Five attorneys have been named finalists for the position of special deputy attorney general to conduct a civil investigation of the Kaloko Reservoir dam collapse.

A legislative committee chose Ronald Albu, Robert Carson Godbey, Edward A. Jaffe, Douglas W. MacDougal and Steven S. Michaels yesterday.

Albu, of a Kailua law firm, was involved in litigation claims of more than 500 Kailua residents whose homes were flooded in 1987.

Godbey is a partner in a Honolulu law firm that focuses on technology and intellectual property law, and associated commercial litigation.

Jaffe, currently an arbitrator and mediator in Maryland, has more than 30 years of experience handling construction, real estate and professional liability cases.

MacDougal, partner of a law firm in Oregon, specializes in water rights and natural resources law.

Michaels, who is based in New York, was deputy attorney general and lead counsel for the state in the landmark Kaua'i water rights litigation.

The names will be forwarded to state Attorney General Mark Bennett, who will make the final determination.

In a news release, Bennett said he plans to interview the five finalists during the week of July 3, and that if the procurement exemption is granted, he plans to make his selection by July 7.

The special deputy attorney general will investigate the role and possible culpability of the state, the county of Kaua'i, the private landowners and other parties.

The investigator also is expected to recommend legislation or government actions to help prevent another tragedy.

The five attorneys were selected from among 36 applicants, all members of the Hawaii State Bar Association.

According to state Rep. Marcus Oshiro, all applicants were screened for potential conflict of interest.

"Committee members were very impressed with the quality of the applicants, and we are confident that any of the finalist candidates will be able to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation on behalf of the people of Hawai'i," Oshiro said.

The March 14 Kaloko dam collapse on Kaua'i resulted in the loss of seven lives, massive flooding and extensive property damage.