🛡️ Hawaii Hazing Lawyer: Justice for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Hawaii families: Your child deserves to be safe at college. When fraternities and sororities cross the line into abuse, we fight back.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston — a case that made national headlines when a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This same fraternity operates at universities near Hawaii. This same abuse happens to Hawaii students. And we will fight for Hawaii victims with the same aggression.

If your child was hazed in Hawaii, we can help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Hawaii: What Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” In Hawaii and across America, hazing has become a dangerous epidemic that sends students to the hospital — or worse.

Hawaii Hazing Statistics & Reality

While Hawaii doesn’t publish statewide hazing statistics, national data reveals the scope of the problem:

• 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing (National Study of Student Hazing)
• 40% of student athletes report being hazed (Alfred University study)
• Since 2000, there has been at least ONE hazing death every year in the U.S.
• 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it (often due to fear of retaliation)

Hawaii universities with active Greek life include:

• University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa)
• Hawaii Pacific University (HPU)
• Chaminade University of Honolulu
• Brigham Young University-Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii)

The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing cases nationwide have chapters at Hawaii schools:

• Pi Kappa Phi (our current $10M case)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple hazing deaths)
• Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver case, $6.1M verdict)
• Beta Theta Pi (Timothy Piazza case, $110M+ settlement)

Hawaii parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Hawaii university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

⚠️ What Hawaii Hazing Really Looks Like

Hazing in Hawaii takes many forms — some obvious, some hidden. Any activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers a student for the purpose of initiation or membership is illegal hazing in Hawaii.

Types of Hazing Reported at Hawaii Universities

Real Hazing Incidents at Universities Near Hawaii

While specific Hawaii incidents may not be widely reported, these documented cases from similar universities show what happens when hazing goes unchecked:

Hawaii parents: These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern of abuse that happens at universities across America — including near Hawaii.

💔 The Medical Consequences: What Hazing Does to Hawaii Students

Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It causes serious, sometimes permanent physical damage.

Common Medical Outcomes of Hazing

The Case That Shows Hawaii Families What’s at Stake

Leonel Bermudez was a transfer student planning to attend University of Houston. He accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. What followed was weeks of systematic abuse that sent him to the hospital for four days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

What happened to him:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to keep exercising
• Another pledge collapsed unconscious during workouts — they kept going
• On November 3, 2025, he was punished for missing an event with extreme exercise
• He crawled up the stairs when he got home that night
• The next day, he couldn’t move
• His mother rushed him to the hospital with brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
• Diagnosed with kidney failure — spent 4 days in the hospital

Hawaii parents: This is what hazing looks like. This is what happens when universities and fraternities fail to protect students. This could be your child.

⚖️ Hawaii Hazing Laws: Your Legal Rights

Hawaii has strong laws against hazing, and victims have multiple legal options.

Hawaii Revised Statutes § 707-716.5 — Hazing

Definition:

“Hazing” means any act that recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.

Criminal Penalties:

• Misdemeanor: Hazing that endangers physical health or safety
• Class C Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury
• Class B Felony: Hazing that causes death

Key Provision:

Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agrees” to participate, the law still considers it hazing.

Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued in Hawaii

Damages Hawaii Victims Can Recover

🏢 Who We Sue: Holding Hawaii Institutions Accountable

1. The Fraternity/Sorority (Local Chapter)

Why they’re liable:

• Directly organized and conducted hazing
• Officers and members participated
• Failed to stop known dangerous activities

Example from our case:
The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH directly organized the waterboarding, forced eating, and extreme exercise that hospitalized our client.

2. The National Organization

Why they’re liable:

• Knew about hazing culture but failed to stop it
• Had power to suspend dangerous chapters
• Andrew Coffey died at Pi Kappa Phi in 2017 — they had 8 years to fix the culture

From our case:
Pi Kappa Phi National immediately suspended and closed the UH chapter when the hazing was exposed — proving they knew the conduct was wrong.

Their own statement:

“Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously.”

The reality:
They took it seriously after a student was hospitalized. They should have taken it seriously before.

3. The University

Why they’re liable:

• Premises liability: Many universities own fraternity houses
• Failure to supervise: Greek life oversight is their responsibility
• Prior knowledge: UH had a hazing hospitalization in 2017 and did nothing

From our case:
The University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were being waterboarded.

Discovery will reveal:

• What oversight policies the university had
• Whether they knew about prior hazing incidents
• Why they didn’t inspect or regulate the fraternity house

4. Individual Members & Officers

Why they’re liable:

• Personally participated in hazing
• Directed or encouraged hazing
• Failed to stop dangerous activities

Precedent:
In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million for his role in hazing.

💰 What Hawaii Hazing Cases Are Worth: Multi-Million Dollar Precedents

Hazing cases result in substantial settlements and verdicts — especially when universities and national organizations are involved.

Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts

Hawaii parents: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases win big. The same legal strategies apply to Hawaii cases.

🔍 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Hawaii

If your child tells you they were hazed — or if you suspect hazing — ACT IMMEDIATELY.

