Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have shield laws that give reporters varying degrees of protection from revealing the identities of sources or turning over notes or other material. The Hawai'i Supreme Court has ruled that reporters have no federal First Amendment or state right not to disclose confidential sources to state courts. But some legal experts believe reporters have a qualified privilege unless the disclosure is so important it outweighs protecting confidentiality in news-gathering.

The forum — set for noon Monday in the Ala Moana Hotel's Carnation Room — will feature panelists including Honolulu Advertiser reporter Jim Dooley, blogger Ian Lind and constitutional law expert professor Jon Van Dyke. The forum will be moderated by former Judge Marie Milks.