209 F.R.D. 180 | D. Haw. | 2002
ORDER GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION
BACKGROUND
This lawsuit involves a challenge to the City and County of Honolulu’s practice of charging non-residents a $3.00 fee to enter the beach area of Hanauma Bay. Hanauma Bay, a state designated nature preserve, is a beautiful cove located on the south-east side of Oahu popular* amongst both local residents and tourists alike for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, sun bathing and picnicking. Adjacent to Hanauma Bay is Koko Head Regional Park (“Park”), a state park run by the City and County of Honolulu. The beach area of Hanauma Bay is accessible (by foot) only through the Park.
In 1996, the Honolulu City Council enacted Ordinance Number (“No.”) 96-19 which instituted a $3.00 fee for nonresidents seeking entry to the beach area and a $1.00 parking fee for all visitors. Ordinance No. 96-19, codified at Sec. 10-2.11 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (“ROH”), provides in relevant part:
(a) The following fees shall be assessed for entrance to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve:
(1) For nonresidents of Hawaii, 13 years of age and older, to enter the lower preserve (beyond the scenic lookout): $3.00 per person.
(2) For vehicles entering the preserve, a $1.00 parking fee shall be assessed; provided that this parking fee shall be refunded for all vehicles departing from the preserve within 15 minutes of their entry.
(b) The director of parks and recreation is authorized to waive the fees provided by this section and to allow entry of any person to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve as part of an educational or promotional program or package made available or authorized by the city.
Revised Ordinances of Honolulu § 10-2.11 (2001). Ordinance No. 96-19 also establishes the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Fund, the related provisions of which are codified at ROH Sections 6-51.1 through 6-51.4. ROH Section 6-51.2, regarding the Purpose of the Fund, provides:
There shall be deposited into the Hanau-ma Bay Nature Preserve fund all receipts from the fees imposed under Section 10-2.11 and all concession revenues from the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve concessions.' All moneys deposited into this fund shall be used for the following purposes in order of priority as indicated:
(1) First, for the operation, maintenance and improvement of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve;
(2) Second, for educational and orientation programs for visitors to the preserve;
(3) Third, for carrying capacity study of the preserve and for other studies relating to the environmental condition of the preserve; and
(4) Fourth, if funds are available, for the operation, maintenance and improve*184 ment of the following park facilities: Koko Head District Park, Maunalua Bay Beach Park, Koko Head Rifle Range, and the Koko Crater Botanical Garden.
Revised Ordinances of Honolulu § 6-51.2 (2001).
In October of 2000, Plaintiff Carol Daly, a California resident, visited Hanauma Bay. As she proceeded along the walkway to the beach, she came upon a city-erected turnstile at which she paid the $3.00 fee assessed for entry. In June of 2001, Plaintiff Cathy Burgess, then and currently a resident of Colorado, but formerly a Hawaii resident, visited Hanauma Bay for the purpose of having a family gathering at the beach area. Plaintiff Burgess alleges that she and her family “sought to associate with each other, enjoy each other’s company and communicate with each other about their respective lives and experiences.” Second Amend. Compl. (“Compl.”) 1136. Unlike Plaintiff Daly, when Plaintiff Burgess arrived at the turnstile, she refused to pay the $3.00 fee and left without entering.
On July 10, 2001, Plaintiffs Daly and Burgess (collectively “Plaintiffs”) initiated this lawsuit against Defendants Jeremy Harris (in both his individual capacity and his official capacity as Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu), Caroll Takahashi (as Director of the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services), William Balfour (as Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation), and the City and County of Honolulu to challenge the $3.00 entry fee. - Plaintiffs’ Second Amended Complaint, filed on November 20, 2001, asserts the following claims: Count I (First Amendment), Count II (Violation of Hawaii Constitution), Count III (Violation of Hawaii Revised Statutes (“H.R.S.”) § 7-1 and Chapter 115), Count IV (Unauthorized Taxation), Count V (Privileges and Immunities), Count VI (Equal Protection), Count VII (Fourth Amendment), Count VIII (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights),
On January 3, 2002, Defendants filed eight separate Motions to Dismiss with Prejudice or Alternatively, for Partial Summary Judgment. On February 28, 2002, Plaintiffs opposed all of Defendants’ Motions, save Defendants’ Motion regarding Count VIII, and on March 8, 2002 filed the instant Motion for Class Certification pursuant to Federal Rules ' of CM Procedure (“F.R.C.P.”) Rule 23. The hearing on Defendants’ eight motions was rescheduled from March 18, 2002 to May 28, 2002. Defendants filed an Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification on April 4, 2002 to which Defendants replied on April 11, 2002. The Court heard oral argument on April 22, 2002.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
CLASS CERTIFICATION
A class action “may only be certified if the trial court is satisfied, after a rigorous analysis, that the prerequisites of Rule 23(a) have been satisfied.” Gen’l Tel. Co. of Southwest v. Falcon, 457 U.S. 147, 161, 102 S.Ct. 2364, 72 L.Ed.2d 740 (1982). The burden of establishing these prerequisites falls on the party seeking certification. See 7A Charles Alan Wright, Arthur R. Miller & Mary Kay Kane, Federal Practice and Procedure § 1759 (1986) (citing numerous cases)l; see also Armstrong v. Davis, 275 F.3d 849, 868 (9th Cir.2001).
Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the instant case (1) conforms to the four requirements of Rule 23(a) and (2) fits into one of the three categories under Rule 23(b).
The four requirements of Rule 23(a) are: (1) the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable, (2) there are questions of law or fact common to the class, (3) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class, and (4) the*185 representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.
Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(a) (West 2002).
Next, the case must fall under one of the three categories of Rule 23(b):
(1) the prosecution of separate actions by or against individual members of the class would create a risk of
(A) inconsistent or varying adjudications with respect to individual members of the class which would establish incompatible standards of conduct for the party opposing the class, or
(B) adjudications with respect to individual members of the class which would as a practical matter be dispositive of the interests of the other members not parties to the adjudications or substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interests; or
(2) the party opposing the class has acted or refused to act on grounds generally applicable to the class, thereby making appropriate final injunctive relief or corresponding declaratory relief with respect to the class as a whole; or
(3) the court finds that the questions of law or fact common to the members of the class predominate over any questions affecting only individual members, and that a class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy.
Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b) (West 2002).
Analysis of whether the above-stated requirements are met should not involve inquiry into the merits of the plaintiffs claims. See Eisen v. Carlisle & Jacquelin, 417 U.S. 156, 177-78, 94 S.Ct. 2140, 40 L.Ed.2d 732 (1974). What is required of the Court is to analyze the allegations of the complaint and other material (material sufficient to form a reasonable judgment on each requirement), consider the nature and range of proof necessary to establish those allegations, determine as best able the future course of the litigation and then determine if the requirements are met at the time. See Blackie v. Barrack, 524 F.2d 891, 900-01 (9th Cir.1975).
DISCUSSION
Through the instant motion, Plaintiffs move the Court to certify a plaintiff class (“Class”) defined as “non-residents of Hawaii who have been required to pay $3.00 to access the public beach at Hanauma Bay.” Plaintiffs further request certification of two sub-classes, the first consisting of “those nonresidents who have paid the $3.00 access fee,” (“sub-class I”), the second of “those non-residents who have been unable or unwilling to access the beach at Hanauma Bay, despite a desire to do so, as the result of the imposition of the $3.00 access fee,” (“subclass II”). See Mot. for Class Certification (“Mot.Cert.”) at 2. In support of their Motion, Plaintiffs argue that the proposed classes meet the four requirements of F.R.C.P. Rule 23(a) and qualify for certification under all subsections of Rule 23(b).
