ACLU, Alston Hunt Want Courtroom Media Access

From our Capitol Watch blog:

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii Foundation and the law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing have asked the Hawaii district court for permission to file an amicus brief — a “friend of the court” brief — in support of equal access to court proceedings by all journalists.

Excerpts from a press release Tuesday (Oct. 16):

The Hawaii Guerrilla Video Hui (“the Hui”) states that its mission is to “document and share the stories of what is really happening in Hawaiʻi, especially in places where those abusing power meet those standing against that abuse.” The Hui is comprised of Kamuela Vance Viveiros, H. Doug Matsuoka, and Laulani Teale. … 

The Hui filed an application to document the proceedings in a Hawaii District Court case involving a Hawaiian rights activist fighting a disorderly conduct charge; …

The ACLU’s proposed amicus brief discusses the importance of equal access to courtroom proceedings, and asks the Court to base the grant or denial of the Hui’s application on court rules (and not on the Hui’s viewpoint or editorial stance). …

In submitting the proposed amicus brief, Alston Hunt attorney Brandon Segal said: “A diverse and free press is a cornerstone of our Constitution, and all voices must be treated equally by the government.”

The case has a hearing scheduled for Wednesday (Oct. 17) 1:30 p.m.

Laulani Teale.