Court-approved attorney hourly rates: District Court, D. Hawaii
87 approved rates from 11 fee rulings since October 20, 2024. Latest ruling Aug 11, 2026. Data as of October 20, 2026.
| Role | Median | Middle half | Range | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partner | $395 | $395 to $410 | 6 | |
| Associate | $250 | $200 to $275 | $200 to $350 | 34 |
| Attorney | $400 | $275 to $400 | $145 to $600 | 26 |
| Paralegal | $130 | $130 to $130 | $80 to $175 | 11 |
Approved rates by year
| Year | Partner | Associate | Paralegal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $250 (16) | $130 (6) | |
| 2025 | $250 (18) | $130 (5) | |
| 2024 | $295 (8) | $95 (5) |
Median approved rate by the year of the ruling (number of rates in brackets). A year shows a median at 5 or more rates. Not adjusted for inflation.
The court approved a lower rate than requested for 25 of 53 timekeepers (47%), by a median 10%.
Cite these rates
$395/hr
In D. Hawaii fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved partner rate was $395 an hour (6 rates).
$250/hr
In D. Hawaii fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved associate rate was $250 an hour (34 rates).
$400/hr
In D. Hawaii fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved attorney rate was $400 an hour (26 rates).
$130/hr
In D. Hawaii fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved paralegal rate was $130 an hour (11 rates).
Copy these rulings as citations
Recent D. Hawaii rulings with the rates they approved, formatted for a fee petition. Check each ruling before citing it.
Privratsky v. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company, No. 1:21-cv-00390 (D. Haw. Aug. 11, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $80 to $100 for paralegals); Kane v. PaCap Aviation Finance, LLC, No. 1:19-cv-00574 (D. Haw. Jan. 15, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $225 to $600 for attorneys; $200 to $300 for associates; $125 for a law clerk); Kane v. PaCap Aviation Finance, LLC, No. 1:20-cv-00246 (D. Haw. Jan. 15, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $225 to $600 for attorneys; $200 to $300 for associates; $125 for a law clerk); Albert v. Edward William, SL, No. 1:23-cv-00221 (D. Haw. Dec. 29, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $325 for an attorney with 27 years' experience; $275 for an attorney with 12 years' experience; $275 for an attorney with 32 years' experience); Albert v. Edward William, SL, No. 1:23-cv-00221 (D. Haw. Dec. 29, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $145 to $275 for attorneys); Board of Trustees of the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 Pension Fund v. SMAC Hawaii, Inc., No. 1:23-cv-00076 (D. Haw. Oct. 28, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $325 to $350 for associates; $175 for a paralegal; $275 for an attorney); Kane v. PaCap Aviation Finance, LLC, No. 1:19-cv-00574 (D. Haw. Oct. 6, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $225 to $600 for attorneys; $200 to $300 for associates; $395 to $410 for partners); Kane v. PaCap Aviation Finance, LLC, No. 1:20-cv-00246 (D. Haw. Oct. 6, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $600 for another timekeeper; $200 to $300 for associates; $395 to $410 for partners); Hawaii Carpenters Trust Funds v. Romsco, Inc., No. 1:25-cv-00065 (D. Haw. July 25, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $250 for an attorney); Clark v. Trisler, No. 1:22-cv-00559 (D. Haw. Apr. 4, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $370 to $495 for attorneys); Lakaeva v. Mockingbird Tiny Homes LLC, No. 1:22-cv-00424 (D. Haw. Oct. 30, 2024) (approving hourly rates of $155 for another timekeeper).
Rulings
Rates turn on experience, practice area, and the work done. Use these as a starting point and cite the rulings, not this page, in a fee petition.
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Privratsky v. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Aug 11, 2026 · Commercial · Fee cut details
Role Experience Requested Approved Paralegal $100 Paralegal $80 The court's words
the Court finds it appropriate to reduce the hourly rates requested for these paralegals to $100.00
the Court reduces the hourly rate of Ms. Paekukui to $80.00
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Patu v. Commissioner of Social Security
Jan 30, 2026 · Social Security · Statutory rate, not in medians
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $252 $252 Paralegal $100 $100 The court's words
The Fee Motion requests an hourly rate of $251.84 for work performed by attorneys, which is below the rate permitted. Accordingly, the hourly rate of $251.84 is reasonable.
The Fee Motion requests $100.00 per hour for work performed by paralegals. Based upon this Court's knowledge of the prevailing market rate in the applicable district, the District of Hawaii, the Court agrees that $100.00 per hour is reasonable for paralegal work.