Step 1: Ensure Safety & Get Medical Attention

• Remove your child from the dangerous situation
• Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away
• Medical records are critical evidence

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

DO:

• Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
• Save all text messages, social media posts, GroupMe chats
• Document witness names and contact information
• Keep all medical records and bills
• Write down everything your child remembers (timeline, activities, who was involved)

DO NOT:

• Delete any messages or posts
• Confront the fraternity/sorority without legal counsel
• Sign anything from the organization
• Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• File a police report — hazing is a crime in Hawaii
• Report to the university — Title IX office, student affairs
• Report to the national organization (if applicable)

Step 4: Contact an Attorney

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We offer free, confidential consultations
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win
• We’ll guide you through the legal process and protect your rights

🛑 Warning Signs of Hazing: What Hawaii Parents Should Watch For

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Be alert for these warning signs:

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Avoiding questions about Greek life
• Signs of anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Drop in academic performance
• Increased alcohol use

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Weight loss or signs of poor nutrition
• Difficulty walking or moving (could indicate rhabdomyolysis)
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)

Communication Patterns

• Late-night texts or calls from fraternity/sorority members
• References to “pledge activities” or “traditions”
• Code words for hazing (e.g., “family time,” “bonding,” “brotherhood activities”)
• Sudden financial requests (for “pledge dues” or “events”)

Social Media Clues

• Posts about “surviving” something
• Photos of large groups in unusual settings (basements, fields, remote locations)
• References to being “tired” or “sore” after events
• Deleted posts or increased privacy settings

Hawaii parents: If you notice these signs, ask questions. If your child seems reluctant to talk, seek help immediately.

🎯 Why Hawaii Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight. Hawaii families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook. We know how they try to deny claims. And we know how to beat them.

3. Nationwide Reach — Hawaii Included

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Hawaii. We have:

• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
• Willingness to travel to Hawaii for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote consultation technology for Hawaii families

4. Proven Results in Complex Litigation

• BP Texas City explosion litigation — Mass tort experience against large corporations
• Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury cases
• Successful jury verdicts in complex litigation
• Hazing-specific expertise — We understand Greek life culture and dynamics

5. We Speak Spanish — Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims in Hawaii come from immigrant families. We provide bilingual legal services to ensure language isn’t a barrier to justice.

6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Hawaii Families

We understand the financial strain hazing incidents place on families. We take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.

📞 Hawaii Hazing Victims: Call Now for Immediate Help

If your child was hazed at a Hawaii university, time is critical.

✅ Free consultation — We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
✅ No upfront fees — You pay nothing unless we win
✅ Nationwide representation — We serve Hawaii families
✅ 24/7 availability — Hazing emergencies don’t wait
✅ Bilingual services — Se habla español

Hawaii Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

We will travel to Hawaii for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🏆 Our Commitment to Hawaii Families

“Hazing isn’t tradition. It’s torture. It’s assault. And it has to stop.”
— Ralph Manginello, Attorney 911

We are committed to:

1. Holding Hawaii fraternities and sororities accountable for abusive practices
2. Forcing universities to implement real oversight of Greek life
3. Changing the culture that allows hazing to continue
4. Supporting Hawaii victims and families through the legal process
5. Preventing the next hazing tragedy in Hawaii

Hawaii parents: You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. When that trust is betrayed, we fight to make it right.

📚 Additional Resources for Hawaii Families

Hawaii-Specific Resources

• University of Hawaii Hazing Policy: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/studentlife/hazing/
• Hawaii Pacific University Student Conduct: https://www.hpu.edu/student-conduct/
• Hawaii Department of Education (for high school hazing): https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/

National Hazing Prevention Organizations

• HazingPrevention.Org: https://hazingprevention.org/
• StopHazing: https://www.stophazing.org/
• Clery Center (campus safety): https://clerycenter.org/

Mental Health Support for Hawaii Students

• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Hawaii CARES (mental health crisis line): 1-800-753-6879

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Hazing Cases

Q: My child was hazed, but they don’t want to report it. What should I do?

A: Hazing victims often fear retaliation or social consequences. You can report hazing anonymously to the university or police. Contact us for guidance — we can help protect your child’s identity while pursuing justice.

Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Is that a defense?

A: No. Hawaii law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity can still be held liable.

Q: We’re in Hawaii, and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?

A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Hawaii. We offer:

• Video consultations
• Remote case management
• Willingness to travel to Hawaii for depositions and trials
• Federal court authority to pursue cases anywhere in the U.S.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to your family.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. Do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. Many hazing incidents occur at private residences, hotels, or remote locations. We’ll identify all liable parties, including alumni who host hazing events.

Q: Can we sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they failed to implement proper oversight of Greek life, they can be held liable for negligent supervision — even if they didn’t know about a specific incident.

Q: What if my child was hazed but not physically injured?

A: You can still pursue a case. Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) is compensable. Many hazing victims suffer long-term emotional damage even without physical injuries.

Q: The fraternity says they’ve “suspended” the chapter. Does that mean they’re not liable?

A: No. Suspending or closing a chapter does not absolve them of liability. In fact, it often shows consciousness of guilt — they knew the conduct was wrong and tried to limit their exposure. We’ll pursue the national organization, the local chapter, and individual members.

Q: How much is our case worth?

A: Every case is unique. Factors that affect value include:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Psychological impact
• University’s knowledge of prior hazing
• National organization’s pattern of negligence
• Egregiousness of conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced exercise to collapse)

Recent hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from $4 million to $110 million.

🔥 Hawaii Fraternities: We Are Coming for You

To fraternities and sororities operating near Hawaii:

We know who you are. We know your chapters. We know your national organizations. We know your insurance carriers.

If you haze students in Hawaii, we will find you.

The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Hawaii, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

Universities in Hawaii — the same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Greek life leadership at Hawaii institutions: The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

🏁 Final Message to Hawaii Families

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not building character.

It’s abuse. It’s assault. And it has to stop.

If your child was hazed at a Hawaii university, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the fraternity accountable. You have the right to hold the university accountable. You have the right to compensation for your child’s injuries.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we fight for Hawaii hazing victims.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

Hawaii hazing victims: Enough is enough.