Defendants, without specifying which of Rule 23’s requirements are lacking, raise the following objections: (1) Plaintiffs’ estimate of the number of potential plaintiffs in each sub-class is arbitrary, (2) Plaintiffs Motion for Certification is untimely, (3) the proposed class is inadequate because it does not include foreigners and Hawaii residents who may have paid the $3.00 fee, and (4) the statute of limitations bars certain proposed class member’s claims. In. response, Plaintiffs characterize Defendants’ first argument as an insufficient challenge to the numerosity requirement of Rule 23(a)(1). Plaintiffs further contend that timeliness is not an appropriate basis for denying class certification
I. RULE 23(a)
Rule 23(a)(l)-(4) sets forth requirements commonly referred to as: (1) numerosity, (2) commonality, (3) typicality and (4) adequate representation. See Hanlon v. Chrysler Corp., 150 F.3d 1011, 1019 (9th Cir.1998) (citing Amchem Products, Inc. v. Windsor, 521 U.S. 591, 117 S.Ct. 2231, 138 L.Ed.2d 689 (1997)). Each sub-class must independently meet the requirements of Rule 23. See Betts v. Reliable Collection Agency, Ltd., 659 F.2d 1000, 1005 (9th Cir.1981) (“each subclass must independently meet the requirements of Rule 23 for the maintenance of a class action”).
A. Numerosity
To qualify for certification, the class must be so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable. Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(a)(1). When a class is large in numbers, joinder is usually impracticable. Jordan v. County of Los Angeles, 669 F.2d 1311, 1319 (9th Cir.1982), vacated on other grounds, 459 U.S. 810, 103 S.Ct. 35, 74 L.Ed.2d 48 (1982) (citations omitted). Plaintiffs are not required to state the exact number in the proposed class, see Schwartz v. Harp, 108 F.R.D. 279, 281 (C.D. Cal.1985), but at the same time cannot rely on mere speculation in estimating class size. See Newberg and Conte, 1 Newburg on Class Actions § 3.05 (3d ed.1992) (citations omitted), see also Marcial v. Coronet Ins. Co., 880 F.2d 954, 957 (7th Cir.1989); Gray-Mapp v. Sherman, 100 F.Supp.2d 810, 814 (N.D.Ill.1999) (“Mere conclusory allegation of numerosity and speculation as to class size ... [is] not enough to satisfy the rule.”). Impracticability does not mean impossibility, but only the difficulty or inconvenience of joining all members of the class. Harris v. Palm Springs Alpine Estates, Inc., 329 F.2d 909, 913-14 (9th Cir. 1964). Thus, impracticability of joinder can be demonstrated without reference to class size, for example in cases where class members are difficult to locate or are unknown. See Jordan, 669 F.2d at 1319-20 (presence of other indicia of impracticability, such as join-der of unknown individuals, obviates need to ascertain class size).
Plaintiffs estimate, based on the revenues collected by the City, that the Class likely consists of in excess of 350,000 and as many as 4,000,000 members. While Defendants question Plaintiffs’ calculation method, they do not argue that the class is not sufficiently large so as to make joinder impracticable. Indeed, such an argument would be untenable under the circumstances, given the amount of revenue generated from entrance fee collection and the manifest popularity of the Bay among non-resident visitors. For these reasons, the Court finds that Plaintiffs have sufficiently demonstrated that the Class and sub-class I meet Rule 23(a)(l)’s numerosity requirement. See Schwartz v. Harp, 108 F.R.D. 279, 282 (C.D.Cal.1985) (citing Grossman v. Waste Management, Inc., 589 F.Supp. 395 (N.D.Ill.1984), for the proposition that a court is entitled to make “common sense assumptions” in order to support a finding of numerosity).
Plaintiffs’ calculation of the size of subclass II, however, is problematic. Plaintiffs estimate that membership in sub-class II is in excess of 360 people. Plaintiffs arrive at this figure by assuming that for every ten thousand fee-paying visitors to Hanauma Bay, there was one person who did not enter due to the $3.00 fee. While recognizing that Rule 23(a)(1) does not require Plaintiffs to pin-point the precise number of members in the putative class, the Court agrees with Defendants that Plaintiffs’ estimate of subclass II is purely speculative. Even Plaintiffs appear to recognize weakness in then-calculation method. See Mot. Cert, at 7 (“the second sub-class ... is obviously more difficult to count”). Insofar as Rule 23(a)(1) requires Plaintiffs to demonstrate that subclass II actually exists, it appears that they have failed. Compare Equal Employment Opportunity Comm’n v. Gen. Tel. Co., 599 F.2d 322, 328 (9th Cir.1979) (quoting 7A
B. Commonality
Section (a)(2) of Rule 23 requires that there exist questions of law and fact common to the class. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(a)(2). As Rule 23(a)(2) is construed permissively, “all questions of fact and law need not be common to satisfy the rule.” Hanlon, 150 F.3d at 1019. “Commonality” is established by “the existence of shared legal issues with divergent factual predicates” or “a common core of salient facts coupled with disparate legal remedies within the class.” Id. At least one Court has observed that the “commonality preconditions of Rule 23(a)(2) are less rigorous than the companion requirements of Rule 23(b)(3)”. Id. Moreover, class suits for declaratory or injunctive relief, “by their very nature often present common questions satisfying Rule 23(a)(2).” charles Alan Wright, Arthur R. Miller & Mary Kay Kane, 7A Federal Practice and Procedure § 1763 (1986).
Plaintiffs argue that there are numerous legal issues common to the class, specifically, “whether the Defendants, by charging an access fee to non-residents only, have violated those persons’ (1) First Amendment rights, (2) rights under the Privileges and Immunities Clause, (3) rights under the Equal Protection Clause, (4) rights under the Fourth Amendment, and (5) constitutional, statutory and common law rights under Hawaii law.” Mot. Cert, at 8-9. Defendants do not appear to contend that commonality is lacking.
Upon review of Plaintiffs’ Amended Complaint and the claims asserted therein, it is evident that Plaintiffs rely on various theories of liability, some of which apply to certain members of the Class, but not others. Indeed, based on the allegations in the Complaint, while all members in the Class assert Counts II (Violation of the Hawaii Constitution), III (Violation of H.R.S. Section 7-1 and Chapter 115), IV (Unauthorized Taxation), V (Privileges and Immunities), VI (Equal Protection), VII (Fourth Amendment), X (Declaratory Judgment), XI (Injunctive Relief), and X (Punitive Damages), (collectively “Class Claims”), Count I (First Amendment) is particular to Plaintiff Burgess and those similarly situated, and Counts IX (H.R.S. Chapter 480), XII (Common-law recovery remedy), XIII (Unjust Enrichment) and XIV (Constructive Trust) are particular to Plaintiff Daly and those similarly situated (collectively “Sub-Class I Claims”). The Court recognizes, however, that Rule 23(a)(2) permits putative class members’ to seek “disparate legal remedies” and that there exists, as Plaintiffs argue, a number of common legal and factual issues. All class members assert the Class Claims and thus rely on these shared legal theories. The members of subclass I assert the Class Claims as well as the Sub-Class I claims. The members of subclass II assert the Class Claims as well as Count I. Thus, the Court finds that the members of the Class, sub-class I, and sub-class II share sufficient commonality within each respective class to satisfy the minimal requirements of Rule 23(a)(2). Cf. Hanlon, 150 F.3d at 1020.
