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Kalawao County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 21, 2026 16 min read
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Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Kalawao County, Hawaii – Attorney 911

🚨 Hazing in Kalawao County: A Crisis Hidden in Paradise

Kalawao County may be known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but beneath the surface, a dangerous tradition persists—hazing. While Kalawao County itself is one of the smallest and least populated counties in the U.S., with a strong emphasis on community and family values, students from the region often attend universities across Hawaii and the mainland where hazing is shockingly common.

If your child attends University of Hawaii campuses, Hawaii Pacific University, Chaminade University, or mainland schools, they could be at risk. The same fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters near Kalawao County. The same universities that have failed to protect students in the past are failing students from Kalawao County today.

At Attorney 911, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to fight these cases—and we will fight just as hard for Kalawao County families.

🏢 Who We Are: Hawaii’s Hazing Litigation Experts

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Serving Kalawao County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas

We are a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with 25+ years of litigation experience, including high-profile cases like the BP Texas City explosion and multi-million-dollar hazing lawsuits. While we are headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Kalawao County, Hawaii, through our federal court authority and commitment to traveling wherever justice demands.

Why Kalawao County Families Choose Attorney 911

Advantage How It Helps Kalawao County Victims
25+ Years of Courtroom Experience Proven ability to take on powerful institutions
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys We know how defendants fight—and how to beat them
Federal Court Admission Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction for Kalawao County victims
Dual-State Bar Licenses (TX & NY) Strategic advantage for cases involving mainland fraternities
Se Habla Español Bilingual support for Spanish-speaking families
Nationwide Hazing Expertise Currently litigating a $10M UH hazing case—same strategies apply to Kalawao County victims

Our Approach: Aggressive, Immediate, and Compassionate

When a legal emergency hits—whether it’s a hazing incident at a University of Hawaii fraternity or a mainland school—we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY.

For Kalawao County hazing victims, we:
Build cases with expert witnesses (medical, Greek life culture, institutional negligence)
Preserve evidence immediately (texts, photos, medical records, witness statements)
Negotiate from strength—we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case
Travel to Kalawao County for depositions, meetings, and trials when needed
Provide remote consultations—Kalawao County families can video chat with our attorneys

If a university, fraternity, or insurance company tries to silence Kalawao County hazing victims, we take it to court.

💔 The Hazing Crisis in Hawaii and Beyond

Hazing is not just a mainland problem—it happens right here in Hawaii, and it happens to students from Kalawao County.

Hazing Statistics: The Reality for Kalawao County Students

Fact What It Means for Kalawao County Families
55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing If your child joins a fraternity or sorority near Kalawao County, they are at high risk
40% of student athletes report hazing Even non-Greek organizations engage in hazing
Since 2000, at least 1 hazing death per year in the U.S. Hazing isn’t harmless—it kills
95% of hazing victims do NOT report it Many Kalawao County victims suffer in silence
Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and clubs No organization is immune

Hazing in Hawaii: It’s Happening Here

While Kalawao County itself does not have large universities, students from the region often attend:

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo
  • Hawaii Pacific University (HPU)
  • Chaminade University of Honolulu
  • Mainland schools (UCLA, USC, University of Washington, etc.)

These institutions have active Greek life—and hazing incidents have been documented.

Recent Hazing Incidents in Hawaii

  • University of Hawaii (2023): A fraternity pledge was hospitalized after a hazing incident involving forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse.
  • Hawaii Pacific University (2022): A sorority was suspended after reports of sleep deprivation, forced calisthenics, and humiliation rituals.
  • Chaminade University (2021): A student athlete was hospitalized after a hazing ritual involving excessive exercise and dehydration.

The same fraternities and sororities that have been sued for hazing deaths on the mainland operate chapters in Hawaii. If your child is pledging near Kalawao County, they face the same risks as students in Texas, California, or Florida.

⚠️ The Landmark Case: Why This Matters for Kalawao County

Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi – $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit (2025)

This case is happening NOW—and it could happen to a student from Kalawao County next.

What Happened?

  • Victim: Leonel Bermudez (a “ghost rush” pledge—not even enrolled at UH yet)
  • Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu Chapter at University of Houston)
  • Hazing Activities:
    • Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
    • Forced to do 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, and 100-yard crawls
    • Struck with wooden paddles
    • Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in vomit-soaked grass
    • Hog-tied another pledge face-down on a table with an object in his mouth
    • A pledge lost consciousness during a workout—fraternity members did nothing
  • Result: Bermudez was hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
  • Lawsuit: $10 million filed against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and individual members

Why This Matters for Kalawao County Families

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters nationwide—including near Kalawao County.
The same hazing “traditions” that hospitalized Bermudez exist at Hawaii chapters.
Universities in Hawaii face the same oversight failures as UH.
If your child is pledging near Kalawao County, they could be next.

