Legislation Would Allow Media Greater Access to Lava

Hawaii Island lawmakers are backing the idea, but local law enforcement is opposed.

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The Hawaii Tribune-Herald has this item on legislation regarding the media and natural disasters. Excerpt:

A bill aimed at easing restrictions on news media reporting about the June 27 lava flow and other natural disasters cleared its first committee in the state Legislature this week.

The legislation would amend Act 111, which went into effect only days before the flow emerged from Pu‘u ‘O‘o, to allow news media access to areas closed to the general public. …

Act 111 granted additional powers to the counties during emergencies and has been used since the flow began threatening Pahoa to keep news media from accessing restricted areas, making it difficult for journalists to interview those most impacted by the disaster.

Civil Defense and police officials say the restrictions are necessary to maintain public safety and have submitted testimony opposing the legislation. …

Big Island Sens. Lorraine Inouye and Russell Ruderman are among the five sponsors of Senate Bill 533.

Members from the Task Force Response Army and Air National Guard personnel stand at road block at Pahoa Village Road and Post Office Road only allowing residents that live in the area passage. No media are allowed within this road blocked areas. 30 October 2014. photo Cory Lum

National Guard members stand at a road block at Pahoa Village Road and Post Office Road in 2014. No media were allowed past the road-blocked areas.

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

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