The typicality criterion requires that the Plaintiffs’ claims be of the same nature as the rest of the class. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(a)(3). The requirement serves “to assure that the interest of the named representative aligns with the interests of the class.” Hanon v. Dataproducts, 976 F.2d 497, 508 (9th Cir.1992). The representative’s claims are “ ‘typical’ if they are reasonably co-extensive with those of absent class members,” Hanlon, 150 F.3d at 1020, or if the claim arises from the “ ‘same event or practice or course of conduct that gives rise to the claims of other class members and is based on the same legal theory.’” Ditty v. Check Rite, Ltd., 182 F.R.D. 639 (D.Utah 1998) (citing De La Fuente v. Stokely-Van Camp, Inc., 713 F.2d 225, 232 (7th Cir.1983)) (further citations omitted). However, where the claims of the named representative would be subject to unique defenses which could become the focus of the litigation because of facts peculiar to that particular plaintiff, typicality is lacking. See Valentino v. Carter-Wallace, Inc., 97 F.3d 1227, 1234 (9th Cir.1996) (typicality requirement not met where class representatives allege different injuries from those suffered by other class members). As Rule 23(a)(3) should be interpreted permissively, it does not mandate that the claims be “substantially identical.” Hanlon, 150 F.3d at 1020.
Plaintiffs argue that the named-Plaintiffs’ claims and any defenses to such claims are typical of other Class members. Mot. Cert, at 10. Plaintiffs point out that then-claims and that of the putative Class rest on the same legal theories. Id. Plaintiffs further contend that Plaintiff Daly, a non-resident who visited Hanauma Bay within the past two years and who paid the $3.00 access fee is typical of sub-class I, while Plaintiff Burgess, a non-resident who visited Hanauma Bay within the past two years and who declined to pay the $3.00 access fee and was denied access as a result is typical of subclass II. Defendants do not specifically challenge fulfillment of this requirement.
Typicality is not lacking with respect to the Class members. The claims asserted by Plaintiffs Daly and Burgess and the putative Class members stem from the City’s passage and enforcement of R.O.H. Section 10-2.11. See Ditty, 182 F.R.D. at 642 (“named plaintiffs claim is typical if it arises from the ‘same event or practice or course of conduct that gives rise to the claims of other class members and is based on the same legal theory.’ ”) (citations omitted). At this point, it does not appear, nor do Defendants contend, that Plaintiff Daly incurred atypical injuries or that unique defenses
Likewise, for the above-stated reasons, the Court also finds that Plaintiff Daly’s claims are typical of the claims asserted by members of sub-class I. Plaintiff Daly does not stand in a unique position relative to the members of sub-class I. The injuries suffered by her, loss of $3.00 and alleged violation of her constitutional rights, are typical of the sub-class and it does not appear that she is subject to defenses particular to her.
The Court finds it difficult to assess whether Plaintiff Burgess’s claims are typical of the members of sub-class II without knowing the circumstances or identities of these people. Assuming there exist other individuals that refused to pay or lacked funds to pay for entry, it seems unlikely that all or even a substantial number of people would contend that they intended to engage in First Amendment activities at the beach. Howev
D. Adequate Representation
Rule 23(a)(4) requires that the “representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(a)(4). This requirement serves to protect the due process rights of absent class members who will be bound by the judgment. See Hanlon, 150 F.3d at 1020. Adequate representation in the Ninth Circuit “ ‘depends on the qualifications of counsel for the representative, an absence of antagonism, a sharing of interests between representatives and absentees, and the unlikelihood that the suit is collusive.’ ” Crawford v. Honig, 37 F.3d 485, 487 (9th Cir.1994) (citing Brown v. Ticor Title Ins. Co., 982 F.2d 386, 390 (9th Cir.1992)). Likewise, the Court should consider the following factors: (1) do the named plaintiffs and their counsel have any conflict of interest with other class members? and (2) will the named plaintiffs and counsel prosecute the action vigorously on behalf of the class? Hanlon, 150 F.3d at 1020. Defendants objections regarding the foreign visitors and the statute of limitations defense warrants discussion here.
Plaintiffs set forth the qualifications of counsel and the two named-Plaintiffs. According to Plaintiffs, counsel has twenty years of experience and has litigated complex cases. The Court has no reason to doubt, nor does Defendant raise objections to, counsel’s competency.
Plaintiffs Daly and Burgess, however, do not appear to be adequate representatives of every member included in the Class. As defined in Plaintiffs’ Motion for Certification, the Class ostensibly includes foreign visitors. However, Plaintiffs define the Class in their Reply as “all persons who were denied rights afforded citizens of the United States by the City and County Ordinance,” see Reply, filed 4/11/02, at 4-5, refer to the class as being “scattered across all of the 49 other states” in their Motion, see Mot. Cert, at 15, and stated'at the hearing that they do not purport to represent the interests of foreign visitors. Accordingly, the Court finds that these individuals are inadequately represented by the named-Plaintiffs.
Next, it is questionable whether Plaintiffs Daly and Burgess, both having visited Ha-nauma Bay within the past two years, serve as adequate representatives for those members susceptible to Section 1983’s statute of limitations (“SOL”) defense.
With respect to the remaining Class members, Plaintiff Daly and Burgess appear to be adequate representatives. Likewise, it is not evident that Plaintiff Daly’s interests are adverse to the remaining members of sub-class I nor are Plaintiff Burgess’s with respect to remaining members of sub-class II. Defendants do not contend otherwise.
E. Conclusion
Based on the foregoing analysis, the Court finds that compliance with Rule 23(a)(l)-(4) requires modification of Plaintiffs’ proposed classes. The Court finds that the named-Plaintiffs do not adequately represent foreign visitors and the SOL-susceptible members of the Class. Accordingly, the Court limits the Class to: (1) non-residents of Hawaii, (2) who have been required to pay $3.00 to access the beach after July 10, 1999,
II. Rule 23(b)
Plaintiffs contend that class certification is proper under all subsections of Rule 23(b), however their supporting arguments are directed only at subsections (b)(1)(B), (b)(2) and (b)(3); subsection b(l)(A)
A. Rule 23(b)(1)(B)
A class action is appropriate under rule 23(b)(1)(B) when multiple suits would create a risk of adjudications which would be dispositive of the interests of other members or would substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interests. Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b)(1)(B). This risk is present when “an individual action inescapably will alter the substance of the rights of others having similar claims.” Green, 541 F.2d at 1340 n. 10. Similar to sub-section (l)(A)’s protection of the party opposing the class, sub-section (1)(B) serves to protect the interests of those whose rights will inescapably be altered by the outcome of the lawsuit. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b)(1)(B) advisory committee’s notes (class action with adequate representation required when lawsuit will certainly affect rights of others, an example being actions by shareholders to force declaration of dividends). “Neither the stare decisis consequences of an individual action nor the possibility of false reliance upon the improper initiation of a class action can supply either the practical disposition of the rights of the class, or the substantial impairments of those rights, at least one of which is required by Rule 23(b)(1)(B).” La Mar v. H & B Novelty & Loan Co., 489 F.2d 461, 465 (9th Cir.1973). Limited fund cases are typically certified under sub-section (1)(B). “[T]o satisfy Rule 23(b)(1)(B), a class action plaintiff must demonstrate that the case involves a ‘fund’ with a definitely ascertained limit, all of which would be distributed to satisfy all those with liquidated claims on a common theory of liability, by an equitable, pro rata distribution.” Zinser, 253 F.3d at 1197 (citing Ortiz v. Fibreboard Corp., 527 U.S. 815, 841, 119 S.Ct. 2295, 144 L.Ed.2d 715 (1999)).