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Kane et al v. PaCap Aviation Finance, LLC et al
Jan 15, 2026 · Employment
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $600 Associate $250 Associate $200 Associate $250 Associate $200 Associate $200 Associate $275 Associate $300 Associate $275 Law clerk $125 Partner $395 Of counsel $350 Attorney $400 Attorney $400 Attorney $250 $225 Paralegal $130 Paralegal $130 The court's words
the Court finds the hourly rate of $600.00 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $250 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
Accordingly, the Court finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court finds the hourly rate of $250 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $275
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $300 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
the Court agrees with the Plaintiffs that the hourly rate of $275 is reasonable
The hourly rate of $125 is reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs that the hourly rate of $395 is reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $350 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $400 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $400 reasonable
it appears that the amount they seek is $250 an hour ... The Court finds that the reasonable hourly rate for work performed by Ms. Bird should be $225
the Court finds the hourly rate of $130 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $130 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
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Kane v. PaCap Aviation Finance, LLC et al
Jan 15, 2026 · Employment
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $600 Associate $250 Associate $200 Associate $250 Associate $200 Associate $200 Associate $275 Associate $300 Associate $275 Law clerk $125 Partner $395 Of counsel $350 Attorney $400 Attorney $400 Attorney $250 $225 Paralegal $130 Paralegal $130 The court's words
the Court finds the hourly rate of $600.00 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $250 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
Accordingly, the Court finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court finds the hourly rate of $250 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $275
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $300 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
the Court agrees with the Plaintiffs that the hourly rate of $275 is reasonable
The hourly rate of $125 is reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs that the hourly rate of $395 is reasonable
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $350 reasonable
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $400 reasonable
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $400 reasonable
it appears that the amount they seek is $250 an hour ... The Court finds that the reasonable hourly rate for work performed by Ms. Bird should be $225
the Court finds the hourly rate of $130 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $130 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community
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Dec 29, 2025 · Commercial
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney 27 years $325 $325 Attorney 12 years $275 $275 Attorney 32 years $275 $275 The court's words
Mr. Nakano's rate of $325 per hour is reasonable.
the Court FINDS that Ms. Marushige's rate of $275 per hour is reasonable.
the Court FINDS that Mr. Tom's rate of $275 per hour is reasonable.
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Dec 29, 2025 · Commercial · Fee cut details
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $145 $145 Attorney $275 $275 The court's words
the Court FINDS that Ms. Yoshimoto’s rate of $145 per hour is reasonable.
the Court FINDS that Ms. Obciana’s rate of $275 per hour is reasonable.
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Board of Trustees of the PAMCAH-UA Local 675 Pension Fund v. SMAC Hawaii, Inc.
Oct 28, 2025 · ERISA benefits
Role Experience Requested Approved Associate $375 $325 Associate $425 $350 Paralegal $375 $175 Attorney $275 $275 The court's words
The Board requests an hourly rate of $375 for work that Mr. Chan performed between April and December 2024... recommends awarding reduced hourly rates of $325 for work that Mr. Chan performed between April and December 2024
an hourly rate of $425 for work Mr. Chan performed starting January 1, 2025... recommends awarding reduced hourly rates of ... $350 for work Mr. Chan performed starting January 1, 2025
The Board requests an hourly rate of $375 for work that Ms. McHenry performed between April and December 2024... recommends awarding a reduced hourly rate of $175 for work that Ms. McHenry performed between April and December 2024
The Board requests an hourly rate of $275 for Mr. Kawashima... the Court recommends that the district court award an hourly rate of $275 for Mr. Kawashima
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Kane et al v. PaCap Aviation Finance, LLC et al
Oct 6, 2025 · Other
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $600 $600 Associate $275 $250 Associate $220 $200 Associate $250 $250 Associate $220 $200 Associate $220 $200 Associate $275 $275 Associate $320 $300 Associate $275 $275 Partner $455 $410 Law clerk $205 $125 Partner $395 $395 Of counsel $350 $350 Attorney $400 $400 Attorney $400 $400 Attorney $250 $225 Paralegal $160 $130 Paralegal $155 $130 The court's words
the Court finds the hourly rate of $600.00 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of years in which Mr. Alston worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $250 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Bongo worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
Accordingly, the Court finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Chee worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court finds the hourly rate of $250 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of years in which Ms. Clements worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Crum worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Eliot worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $275 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Fahr worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $300 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Hanakahi worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs that the hourly rate of $275 is reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Heinze worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $410 reasonable based on the court's knowledge of prevailing rates in this community and considering the range of time in which Mr. Kacprowski worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The hourly rate of $125 is reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Lam worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs that the hourly rate of $395 is reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Melchinger worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $350 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Moritz worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $400 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Ciantra worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $400 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Ellison worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court finds that the reasonable hourly rate for work performed by Ms. Bird should be $225 based upon this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Ellison worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
Based upon this information, the Court finds the hourly rate of $130 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of years in which Ms. Takane worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $130 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of years in which Ms. Vonderburgh worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
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Kane v. PaCap Aviation Finance, LLC et al
Oct 6, 2025 · Other
Role Experience Requested Approved other $600 $600 Associate $275 $250 Associate $220 $200 Associate $250 $250 Associate $220 $200 Associate $220 $200 Associate $275 $275 Associate $320 $300 Associate $275 $275 Partner $455 $410 Law clerk $205 $125 Partner $395 $395 Of counsel $350 $350 Attorney $400 $400 Attorney $400 $400 Attorney $250 $225 Paralegal 30 years $160 $130 Paralegal 30 years $155 $130 The court's words
the Court finds the hourly rate of $600.00 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of years in which Mr. Alston worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $250 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Bongo worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
Accordingly, the Court finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Chee worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court finds the hourly rate of $250 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of years in which Ms. Clements worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Crum worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $200 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Eliot worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $275 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Fahr worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $300 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Hanakahi worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs that the hourly rate of $275 is reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Heinze worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $410 reasonable based on the court's knowledge of prevailing rates in this community and considering the range of time in which Mr. Kacprowski worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The hourly rate of $125 is reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Lam worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs that the hourly rate of $395 is reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Melchinger worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $350 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Ms. Moritz worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $400 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Ciantra worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court agrees with the Plaintiffs and finds the hourly rate of $400 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Ellison worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
The Court finds that the reasonable hourly rate for work performed by Ms. Bird should be $225 based upon this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of time in which Mr. Ellison worked on this case, his experience, skill and reputation.
