Hawaii gets a shield law

Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Hawaii governor Linda Lingle has signed a shield law to protect Hawaii journalists from having to reveal source names and notes in state courts. The law has a three-year sunset provision to allow review. Reporters must disclose information in felony cases or libel suits, and the law requires a three-part test to be met by district attorneys (no alternative sources, noncumulative and necessary to the case).

Even bloggers get coverage under the law as long as their work is in the public interest. HB 2557 can be read here.

Editorial: “Noncumulative”?  It should also be noted that this shield law focuses on the person writing the material, not the content of the material. The law will apply to individuals whose positions are “materially similar or identical to that of a journalist or newscaster, taking into account the method of dissemination.”