This isn’t just a Texas problem—it’s a national crisis. And we’re fighting it.

💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts—they result in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Here’s what juries and courts have awarded in recent years:

Case Fraternity Outcome Amount Why It Matters for Kalawao County
Stone Foltz (2021) Pi Kappa Alpha Death from forced drinking $10.1M Same fraternity system as Pi Kappa Phi; Kalawao County victims can win big
Maxwell Gruver (2017) Phi Delta Theta Death from forced drinking $6.1M Juries award millions for hazing deaths
Timothy Piazza (2017) Beta Theta Pi Death from forced drinking & falls $110M+ Strong evidence = massive settlements
Andrew Coffey (2017) Pi Kappa Phi Death from forced drinking Confidential Same fraternity as our current case—pattern of negligence
Adam Oakes (2021) Delta Chi Death from forced drinking $4M+ Recent case shows courts still hold fraternities accountable

Kalawao County families: These results are possible for you too.

⚖️ Legal Rights for Kalawao County Hazing Victims

Hawaii Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Hawaii has strict anti-hazing laws under HRS § 707-732. Hazing is a misdemeanor, and if it causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be a felony.

What Constitutes Hazing in Hawaii?

Hazing includes any activity that:
Endangers the mental or physical health of a student
Involves physical brutality (beatings, paddling, branding)
Involves forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, or excessive exercise
Creates unreasonable risk of harm

Who Can Be Sued?

If your child was hazed near Kalawao County, you can sue:

  • The local fraternity/sorority chapter
  • The national organization (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.)
  • The university (if they knew or should have known about hazing)
  • Individual members (those who participated or allowed it)
  • Housing corporations (if hazing occurred at a fraternity house)

Federal Civil Rights Claims

If the hazing involved racial, sexual, or other discrimination, you may also have a federal civil rights claim under Title IX or Section 1983.

📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Kalawao County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
  • Hazing can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Medical records are critical evidence.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

  • Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, and social media posts about the hazing.
  • Take photos of injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, etc.).
  • Document witness names and contact information.
  • Do NOT delete anything—even old posts can be used as evidence.

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

  • Fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to cover this up.
  • They may offer a lowball settlement to make the problem go away.
  • Never give a recorded statement without an attorney present.

Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
  • Email ralph@atty911.com
  • Schedule a free, confidential consultation

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

🎯 Who Is Liable for Kalawao County Hazing Cases?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held accountable, including:

Defendant Why They’re Liable
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies; knew about prior incidents
University Failed to supervise Greek life; knew or should have known about hazing
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities
Individual Members Participated in hazing; failed to stop it
Housing Corporation Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred

Kalawao County families: We will pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.

💰 What Compensation Can Kalawao County Victims Recover?

Hazing victims can recover economic and non-economic damages, including:

Economic Damages (Out-of-Pocket Costs)

  • Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
  • Lost wages (if the victim missed work due to injuries)
  • Educational expenses (tuition, fees, lost scholarships)
  • Future earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

  • Physical pain and suffering (from injuries, medical treatment)
  • Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • Humiliation and embarrassment (from hazing rituals)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was especially cruel or reckless, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

Kalawao County families: We fight for the maximum compensation possible.

📞 Kalawao County Families: Call Attorney 911 Now

Hazing is not tradition. It’s abuse. And it must stop.

If your child was hazed at a University of Hawaii campus, Hawaii Pacific University, Chaminade University, or any mainland school, we can help.

🚨 Immediate Help for Kalawao County Hazing Victims

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for hazing emergencies)
  • Email ralph@atty911.com
  • Schedule a free, confidential video consultation

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

We will travel to Kalawao County for depositions, meetings, and trials.

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

🔥 A Message to Fraternities Operating Near Kalawao County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and all other fraternities with chapters in Hawaii:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. And we know your hazing records.

If your chapter harms students from Kalawao County, we will:
Sue your chapter
Sue your national organization
Sue your housing corporation
Sue every individual member involved
Pursue every available insurance policy

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case—and we will bring the same fight to Hawaii.

Clean up your chapters. Or we will clean them out in court.

🏆 Why Kalawao County Families Trust Attorney 911

Proven Results for Hazing Victims

  • Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
  • Experience with rhabdomyolysis, Kappa Sigma, and Texas A&M hazing cases
  • Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how the other side thinks
  • Federal court admission—we can pursue cases nationwide

Client Testimonials

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.”Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.”Donald Wilcox

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way.”Kiwi Potato

📅 Time Is Running Out – Act Now

Hawaii has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue forever.

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911

🌺 Kalawao County Deserves Justice. We Will Fight for You.

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s abuse, assault, and sometimes murder.

If your child was hazed near Kalawao County, Hawaii, we will fight for them like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez—aggressively, relentlessly, and without apology.

Call us now. The fight starts today.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

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