Based upon this information, the Court finds the hourly rate of $130 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of years in which Ms. Takane worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
The Court thus finds the hourly rate of $130 reasonable based on this Court's knowledge of the prevailing rates in this community, and also considering the range of years in which Ms. Vonderburgh worked on this case, her experience, skill and reputation.
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Hawaii Carpenters Trust Funds et al v. Romsco, Inc. et al
Jul 25, 2025 · ERISA benefits
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $250 $250 The court's words
the Court finds HCTF’s counsel’s hourly rate of $250.00 to be reasonable.
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Apr 4, 2025 · Commercial
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $410 $410 Attorney $495 $495 Attorney $370 $370 Attorney $435 $435 The court's words
Regarding Ms. Black, Defendant requests an hourly rate of $410 for work completed in 2023 and $495 for work completed in 2024.
Regarding Ms. Black, Defendant requests an hourly rate of $410 for work completed in 2023 and $495 for work completed in 2024.
Regarding Ms. Moritz, Defendant requests an hourly rate of $370 for work completed in 2023 and $435 for work completed in 2024.
Regarding Ms. Moritz, Defendant requests an hourly rate of $370 for work completed in 2023 and $435 for work completed in 2024.
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Lakaeva v. Mockingbird Tiny Homes LLC
Oct 30, 2024 · Consumer protection · Fee cut details
Role Experience Requested Approved other $155 $155 The court's words
Kristl Ham is a legal assistant at Schlack Ito and has worked there since 2010. ... Ms. Ham’s hourly rate is $155. ... the Court finds that Mr. Kobayashi, Ms. Wu, and Ms. Ham’s hourly rates are reasonable.
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Trustees of the Hawaii Laborers Trust Funds v. Island Hauling, Inc
Oct 8, 2024 · ERISA benefits · Older than two years, not in medians
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $270 $270 The court's words
the Court finds that 51.7 of the 54 hours expended by Plaintiffs' counsel at an hourly rate of $270 are reasonable, for a total of $13,959 in attorneys' fees.
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Hawaii Masons & Plasterers Trust Funds v. 808 Maintenance & Flooring, Inc.
Oct 4, 2024 · ERISA benefits · Older than two years, not in medians · Fee cut details
Role Experience Requested Approved Associate 9 years $295 $295 Associate 7 years $295 $295 The court's words
Plaintiffs’ counsel, Noah K. Peterson, Esq. and Robert Zane, Esq. are both associates with nine and seven years of experience respectively and request $295 per hour.
Plaintiffs’ counsel, Noah K. Peterson, Esq. and Robert Zane, Esq. are both associates with nine and seven years of experience respectively and request $295 per hour.
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Skydiving School, Inc. v. Sky-Med, Inc.
Sep 30, 2024 · Intellectual property · Older than two years, not in medians
Role Experience Requested Approved Associate $225 $225 Paralegal 29 years $210 $210 Associate $350 $300 The court's words
The Court finds Mr. Marchuk’s requested rates of $225 and $250 (as of March 1, 2024) to be reasonable in light of the prevailing rates in the community.
Plaintiff does not dispute Ms. Sin’s rate of $210, which this Court finds to be reasonable in light of the prevailing rates in the community.
Although Plaintiff does not dispute Mr. Tedford’s rate of $350, the Court finds this rate to be higher than the prevailing market rate in this district and reduces Mr. Tedford’s rate to a reasonable rate of $300.
Earlier rulings
FAQ
What hourly rate does the D. Hawaii approve for partners?
A median of $395 an hour across 6 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024.
What hourly rate does the D. Hawaii approve for associates?
A median of $250 an hour across 34 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024, with the middle half from $200 to $275.
What hourly rate does the D. Hawaii approve for attorneys?
A median of $400 an hour across 26 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024, with the middle half from $275 to $400.
How often does the D. Hawaii cut a requested hourly rate?
For 25 of 53 timekeepers (47%) in recent fee rulings, by a median 10% when it did.
How do I prove a reasonable hourly rate in the D. Hawaii?
With evidence beyond your own declaration, usually recent awards in the same district for lawyers of similar experience. The rulings on this page can be cited directly; use the citation block to copy them.
The data is free to use under CC BY 4.0. Please credit "LegalTime Fee Cut Tracker" with a link to this page. Spot an error? Email team@legaltime.ai with the case name and we will correct it. Summaries of public court opinions. Not legal advice.
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