Yesterday the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) reminded me just how different travel writing was from that I've practiced during my career. They meant nothing personal, of course, but after reading their Oct. 26 press release on its big 2016 "Mahalo Month" promotion for travel professionals and writers, I couldn't help but sigh. "Mahalo Month is an annual industry-wide … [Read more...] about Hawaii Tourism Authority wants ‘special offers’ to give to travel media for its 2016 ‘Mahalo Month’
Society of Professional Journalists
Hawaii emergency management agencies fighting new bill to allow media into disaster zones
Hat tip to former MauiTime contributor/current Big Island Press Club VP Denise Laitinen for tipping us off to Senate Bill 533. The bill, which is currently in the hands of the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee, seeks to provide "duly authorized" members of the media access to areas closed by emergency personnel during disasters. It's under heavy assault from law enforcement … [Read more...] about Hawaii emergency management agencies fighting new bill to allow media into disaster zones
For Sunshine Week, we shed light on the Maui County Council’s eternal war against the Hawaii Sunshine Law
This is a story about power. Since 1975, the State of Hawaii has lived under something called Chapter 92 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Sometimes called the state’s “ppen meetings law” or more colloquially the “Sunshine Law,” the first sentences of that legal framework that govern those who govern us is surprisingly clear about who (ideally) runs the show. “In a democracy, … [Read more...] about For Sunshine Week, we shed light on the Maui County Council’s eternal war against the Hawaii Sunshine Law
Maui County Council Members Fire Yet Another Salvo At Hawaii Sunshine Law
As I've detailed on many previous posts, a considerable majority of the Maui County Council views the state's open meetings law–also called the "Sunshine Law"–with feelings ranging from muttering disagreement to contemptuous disdain. And why not? The law restricts them from getting together in groups comprising a quorum without officially sending out notices to the public, … [Read more...] about Maui County Council Members Fire Yet Another Salvo At Hawaii Sunshine Law
MauiTime Joins Other Hawaii News Organizations In Calling For Open Court Protections
Even though the infamous Christopher Deedy trial occurred on Oahu, MauiTime has joined seven other Hawaii news organizations and three media associations in calling for the opening of closed session transcripts in that case. The original trial, in which Deedy–a federal agent–was charged with allegedly murdering Kollin Elderts at a Waikiki McDonald’s after an argument ensued … [Read more...] about MauiTime Joins Other Hawaii News Organizations In Calling For Open Court Protections