Groups oppose veto of bill to limit governor’s power to cut off electronic media in emergencies

A local media watchdog, a TV and radio trade organization and a nonprofit that promotes government transparency are each expressing serious concerns with one of the bills Hawaii’s governor has threatened to veto.

House Bill 2581, currently awaiting action by Gov. Josh Green, would take away the ability of a governor or county mayor to suspend electronic media transmission during a state of emergency.

The bill specifically cuts these words from Hawaii law regarding a governor’s or mayor’s powers during an emergency: “to the extent permitted by or under federal law, suspend electronic media transmission.”

The Big Island Press Club said that HB 2581, if signed into law, will ensure “a reasoned and balanced measure” that satisfies the public’s right to know while acknowledging emergency management agency concerns.

The Hawaii Association of Broadcasters said the statute as currently written is unconstitutional and represents “prior restraint” or censorship. The First Amendment prohibits abridging freedom of speech and the press.

And, in a letter to Green Thursday, the Public First Law Center said state law already grants a Hawaii governor “a robust array of powers” to respond to declared emergencies.

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