaint
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. Although incorporated in Hawaii, AIUMT was based in the state of California. AIUMT’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on July 22, 2002.
(PDF) Complaint
Although incorporated in Hawaii, ANU was based in the state of California. ANU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on December 5, 2002.
(PDF) Complaint
Judgment in favor of the State was entered on May 9, 2006.
(PDF) Default and Final Judgment Against Defendant Pacific Western University (Hawaii) Inc.
(PDF) First Amended Complaint
(PDF) Complaint and Summons
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. It is believed that ASU ceased operating in or from Hawaii in the late 1990’s when its proprietor, Rudy Marn, relocated to Wyoming and opened Hamilton University.
(PDF) Complaint
This institution is not related to the prior American State Univeristy. ASC’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on April 15, 2004.
(PDF) Complaint
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant American States College Inc.
Trial of the state’s claims against Hassan Safavi personally and the state’s motion to have him held in contempt have been completed and a decision has been entered in favor of the state on both.
(PDF) Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant Hassan H. Safavi
(PDF) Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on Civil Penalties
(PDF) Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on Restitution
(PDF) Second Amended Complaint
(PDF) Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant American University Hawaii, Inc.
(PDF) Amended Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant Hassan H. Safavi.pdf
(PDF) Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law; Exhibit “A” Certificate of Service
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. AWU’s two Hawaii foreign corporation registrations were dissolved by court order on February 12, 2004.
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, AAU’s operations were based in California. AAU’s Hawaii corporation is delinquent in its filings.
(PDF) Complaint
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendants Anglo American University, Inc. and Alberto Noriega
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full.
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment against BU, BUI and Seyer remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, BU’s operations were based in California and/or Missouri. BU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on December 31, 2002.
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendants Brighton University, Brighton University, Inc. and Mark H. Seyer
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Judgment Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant Ronald W. Bealert
(PDF) Complaint
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full.
(PDF) Complaint
The time period to submit requests for refunds under the stipulated judgment has expired. The Office of Consumer Protection is no longer accepting requests for refunds. Cambridge State University has failed to make restitution payments as required under the stipulated judgment and the $25,000 civil penalties have been imposed. The judgment amounts for restitution and civil penalties are unpaid and have been deemed uncollectible.
(PDF) Complaint
City University’s corporation was terminated on April 13, 2009. The civil penalties due under the judgment have been deemed uncollectible in the State of Hawaii.
(PDF) Final Judgment Against Defendant City University of Finance and Economics, New York LLC.
(PDF) Complaint and Summons
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible in the State of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, CIC was based in Taiwan. CIC’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order.
(PDF) Final Judgment Against Defendant Concordia Ivy College, LLC.pdf
(PDF) Complaint
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. ENI’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on October 28, 2004.
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment
(PDF) Complaint
East West University is not in compliance with the contempt order. This operation is unrelated to the East-West University of Chicago, Illinois and to the East West University in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
(PDF) Order Of Contempt
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. Empire University’s corporation was dissolved on April 6, 2004.
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant Tchang Bahrk
(PDF) Complaint
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. Although incorporated in Hawaii, FTIU was based in the state of California. FTIU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on September 4, 2001.
(PDF) Complaint
Although incorporated in Hawaii, FICU was based in the state of California. FICU’s Hawaii foreign corporation registration was withdrawn on August 26, 2002.
(PDF) Complaint
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. Although incorporated in Hawaii, GPU was based in the state of California. GPU’s Hawaii foreign corporation registration was withdrawn on August 26, 2002.
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, HAU was based in the state of California and/or the People’s Republic of China. HAU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on July 1, 2002.
(PDF) Complaint
This case has been resolved.
