Honea
Honea v. Matson Navigation Company
Opinion
Opinion
Hoffman, J.
MEMORANDUM
(Under Designation).
In this proceeding under the Jones Act, 46 U.S.C. § 688 , Ronald Honea, employed as a room steward aboard the cruise ship, SS LURLINE, seeks damages for injuries received aboard the vessel on August 6, 1969, at approximately 11:00 a. m., while engaged in the performance of his duties when the cruise ship was docked at Honolulu, Hawaii, preparing for its return trip to San Francisco.
With candor, the defendant admitted at the trial and on brief that an unseaworthy condition existed. The sole questions presented to the court are (1) the contributory negligence, if any, of the plaintiff herein, and (2) the damages.
Honea’s duties on the morning of the accident were to prepare the rooms for the passengers on the “A” deck. From about 8:00 to 10:00 a. m., he was engaged in stripping the beds in the staterooms. Approximately one hour before the accident Honea was setting up the staterooms for a “bon voyage” party to be held prior to the 4:00 p. m. sailing time. This latter duty required Honea to obtain ice, napkins, towels, placemats, glasses, mixers, flowers, fruit and champagne for the rooms.