Plaintiffs argue that certification under this sub-section is appropriate because a ruling in their favor would stop the City from assessing the $3.00 fee, the benefit of which would inure to the class as a whole rather than to just the individual Plaintiffs. However, the Court recognizes that while individuals challenge the constitutionality of ordinances and statutes all the time, though such lawsuits invariably can be seen as affecting
B. Rule 23(b)(2)
Rule 23(b)(2) provides for what the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has characterized as “the classic type of action envisioned by the drafters of Rule 23.” Elliott v. Weinberger, 564 F.2d 1219, 1228-29 (9th Cir. 1977). Under this provision, class certification is appropriate when “the party opposing the class has acted or refused to act on grounds generally applicable to the class, thereby making appropriate final injunctive relief or corresponding declaratory relief with respect to the class as a whole.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 23. “Class certification under Rule 23(b)(2) is appropriate only where the primary relief sought is declaratory or injunctive.” Zinser, 253 F.3d at 1195 (citing Nelsen v. King County, 895 F.2d 1248, 1254-55 (9th Cir.1990)) (further citations omitted). Although Rule 23(b)(2) certification is inappropriate where the primary relief sought is monetary, see id., a class seeking monetary damages that are merely incidental to the primary claim for injunctive relief can be certified under sub-section (b)(2). Probe v. State Teachers’ Retirement System, 780 F.2d 776, 780 (9th Cir.1986).
Plaintiffs argue that their request for in-junctive relief qualifies the Class for certification under Rule 23(b)(2). However, injunc-tive relief is not the only relief Plaintiffs seek. Plaintiffs also assert claims for compensatory (in amounts to be proven at trial) and punitive damages under Section 1983, and treble damages under H.R.S. Chapter 480. Plaintiffs also seek remedies under the common law, disgorgement of benefits, and imposition of a constructive trust. In light of this, the Court is wary to characterize the damages aspect of the instant lawsuit as incidental to the claim for injunctive relief. See Besinga v. United States, 923 F.2d 133, 135 (9th Cir.1991) (“Where individual damages sought, generally a class action must be certified under 23(b)(3).”); Zinser, 253 F.3d at 1196 (finding certification under 23(b)(2) inappropriate where complaint sought establishment of reserve fund for past and future damages, compensation for future medical treatment, and other compensatory and punitive damages). Had Plaintiffs sought to recoup merely $3.00 each and/or requested declaratory and injunctive relief only, the Court would be inclined to find that injunctive relief was primary to the monetary damage aspect of the lawsuit. Cf. Irwin v. Mascott, 96 F.Supp.2d 968, 979 (N.D.Cal.1999) (statutory damages in the amount of $0.52 not predominate). However, this is clearly not so, especially with respect to the members of class-II who seek to recover damages for having lost the opportunity of enjoying the beach. Thus, the Court finds that Plaintiffs have not established that certification of the Class, subclass I or sub-class II is appropriate under sub-section (b)(2).
C. Rule 23(b)(3)
Plaintiffs assert that certification is appropriate under sub-section (b)(3) because: (1) the Class is “seeking to remedy a common legal grievance,” (2) class action treatment is a superior method that will conserve the resources of both the court and parties, and (3) Hawaii is the preferred forum. Mot. Cert, at 14. Defendants do not raise specific objections.
Certification under Rule 23(b)(3) is appropriate “whenever the actual interests of the parties can be served best settling their differences in a single action.” Hanlon, 150 F.3d at 1022 (internal quotation marks omitted). Pursuant to Rule 23(b)(3), a class can only be certified if “questions of law or fact common to the members of the class predom
1. Predominance
It is apparent to the Court that the claims asserted by the Class, sub-class I and sub-class II involve resolution of common issues of law such as: whether the challenged ordinance contravenes the United States and Hawaii Constitutions and/or Hawaii statutory law. However, issues that require individual resolution also exist. For example, as currently defined the Class includes members of sub-class II who, like Plaintiff Burgess, did not pay the $3.00 fee. These members of the Class (sub-class II) assert a claim (First Amendment) not relied upon by other Class members.
Such problems do not arise with respect to sub-class I. The Court anticipates that damages will be relatively modest and uniform. Additionally, it does not appear that establishment of liability with respect to sub-class I claims will turn on the factual circumstances of each individual member.
2. Superiority
Assessment of the superiority of proceeding as a class action involves consideration of the factors set forth in Rule 23(b)(3)(A)-(D). See Zinser, 253 F.3d at 1190. “A consideration of these factors requires the court to focus on the efficiency and economy elements of the class action so that cases allowed under subdivision (b)(3) are those that can be adjudicated most profitably on a representative basis.” Id. (citation omitted).
Rule 23(b)(3)(A) inquires into each member’s interest in “individually controlling
The second factor is “the extent and nature of any litigation concerning the controversy already commenced by or against members of the class.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b)(3)(B). Plaintiffs represent that no related cases are currently pending. The Court has no knowledge to the contrary.
Factor three inquires into the desirability or undesirability of concentrating the litigation of the claims in the particular forum. Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b)(3)(C). Although the members of the Class and sub-class are undoubtedly located nationwide, the Defendants, Hanauma Bay itself, and most potential witnesses are here in Hawaii. Litigation in this Court seems the most logical choice.
The fourth and final factor involves assessment of the difficulties likely to be encountered in the management of a class action. Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b)(3)(D). Where “the difficulties of maintaining a class action treatment outweigh the benefits of considering common issues in one trial, class action treatment is not the ‘superior’ method of adjudication.” Valentino, 97 F.3d at 1234-35. Throughout the foregoing discussion, the Court has identified numerous problems with maintenance of the Class and sub-class II. Resolution of liability and damage issues with respect to members of these classes, who like Plaintiff Burgess allege having suffered missed opportunity-type injury and rely on a First Amendment based theory of liability, will require the Court to conduct individualized and time-consuming inquiries. See Zin-ser, 253 F.3d at 1192 (“If each class member has to litigate numerous and substantial separate issues to establish his or her right to recovery individually, a class action is not ‘superior.’ ”). As discussed, these problems do not exist with respect to sub-class I. While the Court anticipates that providing adequate notice under Rule 23(c)(2)
Accordingly, the Court finds that sub-class II is not sufficiently cohesive. Resolution of the claims of sub-class II members will invariably require individualized liability and damage determinations. Likewise, the inclusion of sub-class II members who assert First Amendment claims and allege lost opportunity-type damages undermines the cohesiveness of the overarching Class. Thus, certification of the Class is also inappropriate under Rule 23(b)(3). Sub-class I, however, at least for the time being, fits squarely within this category.
