The grandfather of a girl at the center of what's being called a landmark Hawai'i Supreme Court case against Child Protective Services says she is doing "as well as can be expected" seven years after she was battered so severely that she nearly died.

Dasia Morales-Kaho'ohanohano, now 9, was under the care of her mother and her mother's boyfriend in April 2001, when she was severely battered. At the time, CPS was investigating child-abuse allegations against the mother and boyfriend, but had determined their home to be safe.

After the beating, Dasia's father and grandfather sued the state, saying CPS had a duty to keep the girl safe, and did not do enough to do so or even follow its own procedures regarding child-abuse cases.

The Hawai'i Supreme Court ruled in favor of the father and grandfather, awarding them $1.1 million. The bulk of the money must go into an account and remain untouched until Dasia is 18.

Speaking to reporters today, Dasia's grandfather, George Kaho'ohanohano, said Dasia still limps because of the injuries she suffered when she was 2 and is expected to have psychological problems when she is older. He said he pursued the case because he wanted to make sure what happened to his granddaughter never happens to another child.

"I don't want anyone to go through what we went through," he said. "It's a major step for all children."

Meanwhile, child-welfare advocates are saying the case is precedent-setting locally and nationally. Lillian Koller, head of the state Department of Human Services, has said she disagrees with the ruling.