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through October 31, 2006
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through January 31, 2006
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through February 28, 2006
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through February 28, 2007
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through April 30, 2006
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through May 31, 2006
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through June 30, 2006
(PDF) Amended Order Modifying Preliminary Injunction; Exhibit 1
(PDF) Order Granting Plantiff’s Motion for Appointment of Co-Receivers
(PDF) Second Order Modifying Preliminary Injunction
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction Against Defendant Denise A. Criswell and Assignment
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through January 31, 2007
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through December 31, 2006
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through November 30, 2006
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through August 31, 2006
(PDF) Final Judgment Against Defendants Pacific Educational Services Company and David Champion Monroe
(PDF) First Amended Complaint and Summons
(PDF) Summary of Activities of Co-Receivers Through September 30, 2006
(PDF) Hawaii College of Pharmacy Complaint
(PDF) Preliminary Injunction
(PDF) Temporary Restraining Order
The Office of Consumer Protection is currently processing requests for tuition refunds.
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, IUA was based in Canada. IUA’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on December 7, 2007.
(PDF) Complaint
(PDF) Final Judgment
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full.
(PDF) Complaint
(PDF) Petitioner’s Ex Parte Motion for Order to Show Cause in the East West University LLC
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full.
(PDF) Stipulated Final Judgment Against Defendant International University of Professional Studies
(PDF) Complaint
Following trial, the Court entered written Findings of Fact; Conclusions of Law and a Final Judgment on March 2, 2009. Among other things, the Court found that IOND University in Hawaii has never issued any degrees. The Court also found that IOND University’s catalogs and websites contained false statements and that, when examined beyond the website, IOND University was a sham educational operation.
Although IOND appealed the decision of the Court, the appeal has been subsequently dismissed. Therefore, the judgment remains in full force and effect. IOND University has failed to satisfy the judgment and it remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the State of Hawaii.
(PDF) Stipulation to Dismiss Appeal and Cross-Appeal from Parts of the Final Judgment
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, KOU was based in Canada. KOU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on December 7, 2007.
(PDF) Final Judgement
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, KU was based in the state of California. KU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on October 29, 2003.
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendant Kensington University, Inc.
(PDF) Complaint
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. LIU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on August 29, 2001.
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, MU was based in British Columbia, Canada. MU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on December 17, 2002.
(PDF) Complaint
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendants Manhattan University Inc. and Bill Chuck Lee
Marlborough University was an unregistered trade name used by Charles James, believed to reside in either Thailand or Portugal. The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii.
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendant Charles James dba Marlborough University; Certificate of Service
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, MU was based in the state of Kansas. MU’s Hawaii corporation was involuntarily dissolved on January 30, 2002. MU was formerly known as Thomas Jefferson University.
(PDF) Complaint
(PDF) Default Judgment against Defendant Gretchen Snell Deckker
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii . Although incorporated in Hawaii , NU was based in the People’s Republic of China . NU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on January 20, 2004.
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendant Nation University
(PDF) Complaint
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. NUA’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on January 3, 2004.
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, NU was based in the state of Washington and/or British Columbia, Canada. NU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on December 12, 2002.
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendants Newton University Inc. and Bill Chuck Lee
(PDF) Complaint
PBU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on January 25, 2008. Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full.
(PDF) Stipulated Final Judgment
(PDF) Complaint
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. Although incorporated in Hawaii, PSU was based in the state of California. PSU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on April 7, 2004 by court order.
(PDF) Complaint
Costs of investigation due under the judgment have been paid in full.
(PDF) Complaint
Judgment in favor of the State was entered on May 9, 2006.
(PDF) Default and Final Judgment Against Defendant Pacific Western University (Hawaii) Inc.
(PDF) First Amended Complaint
(PDF) Complaint and Summons
The judgment is unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible in the State of Hawaii. Pacific Yale University has apparently changed its name to Pylon University. This school is run from either California or South Korea and we suggest you consult with the appropriate authorities in those jurisdictions for further information.
(PDF) Stipulated Final Judgment Against Defendant Pacific Yale University, Inc.
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, PU was based in the state of California and/or Missouri. PU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on May 16, 2003.
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant William Reichard
(PDF) Complaint
The judgments remain completely unsatisfied and have been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, PC was based in the state of Michigan. PU’s Hawaii foreign corporation registration was withdrawn on February 28, 2001.
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendant The Prescott Group, Inc.
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant Steven W. Moss
(PDF) Complaint
This school ceased all operations in or from Hawaii following the entry of the consent judgment.