CONCLUSION
Based on the foregoing, the Court GRANTS in part and DENIES in part Plain-
IT IS SO ORDERED.
ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION AND REVISING CERTIFICATION ORDER DATED APRIL 25,2002
BACKGROUND
On April 25, 2002, the Court issued an Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification.
Pursuant to Local Rule 7.2(d), the Court finds this matter suitable for disposition without hearing.
STANDARD
In the Ninth Circuit a successful motion for reconsideration must accomplish two goals. First, a motion for reconsideration must demonstrate some reason why the Court should reconsider its prior decision. Second, the motion must set forth facts or law of a “strongly convincing” nature to induce the court to reverse its prior decision. Decker Coal Co. v. Hartman, 706 F.Supp. 745, 750 (D.Mont.1988) (citing All Hawaii Tours v. Polynesian Cultural Center, 116 F.R.D. 645, 649 (D.Haw.1987), partially rev’d on other grounds, 855 F.2d 860 (9th Cir. 1988)). Courts have established three grounds justifying reconsideration: (i) an intervening change in controlling law, (ii) the availability of new evidence, and (iii) the need
The Court notes that its April 25, 2002 Certification Order conditionally certified sub-class I as a Rule 23(b)(3) class pursuant to Rule 23(c)(1). By its terms, Rule 23(c)(1) gives the court discretion to alter or amend its order before decision on the merits. Fed. R.Civ.P. 23(c)(1) (“An order under this subdivision may be conditional, and may be altered or amended before the decision on the merits.”).
DISCUSSION
Through the instant Motion for Reconsideration, Plaintiffs move the Court to “conditionally certify sub-class I, re-defined as (1) non-residents of Hawaii (2) who paid $3.00 to enter the beach area of Hanauma Bay (3) who at the time of payment were U.S. citizens, as a Rule 23(b)(2) class to the extent they seek injunctive and declaratory relief; and as a Rule 23(b)(3) class to prosecute their claims for money damages.” Defs’ Mot. for Recons., filed 5/09/02, at 17. Plaintiffs also seek “conditional certification of sub-class II, defined as (1) non-residents of Hawaii (2) who declined to enter the beach area of Hanauma Bay because of the $3.00 fee imposed by the City and County (3) who at the time they declined entry were U.S. citizens, as a Rule 23(b)(2) class to the extent they seek injunctive and declaratory relief.” Id. In essence, Plaintiffs take issue with the Court’s exclusion of the statute of limitations (SOL)-susceptible class members from both sub-classes, certification of sub-class I as a 23(b)(3) class, and refusal to certify sub-class II. The Court will address each issue in turn.
I. Adequacy of Representation — Statute of Limitations
The Court found that Plaintiffs Daly and Burgess, having visited Hanauma Bay within the past two years, did not adequately represent those members of the class susceptible to Section 1983’s statute of limitations defense. See Order, filed 4/25/02, at 20-21. The Court was concerned (1) about the existence of a conflict of interest stemming from the named-Plaintiffs’ incentive to limit membership in the class so as to maximize individual recovery and (2) that the interests of the SOL-susceptible class members would be under-served, even if inadvertently. See id.
Plaintiffs contend that the Court’s concerns are in one instance unwarranted, and in the other, inappropriate. With respect to the Court’s first concern, Plaintiffs state that they seek to impose a constructive trust over the Hanauma Bay Fund and implement the fluid recovery system whereby funds would be distributed to individuals who present claims,' the remainder to be used for the benefit of the class. See Pits’ Mot. for Recons., filed 5/09/02, at 5-7. Plaintiffs argue that the Court’s second concern is not an appropriate basis for finding representation inadequate. See id. at 7. Defendants contend, on the other hand, that Plaintiffs’ constructive trust/fluid recovery plan not only fails to allay the Court’s concerns, but actually reinforces the existence of a conflict. See Defs’ Opp., filed 5/20/02, at 6-7.
Rule 23(a)(4)’s adequacy of representation requirement protects the due process interests of absent class members. See Newberg & Conte, 1 Newberg on Class Actions § 3.21 (3d ed.1992); Hanlon v. Chrysler Corp., 150 F.3d 1011, 1020 (9th Cir.1998). “The premise of a class action is that litigation by representative parties adjudicates the rights of all class members, so basic due process requires that named plaintiffs possess undivided loyalties to absent class members.” Broussard v. Meineke Discount Muffler Shops, 155 F.3d 331, 338 (4th Cir.1998). The Ninth Circuit instructs the Court to “carefully scrutinize the adequacy of representation in all class actions,” Rutledge v. Electric Hose & Rubber Co., 511 F.2d 668, 673 (9th Cir.1975), and to consider the following: (1) whether the named plaintiffs and their counsel have any conflicts of interest with other class members and (2) whether the named plaintiffs and counsel will vigorously prosecute the action on behalf of the class. Hanlon, 150 F.3d at 1020.
Notwithstanding Plaintiffs’ explanation of their intentions, the Court is not satisfied that the interests of absent SOL-susceptible class members will be adequately represent
Additionally, while the Court’s concern that the namedTPlaintiffs may inadvertently neglect or fail to anticipate issues particular to the SOL-susceptible class members may not be sufficient reason, standing alone, to find representation inadequate, it nevertheless intuitively raises red due process flags. The named-Plaintiffs have less incentive to dedicate resources to overcoming the statute of limitations defense on behalf of the absent class members given that they themselves are not in jeopardy. See Hanlon, 150 F.3d at 1020 (requiring the Court to inquire whether the named plaintiffs and counsel will prosecute the action vigorously on behalf of the class). Moreover, the particular circumstances of each individual SOL-susceptible class member, unknown and consequently ill-represented by the named-Plaintiffs, may be determinative of his/her ability to overcome such defense.
Finally, it is apparent to the Court that inclusion of the SOL-susceptible class members impedes certification under Rule 23(b). Rule 23(b)(2), as Plaintiffs point out, see Pits’ Mot. for Recons., filed 5/09/02, at 10, is premised on homogeneity and cohesiveness. See Arnold v. United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., 158 F.R.D. 439, 451 (N.D.Cal.1994); Allison v. Citgo Petroleum, 151 F.3d 402, 413 (5th Cir.1998) (“the b(2) class is, by its very nature, assumed to be a homogeneous and cohesive group with few conflicting interests among its members.”); Broussard, 155 F.3d at 338 (“The problem of actual and potential conflicts is a matter of particular concern in a case [where the district court certifies the class under a Rule 23(b) class] which does not allow class members to opt out of the class action.”). As the preceding discussion demonstrates, the availability of the statute of limitations defense as to certain class members undermines both the homogeneity and cohesiveness of the proposed classes. Similarly, Rule 23(b)(3) requires that “questions of law or fact common to the members of the class predominate over any questions affecting only individual members” and class resolution to be “superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b)(3). As mentioned in the Court’s April 25, 2002 Order, limiting the Class to those
The apparent conflict of interest, due process and Rule 23(b) considerations counsel against inclusion of individuals who visited Hanauma Bay prior to July 10, 1999. Accordingly, the Court finds that reversal of its decision to exclude the SOL-susceptible members is not warranted.
