STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1274-10

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2010

 

RE:   H.R. No. 140

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Economic Revitalization, Business, & Military Affairs, to which was referred H.R. No. 140 entitled:

 

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE OWNER OF THE HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT TIME TO FIND A NEW OWNER FOR THE NEWSPAPER TO PRESERVE TWO INDEPENDENT DAILY NEWSPAPERS IN THE COMMUNITY,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this resolution is to maintain the independence and competitiveness of Hawaii's newspaper press by urging Oahu Publications, Inc. (OPI), to continue publication of the Honolulu Star‑Bulletin or provide sufficient time to find a qualified buyer for the newspaper.

 

     ILWU Local 142, Media Council of Hawaii, and several concerned individuals supported this measure.  A concerned individual opposed this measure.

 

     Your Committee heard testimony that OPI is not offering a viable commercial entity for sale because Midweek, which contains the newest printing press, is not being sold along with the Star-Bulletin.  There was also testimony that at least 120 days is needed for a legitimate sale.  In addition, your Committee was told that the Department of Justice is being asked to look at the economic, and advertising restraint of trade issues that will result if the Star-Bulletin does not continue publication, and Midweek and the Honolulu Advertiser are combined under a single corporate entity.

 

     Your Committee finds that all efforts should be made to continue publication of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, which is an essential source of the well-founded discussion and commentary that are the life blood of a democratic society, and that shape and improve our community.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Revitalization, Business, & Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 140 and recommends its adoption.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Revitalization, Business, & Military Affairs,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

ANGUS L.K. MCKELVEY, Chair