Big Island Press Club Dings Sen. Clayton Hee Over Shield Law

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The Big Island Press Club has awarded a dubious distinction — its Lava Tube Award — to Sen. Clayton Hee for his role in killing Hawaii’s Shield Law.

Once a model for the country, the Hawaii law protected journalists from having to reveal confidential sources or turn over notes and unpublished material. This legislative session, lawmakers decided to let the law expire rather than pass a weakened bill championed by Hee.

The press club has handed out the award every year since 1997. It is aimed at people who have blocked public access to information. 

Read a full report on the Lava Tube and other awards in this Big Island Video story here.

(Photo by Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat. Sen. Clayton Hee at a 2013 legislative hearing.)

—Patti Epler

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