II. Rule 28(b) CeHification
A. Sub-class I
Plaintiffs argue in favor of divided certification; specifically that sub-class I be certified as a Rule 23(b)(2) class to the extent they seek injunctive and declaratory relief; and as a Rule 23(b)(3) class to prosecute then- money damages claim. See Pits’ Mot. for Recons., filed 5/09/02, at 17. Defendants contend that Rule 23(b)(2) certification is inappropriate because “Plaintiffs seek monetary damages that are not ‘merely incidental’ to their claims for injunctive relief.” Defs’ Opp., filed 5/20/02, at 10. Plaintiffs contend that certification of their injunctive and declaratory claims under Rule 23(b)(2) is not precluded by their other claims for money damages.
The Court stated in its April 25, 2002 Order that Plaintiffs’ claims for compensatory (in amounts to be proven at trial) and punitive damages as well as other equitable remedies made it difficult to characterize the damages aspect of the instant lawsuit as incidental to the claim for injunctive relief. See Order, filed 4/25/02, at 28. Moreover, the Court indicated that if the Plaintiffs sought to recoup merely $3.00 each and/or declaratory and injunctive relief only, it would be inclined to find that the money aspect of the case was ancillary to the claims for injunctive and declaratory relief. Based on Plaintiffs’ representation that Plaintiff Daly’s sub-class seeks no consequential damages other than a refund of the $3.00 entry fee assessed,
The Court finds that the money damages sought by Plaintiffs — $3.00 (potentially trebled) and punitive damages — are incidental to their request for injunctive and declaratory relief. First, all sub-class I members will be entitled to: $3.00 if successful under Section 1983 (Counts Y, VI, and VII), $9.00 if liability is established under H.R.S. Chapter 480 (Count IX), and punitive damages if successful on Count XV. Thus, liability flows to the class as a whole as a result of liability on claims that form the basis of both declaratory and injunctive relief. Second, as Plaintiffs represent that they seek no consequential damages in addition to refund of the $3.00 assessed for entry, calculating each member of sub-class I’s damages is “not dependent in any significant way on the intangible, subjective differences of each class member’s circumstances” and will not “require additional hearings to resolve the disparate merits of each individual’s case.” Third, sub-class I’s
Additionally, the Court finds certification of sub-class I under 23(b)(2) not only permissible, but superior to divided certification and certification under 23(b)(3). See discussion supra n. 10. Although Plaintiffs’ argue for divided certification, before such certification is appropriate, “there must be some reason to believe that the assumption of cohesiveness underlying a subsection (b)(2) class action does not apply to the individual claims for monetary damages.” Thomas v. Albright, 139 F.3d 227, 235-36 (D.C.Cir.1998). In light of Plaintiffs’ clarification of the damages they seek, the Court finds that sub-class I fits squarely within the 23(b)(2) paradigm. Certification of sub-class I’s damage claims under 23(b)(3) is not necessary because, as discussed above, they do not diminish the cohesiveness of the class. With respect to 23(b)(3), “[wjhere an action would qualify under either (b)(2) or (b)(3), the courts favor certification under the former because, by compelling inclusion, such actions promote ‘judicial economy, consistency of result, and binding adjudication more effectively than 23(b)(3).’ ” Arnold v. United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., 158 F.R.D. 439, 451 (N.D.Cal. 1994) (citing Robinson v. Union Carbide Corp., 544 F.2d 1258, 1260 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 822, 98 S.Ct. 65, 54 L.Ed.2d 78 (1977)) (further citations omitted); New-berg & Conte, 1 Newberg on Class Actions § 4.20 (3d ed.1993) (uniform endorsement by cases and commentators of proposition that when requirements met, certification under (b)(1) and/or (b)(2) is preferable to (b)(3)); but see Jefferson v. Ingersoll Int’l Inc., 195 F.3d 894, 899 (7th Cir.1999) (citing Ortiz v. Fibreboard Corp., 527 U.S. 815, 119 S.Ct. 2295, 144 L.Ed.2d 715 (1999), for the proposition that “class members’ right to notice and an opportunity to opt out should be preserved whenever possible”). Moreover, as discussed, because the class is highly cohesive and homogenous, even with respect to the money damages sought, due process does not require that notice and the opportunity to opt out
Plaintiffs request that the Court certify sub-class II under Rule 23(b)(2) for purposes of prosecuting their claims for injunctive and declaratory relief. Defendants oppose certification on grounds that monetary relief predominates and that sub-class II fails to meet the numerosity requirement of Rule 23(a), thereby rendering certification under any 23(b) category impermissible.
The Court finds that certification of subclass II under Rule 23(b)(2), even for purposes of pursuing injunctive and declaratory relief only, is inappropriate. As the Court acknowledged in its April 25, 2002 Order, establishing liability with respect to sub-class IPs First Amendment claim (Count I) would vary from person to person as “[o]ne beach-goer may have sought entry to leaflet or participate in a protest; another, like Plaintiff Burgess, may have desired to communicate and associate with family members; [and] others likely desired to enter simply to enjoy the recreational activities.” See Order, filed 4/25/02, at 31. This demonstrates, that even with respect to injunctive and declaratory relief, in which Plaintiffs request the Court to declare that the challenged ordinance “violates the First Amendment to the United States Constitution ...” and to enjoin the Defendants from enforcement of the ordinance on this basis, sub-class II lacks the requisite eohesiveness and homogeneity fundamental to Rule 23(b)(2) classes. See discussion supra Section I. Binding absent subclass II members, especially without providing notice and the opportunity to opt out, is wholly inappropriate given sub-class II’s First Amendment claim. Alternatively, the Court finds that sub-class II fails to meet Rule 23(a)(1) numerosity, insofar as it requires Plaintiffs to demonstrate the existence of a class. See Order, filed 4/25/02, at 11-12.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, the Court DENIES Plaintiffs Motion for Reconsideration. Inclusion of individuals who visited Hanauma Bay prior to July 10, 1999, divided certification with respect to sub-class I, and certification of sub-class II under Rule 23(b)(2) for purposes of pursuing injunctive and declaratory relief is not warranted. The Court revises its April 25, 2002 Order conditionally certifying sub-class I under Rule 23(b)(3). Based on the information currently before the Court, and in accordance with Rule 23(c)(1), sub-class I, defined as (1) non-residents of Hawaii (2) who paid $3.00 to enter the beach area of Hanauma Bay (3) after July 10, 1999(4) who at the time of payment were U.S. citizens, will be certified as a Rule 23(b)(2) class with respect to Counts II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, and XV. As stated in the April 25, 2002 Order, Plaintiff Burgess may proceed individually with her claims if she so chooses, subject to further motion. The Court notes that Rule 23(d)(2) and (d)(5) provide it with discretion to order sub-class I members be given notice and/or the opportunity to opt out; such measures will be ordered taken if and when circumstances deem it appropriate.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
. Plaintiffs indicated that they have agreed to voluntarily dismiss this claim in their Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion to Dismiss, or Alternatively, for Partial Summary Judgment Regarding Plaintiffs’ Claims under Count VII for Violations of tire Fourth. Amendment.
