Posted on: Sunday, March 16, 2008

Sunshine Week is an annual national observance highlighting the importance of the public's right to know how the government operates. In Hawai'i, as elsewhere, the public's open access to information and meetings is threatened whenever officials withhold records or exclude the public from their deliberations. Read why keeping government open and accessible is crucial in a democracy, and learn how to access state and city public records of importance to you.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008 The cost of journalism worldwide: death, jail Countries around the globe that are enjoying greater press freedoms and growing democracy are also seeing more unsolved murders of journalists and imprisonment of reporters for political reasons, the director of Columbia University's Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism told a Freedom of Information Day gathering yesterday. [more] Investigative reporter talks of sunshine laws’ importance

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2008 Sunshine revision proposed State lawmakers may revise the open-meetings law this session to allow two or more board members to discuss board business in private as long as they do not make commitments to vote or constitute a quorum. [more]

Public Information & Resources Courts - Find out how to get court documents, small claims records, temporary restraining orders and bankruptcy files. Safety/police - Learn how to order copies of police accident records, traffic abstract records and criminal conviction files and access the sex offender registry. Vital records - Request birth certificates, death certificates and marriage certificates following these tips. Government - Information on the government, including state contracts and legislative bills, is available online. Health records - How safe are care homes, child care providers and restaurants? Find out about violations and inspections. Business - Complaints about companies and information on licensed professionals are available from the state. Schools - How does your child's school rate? Learn where to find school performance reports. Property - Discover who owns real estate in your neighborhood, how property is assessed and who has taken out building permits. Commissions - Find out how to access financial disclosure forms of officials and who contributes campaign donations to politicians. Freedom of Information Page - Read more information on your right to know, plus see a list of publicly accessible databases, at the.honoluluadvertiser.com/foi

Sunshine Week 2008