VIDEO: Attorney Jeff Portnoy On The Fight For Misconduct Records

By /

In 1994, University of Hawaii journalism students went to court to gain access to police disciplinary files. Honolulu attorney Jeff Portnoy represented them for free.

The courts sided with the young journalists but the police got the Legislature to grant them an exemption that’s still in place today.

Portnoy vividly remember the day in 1994 he had to push his way past a hundred cops to get into Judge Lim’s courtroom.

Help power essential news and information

As a local newsroom, Civil Beat has a unique public service role in times of need. Your support ensures that we can pivot when emergencies arise and get vital information out to everyone, from all communities.

Support timely and accurate breaking news stories as well as impactful coverage across the state. Donate today.

Give now

About the Author