All nine cases concern the intersection of customary land, registered perpetual estates under the Land and Titles Act (Cap 133), and trust principles in Solomon Islands law. They explore when registered land is (or is not) held on trust for customary landowning groups/beneficiaries, the rights of beneficiaries/trustees, standing to sue, limitation issues, and remedies (injunctions, receivers, rectification, replacement...Read More

Court: High Court of Solomon Islands Judge: Keniapisia PJ Date: 9 June 2016 (ruling after inter partes hearing on 11 April 2016; ex parte injunction granted 23 December 2015) Parties: Claimant: Jay Ma’ungapap Sau’eha (on his own behalf and as representative of the George Sau’eha family – “GS family”) First Defendant: Eric Tema (registered owner of the perpetual...Read More

Court: High Court of Solomon Islands Judge: Frank Kabui J Date: 26 July 1999 (heard 19 July 1999) Parties: Plaintiff: Abraham Tofe Defendant: John Fera Key Facts  The Plaintiff and Defendant (and their extended family) jointly built two ships (M.V. Tavuilo in 1977 and M.V. Sa’alia in 1979) as community assets in the Langa Large Lagoon, Malaita. The...Read More

Court: High Court of Solomon Islands Judge: Kouhota PJ Date: 22 January 2019 (trial 4 October 2018; defendants absent) Parties: Claimants: James Tiva & Paul Popora Bosawai (representing landowners/trustees of Michael Samanea); Derick Manu (representing landowners/trustees of John Manegavea) Defendants: Emma Manededea, Gaoka Gibo (surviving joint owners); Billy Belakake Key Facts  Perpetual Estate PN 192-003-13 was compulsorily acquired...Read More

Court: High Court of Solomon Islands  Judge: Brown J Date: 15 June 2018 (heard 23 March 2018) Parties: Claimants: Paul Tafea, Francis Tafea, Esther Turanga (representing interests of the Ne’e and Indukelema family landholding group) 1st Defendant: Wilson Ne’e (surviving registered joint owner/trustee) 2nd Defendant: Attorney General (representing the Registrar of Titles / Commissioner of Lands) Key Facts ...Read More

Court: High Court of Solomon Islands Judge: Brown J Date: 14 July 2017 (special case; earlier related proceedings 2012) Parties: Claimant: Daniel Ri’imana (representing Kwaibale tribe of Bita’ama) Defendant: Peter Fairamo (administrator of estate of late Resin Sialeoa) Key Facts  Perpetual Estate PN 131-001-1 (formerly Kwaibale customary land) was compulsorily acquired and registered in the name of the...Read More

Court: High Court of Solomon Islands Judge: Chetwynd J Date: 3 October 2011 (heard 20 July 2011) Parties: Claimants: Francis Perogolo et al (representing Kakau Valimauvo sub-tribe) First Defendants: Savino Laugana & Thomas Botu (representing Gaubata Tribe – trustees of Tasahe land) Second to Fifth Defendants: various other interested parties Key Facts  Tasahe land was acquired and registered...Read More

Court: Solomon Islands Court of Appeal Judges: Goldsbrough P, Hansen JA, Young JA (unanimous reserved judgment, delivered extempore in form but formally reserved) Date: 11 May 2018 (heard 7 May 2018) Parties: First Appellant: Doreen Maeke Second Appellant: Roselyn Dettke Respondents: Pita Pukuvati, Vincent Kurilau, Sam Kuloko, Charles Keku Chilivi, Damaso Roko (registered trustees of Perpetual Estate 191-064-01)...Read More

Court: High Court of Solomon Islands Judge: F.O. Kabui J Date: 25 October 2002 (heard 16–31 July & 7 October 2002) Parties: Plaintiff: Marlon Kuve First Defendants: Herrick Ragoso (representing Zerolyn Viuru, Milton Tona, Teddie Alu and Lorraine Boso) Second Defendant: Bava Island Development Company Limited Third Defendant: Happy Islet Logging Company Limited Key Facts  Mbava Island (formerly...Read More

Court: High Court of Solomon Islands Judge: Aulanga PJ Date: 15 May 2025 (extempore ruling; heard same day) Parties: Applicant: Stephen Dila (son of late Joseph Aranga) Objectors: William Tofasi (first), Ambrose Oiofa Dolofera (second), Adrian Billy Firimolea and Mariano Futaiasi (third) Key Facts  The application concerned Perpetual Estate PE 135-001-1 at Kwailabesi, Mbaelelea, North Malaita. The land...Read More