San Francisco International University’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on November 9, 2006. This corporation was and is not responsible for the website located at sfiu-edu.com
(PDF) Stipulated Final Judgment Against Defendant San Francisco International University, INC.
(PDF) First Amended Complaint
The judgment against SPU remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, SPU was based in the state of California. SPU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on July 24, 2002. The civil penalties due under the judgment against Curtis Smith have been paid in full.
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment against Defendant Curtis E. Smith
(PDF) Complaint
The judgments remain completely unsatisfied and have been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, SCPU was based in the state of California and/or China. SCPU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on March 12, 2003. SCPU was operated by the same individuals who operated Southwest International University of Nevada and Trinity College of Science & Management of Southwest International University and the cases were eventually consolidated.
(PDF) Complaint
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendant Southern California Polytechnic University
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant Adam Y. Han
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. Although incorporated in Hawaii, SPU was based in Malaysia. SPU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on October 28, 2003.
(PDF) Complaint
Eligible Southwest International University students/graduates may request restitution by filing a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection. The deadline for submitting requests is October 27, 2006.
The judgments remain completely unsatisfied and have been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, SWIUNV was based in the state of California and/or China. SWIUNV’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on March 28, 2003. SWIUNV was operated by the same individuals who operated Southern California Polytechnic University and Trinity College of Science & Management of Southwest International University and the cases were eventually consolidated. This university is unrelated to Southwest International University.
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant Adam Y. Han
(PDF) Complaint
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendant Southwest International University of Nevada, Inc.
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. Although incorporated in Hawaii, SU was based in the state of Texas and/or British Columbia, Canada. SU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on March 28, 2002.
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in the District of Columbia, SUA was actually based in Santa Clara, CA. SUA’s certificate of authority to conduct business as a foreign corporation in Hawaii has been ordered revoked.
(PDF) FINAL JUDGMENT AGAINST DEFENDANT STEWART UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA
(PDF) COMPLAINT AND SUMMONS
The judgments remain completely unsatisfied and have been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, TC was based in the state of California and/or China. TC’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on March 28, 2003. TC was operated by the same individuals who operated Southern California Polytechnic University and Southwest International University and the cases were eventually consolidated. This university is unrelated to Southwest International University.
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Defendant Adam Y. Han
(PDF) Amended Complaint
USA International University’s corporation has been dissolved. The judgment has been deemed uncollectible in the State of Hawaii.
(PDF) Stipulated Judgment Against Defendant USA International University, LLC
(PDF) Complaint
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. Although incorporated in Hawaii, USOU was based in the state of California or South Dakota. USOU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on March 25, 2004.
(PDF) Complaint
The summary judgment is now final as a counterclaim filed by Defendant Mitchell has been dismissed. The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, UAR’s principal was based in California.
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, UNW was based in Korea. UEWAM’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved by court order on December 9, 2003.
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendant University of East-West Alternative Medicine
(PDF) Complaint
Although incorporated in Hawaii, UHon, along with Eden University and Culture University, were actually based in the People’s Republic of China. UHon was dissolved by court order on March 31, 2003, EU on March 18, 2003, and CU on April 9, 2003.
(PDF) Default Judgment Against Defendants University of Honolulu, Eden University and Culture University
(PDF) Complaint
The judgment remains completely unsatisfied and has been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. Although incorporated in Hawaii, UNW was based in the state of Washington and/or British Columbia, Canada. UNW’s Hawaii corporation was involuntarily dissolved on November 21, 2003.
(PDF) Complaint
Both judgments remain completely unsatisfied and have been deemed uncollectible within the state of Hawaii. WAOU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on December 31, 2004.
(PDF) Stipulated Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Against Washington American Open University
(PDF) Permanent Injunction and Default Judgement Against Defendant Yoshio Takahashi
(PDF) Complaint and Summons
Civil penalties due under the judgment have been paid in full. Although incorporated in Hawaii, WIU was based in the state of Pennsylvania. WIU’s Hawaii corporation was dissolved on March 1, 2000.