Denise Wright Courtesy of HPD   Melvin Wright Courtesy of HPD

Circuit Judge Rhonda Nishimura ruled that the request by the parents' lawyers was "too broad."

The judge, however, granted a request by the defense lawyers for a gag order directing lawyers and trial participants from disclosing information about the case prior to trial.

The requests were made by lawyers for Denise and Melvin Wright Jr., who are charged with trying to kill their daughter.

The girl was found at the parents' apartment earlier this year weighing about 50 pounds — about 30 pounds less than normal.

Defense lawyers Debra Loy, a deputy public defender, who represents the mother, and Lane Takahashi, a court-appointed private attorney representing the father, sought to limit the disclosure of information and access to court documents to ensure a fair trial for their clients.

Loy argued that the media coverage has included exaggerations and inaccuracies that prevents the selection of an impartial panel.

She asked that the judge review the documents when they are filed in court before permitting them to be made public.

Honolulu attorney Jeffrey Portnoy, who represents The Advertiser, argued against the sealing request.

He said juries have been selected here and around the country for years without the "blanket sealing" of court documents as requested by the defense.

Portnoy did not oppose the request of the gag order.

"The court finds it is too broad at this juncture," Nishimura said in denying the sealing request.