. The Court agrees with Plaintiffs that denial on the basis of untimeliness is inappropriate here. Plaintiffs' Motion for Certification, filed approximately eight months after the original complaint, and four months after the Second Amended Complaint, does not constitute unreasonable delay. See Probe v. State Teachers’ Retirement System, 780 F.2d 776, 778 (9th Cir.1986) (eighteen month delay reasonable). Moreover, the prejudice Defendants represented at the hearing as having suffered appears remedied by the Court’s limitation of Plaintiffs' class definitions as discussed herein.
. Defendants argue that the Class and subclasses, as currently defined, inappropriately include members who are barred by the statute of limitations from seeking relief under Section 1983. The Court notes that though Plaintiff Daly, by virtue of her recent (within 2 years of the filing of the lawsuit) visit to Hanauma Bay may not be amenable to a statute of limitations defense, members of the proposed Class and subclass I who visited Hanauma Bay prior to July of 1999 are subject to such a defense with respect to their Section 1983 claims.
. Additionally, the legal theories of the named-Plaintiffs and of foreign Class members will likely differ as foreign entities and aliens are not entitled to constitutional protection without having developed substantial connections with the United States. See United States v. Verdugo-Urquidez, 494 U.S. 259, 270-71, 110 S.Ct. 1056, 108 L.Ed.2d 222 (1990); cf People’s Mojahedin Org. of Iran v. United States Dept. of State, 182 F.3d 17, 22 (D.C.Cir.1999) ("A foreign entity without property or presence in this country has no constitutional rights, under the due process clause or otherwise.”). This raises typicality and commonality concerns.
. While Plaintiffs insist that evaluation of the statute of limitations defense involves impermissible inquiry into the merits of Plaintiffs’ claims, many courts find it appropriate to consider statute-of-limitations defenses in the "class certification calculus.” See O’Connor v. Boeing N. Am., Inc., 197 F.R.D. 404, 410-11 (C.D.Cal.2000) (citing numerous cases that have denied class certification on the ground that the limitations defense made class treatment inappropriate and that have taken into consideration a limitations defense in evaluating a certification motion); Rozema v. Marshfield Clinic, 174 F.R.D. 425, 435 (W.D.Wis.1997) (requiring Plaintiffs to show that the proposed class representatives would be adequate representatives of those potential class members purchasing outside the limitations period). The Court notes that in Cameron v. E.M. Adams & Co., 547 F.2d 473 (9th Cir.1976), cited by Plaintiffs in their Reply, the Ninth Circuit held that individual issues of compliance with the statute of limitations did not predominate (a Rule 23(b)(3) requirement) over common questions. See id. at 476. Here, the Court analyzes the statute of limitations defense as it relates to Rule 23(a)(4) adequacy of representation, not Rule 23(b)(3) predominance.
. Limiting the Class to those who visited Hanau-ma Bay within the past two years preserves Rule 23(b)(3) predominance and superiority. The Court notes that failure to do so would create administrative problems in determining who would be entitled to pursue relief under Section 1983 (two year limitation period), Chapter 480 (four years), and tire common law.
. Even if Plaintiffs sought certification under Rule 23(b)(1)(A), the Court would not be inclined to certify either the Class, sub-class I or sub-class II under this sub-section. Sub-section (1)(A) provides that an action is maintainable as a class action if prosecution of separate actions would create a risk of inconsistent or varying adjudications, thus establishing incompatible standards of conduct for the party opposing the class. Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b)(1)(A). "The phrase 'incompatible standards of conduct' refers to the situation where ‘different results in separate actions would impair the opposing party's ability to pursue a uniform continuing course of conduct.’ ” Zinser v. Accufix Research Institute, Inc., 253 F.3d 1180, 1193, amended by, 273 F.3d 1266 (9th Cir.2001). This sub-section is designed to protect the interests of the party opposing the class and to "obviate the actual or virtual dilemma” created by incompatible adjudications in that compliance with one judgment would violate the terms of another. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b) advisory committee’s note; Joseph L. v. Office of Judicial Support, 516 F.Supp. 1345, 1350 (E.D.Pa.1981). While actions for declaratory relief are typical of class actions under this section because the terms of the relief usually "fix the rights and duties owed by the defendants to others," the Court does not see that the rationale and considerations of this sub-section are applicable here. In the instant case, although declaratory relief is sought, different results in separate actions would not impair the City’s ability to pursue uniform conduct. The ordinance is either valid or not. One plaintiff’s success in the face of another’s failure will not force the City to abandon and enforce the ordinance at the same time. Moreover, the Ninth Circuit has repeatedly questioned, if not expressly prohibited, certification under Rule 23(b)(1)(A) in actions for money damages. See Zinser, 253 F.3d at 1193; Green v. Occidental Petroleum Corp., 541 F.2d 1335, 1340 (9th Cir.1976); La Mar v. H & B Novelty & Loan Co., 489 F.2d 461, 466 (9th Cir.1973).
. Count XI requests "injunctive relief in the form of an order and judgment enjoining Defendants from: Collecting entrance fees from non-residents .... Expending or committing funds contained in the Fund ...." Second Am. Compl. at 20.
. Count X requests an "order declaring that ROH Section 96-19 [Section 10 — 2.11](1) violates the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Art. I, § 4 of the Hawaii Constitution; (2) violates Article 1, § 2 of the Hawaii Constitution, H.R.S. § 7-1 and H.R.S. Chapter 115; (3) exceeds the City’s authority under the laws of the State of Hawaii, (4) violates the Privileges and Immunities Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution; (5) violates the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution; (6) violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [abandoned]; (7) violates 42 U.S.C. § 1983; (8) constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice under H.R.S. § 480-2; (9) is null and void; and (1) constitutes an improper basis on which to access fees and that the fees collected from Plaintiff Daly and others similarly situated under ROH § 96-19 [Section 10-2.11] were wrongfully taken under federal and state law.” Second Am. Compl. at 19.
. Plaintiffs request damages in an amount to be proven at trial in connection with Count V (privileges and immunities), Count VI (equal protection), Count VII (fourth amendment). Additionally, Plaintiff Burgess requests damages in an amount to be proven at trial in Count I.
. Plaintiffs request in Count XV imposition of punitive damages against Defendant Harris.
. Count IX asserts on behalf of Plaintiff Daly and those similarly situated a claim under H.R.S. Chapter 480 which provides for treble damages.
. See Count XII (common-law remedy).
. See Count XIII (unjust enrichment).
. See Count XIV (constructive trust).
. Although Plaintiffs requested certification of an overarching Class, it is evident to the Court that members of the Class belong to either subclass I or sub-class II. Those "who were required to pay $3.00” either: (1) paid and went in (subclass I) or (2) did not pay and did not enter (subclass II).
. In this sense, Plaintiff Daly and Burgess do not adequately represent Class members who sought to engage in quintessential First Amendment activities (such as holding a political rally) at Hanauma Bay.
. F.R.C.P. Rule 23(c)(2) provides:
In any class action maintained under subdivision (b)(3), the court shall direct to the members of die class the best notice practicable under the circumstances, including individual notice to all members who can be identified through reasonable effort. The notice shall advise each member that (A) the court will exclude the member from the class if the member so requests by a specified date; (B) the
members who do not request exclusion; and (C) any member who does not request exclusion may, if the member desires, enter an appearance through counsel.
Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(c)(2). The Court notes that the class action plaintiff generally bears the expense of providing notice to the class. See Barahona-Gomez v. Reno, 167 F.3d 1228, 1236 (9th Cir. 1999) (citing Eisen, 417 U.S. at 178-79, 94 S.Ct. 2140).
. Prior to meeting with Magistrate Kobayashi on May 6, 2002, the parties should confer regarding proper notification of the members of subclass I under Rule 23(c)(2), particularly: the contents of the notice (including the appropriateness of requiring submission of a proof of claim), the method and timing of notice dissemination, and the deadline for responses. The Court anticipates that the hearing on Defendants' eight Motions to Dismiss with Prejudice, or Alternatively for Partial Summary Judgment should be held on June 17, 2002.
. Count I (First Amendment) refers only to Plaintiff Burgess and those similarly situated (sub-class II members). See Amend. Compl. at 1138-43.
. The facts of the instant dispute are outlined in detail in the Court's April 25, 2002 Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification and. will not be repeated herein.
. Plaintiffs' proposed Class was defined as "nonresidents of Hawaii who have been required to pay $3.00 to access the public beach at Hanauma Bay.” See Order, filed 4/25/02, at 7.
. Plaintiffs’ proposed sub-class I was defined as "those non-residents who have paid the $3.00 access fee.” See Order, filed 4/25/02, at 7.
. Plaintiffs' proposed sub-class II was defined as “those non-residents who have been unable or unwilling to access the beach at Hanauma Bay, despite a desire to do so, as the result of the imposition of the $3.00 access fee.” See Order, filed 4/25/02, at 7.
. The Court notes that it appears that the fluid recovery system, as a method of aggregating damages as opposed to a distribution method, would not be appropriate here since Section 1983 requires proof of actual damages. See Six (6) Mexican Workers v. Arizona Citrus Growers, 904 F.2d 1301, 1305-06 (9th Cir.1990) (circumvention of individual proof of injury, as accomplished by fluid recovery, not appropriate where statute requires showing of actual damage); Joli-vet v. Deland, 966 F.2d 573, (10th Cir.1992) (quoting Memphis Community Sch. Dist. v. Sta-chura, 477 U.S. 299, 307, 106 S.Ct. 2537, 91 L.Ed.2d 249 (1986), for the proposition that "[n]o compensatory damages may be awarded absent proof of actual injury” in Section 1983 case).
. Plaintiffs indicate an intention to argue (on the SOL-susceptihle class members’ behalf) that Section 1983’s two year statute of limitations is not a bar to recovery based on a continuing harm/violation theory. See Pits’ Mot. for Class Certification, filed 3/08/02, at 7. At least arguably, to establish “continuing harm” in this context, the plaintiff must not only show that the government continually enforced the ordinance, hut that he/ she acted diligently and vigilantly in pursing his/ her remedies against the ordinance. See Jordan v. Rocco, 648 F.Supp. 942, 946 (N.D.Ohio 1986); see also Cowell v. Palmer Township, 263 F.3d 286, 295 (3d Cir.2001) (citing Nat'l Adver. Co. v. City of Raleigh, 947 F.2d 1158, 1168 (4th Cir. 1991), and Ocean Acres Ltd. v. Dare County Bd. of Health, 707 F.2d 103, 107 (4th Cir.1983), for the proposition that the continuing violations doctrine should not provide a means for relieving plaintiffs from their duty to exercise reasonable diligence in pursuing their claims). The Court finds it highly unlikely that the named-Plaintiffs can adequately represent the SOL-susceptible class membership without knowing, or at least being able to anticipate, whether and in what way each member acted diligently and vigilantly.
. Plaintiffs argue that a six year statute of limitation applies to their unauthorized taxation and constructive trust claims. See Pits' Mot. for Recons., filed 5/09/02, at 5. Defendants do not concede this point. See Defs’ Opp., filed 5/20/02, at 6 n. 2.
. Plaintiffs' make the following representation: "The relative importance of the injunctive relief sought is underscored when compared to the modest damages of the individual claimants. Those who paid to enter Hanauma will seek to recover the $3.00 charge (or at most three times that amount under HRS chapter 480) from the City and County. Carol Daly does not allege that she suffered any consequential damages as a result of tire improper charge.'' Pits' Mot. for Recons., filed 5/09/02, at 13-14.
. Insofar as the Court makes this finding sua sponte, it has discretion to do so pursuant to Rule 23(c)(1). See O'Connor v. Boeing N. Am., Inc., 184 F.R.D. 311, 342 n. 49 (C.D.Cal.1998) ("As the court has noted throughout this Order, as the evidentiary record develops and disposi-tive motions are filed, the court may sua sponte alter, amend, or vacate this certification Order at any time before a decision on tire merits is made.”); In re N. Dist. of Cal. “Dalkon Shield" IUD Products Liability Litigation, 521 F.Supp. 1188, 1192 (N.D.Cal.1981), rev’d on other grounds, 693 F.2d 547 (5th Cir.1982) ("Many of the trial court's responsibilities in maintaining a class action may be exercised even though no party to the lawsuit requests such action.”); Barefield v. Chevron, USA, Inc., No. C 86-2427, 1988 WL 188433 *2 (N.D.Cal. Dec. 6, 1988) (citing F.R.C.P. 23(c)(1) and Officers for Justice v. Civil Serv. Comm'n, 688 F.2d 615, 633 (9th Cir. 1982), for the proposition that certification orders, including an order certifying a Rule 23(b)(2) class, are "inherently tentative in nature and may be modified as circumstances require”); cf. United States Parole Comm’n v. Geraghty, 445 U.S. 388, 408, 100 S.Ct. 1202, 63 L.Ed.2d 479 (1980) (concluding that court has no sua sponte obligation to certify subclasses). The Court notes that many of the cases cited by Plaintiffs in support of their divided certification argument manifest the propriety of certifying all sub-class I proceedings under Rule 23(b)(2).
. When Plaintiffs sue for both monetary damages and equitable relief, as in the instant case, it appears the Court has three options with respect to certification under Rule 23(b): (1) certify the
. The District Court for the Western District of Washington, citing Robinson v. Metro-North Commuter R.R. Co., 267 F.3d 147 (2d Cir.2001), inquired “whether, in light of all the evidence ... received and the arguments advanced, the plaintiffs would have brought suit to obtain injunctive relief which they seek even if they could not obtain a monetary recovery” to determine if in-junctive relief was “predominant” in its Rule 23(b)(2) analysis. Beck v. Boeing Co., 203 F.R.D. 459, 466 (W.D.Wash.2001). Under this test and based on Plaintiffs’ representations, see Pits’ Mot. for Recons., filed 5/20/02, at 14 (given the small damages claim, “it is likely that Daly would pursue her claim for injunctive relief even if compensatory damages were not available”), the Court agrees with Plaintiffs that injunctive relief is predominant. While the Court does not adopt Allison or imply that the Ninth Circuit will, because Allison appears to be stricter than the Robinson test utilized by the Seattle District Court, caution counsels in favor of careful consideration of the requirements imposed by Allison.
. The Court anticipates that determination of Count XV (Punitive Damages) will not require "judicial inquiry into the particularized merits of each individual plaintiff's claim.” See Lemon, 216 F.3d at 580 (commenting on typical aspect of compensatory and punitive damages).
. Given the small damage amount sought, it is unlikely that potential sub-class I members would prefer to prosecute the action independently.
