"State of the Unions" Rob Perez, Jaymes Song, Christine Donnelly, Richard Borecca Honolulu Star-Bulletin The judges said: " 'State of the Unions' told a complete tale of how Hawaii’s unions have the island in what could become a death grip. A compelling story by courageous reporters -- not everyone has the tenacity to challenge unions." FINALIST: "The Secret Crime," Mike Gordon, Sandra S. Oshiro, Honolulu Advertiser
"State of the Unions" Rob Perez, Jaymes Song, Christine Donnelly, Richard Borreca Honolulu Star-Bulletin
The judges said: "It’s always refreshing to see a newspaper assert its independence and ask the tough questions politicians can only whisper when it comes to taking on institutional sacred cows. (This entry) was a groundbreaking series that was well-written, reported and wisely used graphics and sidebars to illustrate how powerful public employee unions have become and why there needs to be a better balance of power to make government run more efficiently."
FINALISTS: "Lingle, Cayetano Records," Kevin Dayton, Ken Kobayashi, William Kresnak, Honolulu Advertiser; "Kapolei Contracts," Rob Perez, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
"Gas Prices" Rob Perez Honolulu Star-Bulletin
The judges said: "Perez entered a world that few journalists dare. He took an overriding public concern -- the fact that consumers believed they paid too much for gasoline -- and dug into the story to reveal not just that that was true, but why and how it happens. The enterprise behind these stories is magnificent. It shows a reporter willing to invest the time and energy to dip into something that could so easily have been dismissed as too obtuse."
"Aloha, Mo" Honolulu Advertiser staff
The judges said: "A wonderful and extensive package lifted high by vivid, crisp writing that put reader right there as the Big Mo headed home. The colorful quotes and photos made it clear that the staff worked hard on this."
FINALISTS: "Mo Town," Gregg K. Kakesako, Susan Kreifels, Helen Altonn, Craig Gima, Stan Constantino, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Wayman Kaua Standoff," Craig Gima, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
"Hawaii’s Own" Ron Staton, Bruce Dunford, Michael Tighe, Ben DiPietro, Associated Press
The judges said: "This series shows a lot of enterprise, as well as a very successful execution of what could have been a tedious idea. The series is well-written, thoroughly researched, well-organized, sharply focused and concise. It does a good job of linking the past with the issues of the present."
FINALIST: "Chinatown," Peter Wagner, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
"Miss Universe'' Tim Ryan, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
The judges said: "An engaging feature full of unexpected emotion. The subjects may not have placed in the top 10, but this story is a real winner."
FINALISTS: "Kalaupapa," Mary Adamski, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Breast Cancer," Liz Janes, The Maui News; "Life After Death," A. Kam Napier, Honolulu Magazine.
"Rock By Rock" Curt Sanburn, Elizabeth Kieszkowski, Honolulu Weekly
The judges said: "Sanburn writes beautifully. He has a knack for words that help us better picture what he's talking about. He also employs local lingo and lore in just the right amount -- provides local flavor, but doesn't baffle an outsider. Perhaps most importantly, he makes human characters central to this story about rocks and ponds. We see altruism, petty politics, determination, failure and success all in one story. The well-researched historical background provides the context to make what's happening now more important and interesting."
FINALIST: "Makule League: Softball for Seniors," Rita Ariyoshi, Spirit of Aloha.
"Bishop Estate: Land, Money and Power" Sally Apgar, Honolulu Advertiser
FINALIST: "Gas Prices," Rob Perez, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
"Von Appen Firing" Stephen Tsai, Honolulu Advertiser
The judges said: "By far the most complete and organized entry in the category. The writer did a wonderful job handling what can be a very difficult situation in a college coach being fired. The news story showed the writer's vast knowledge about Hawaii's football program and the tenure of the coach being let go. The analysis that accompanied it showed insight and strong opinion based on fact. As a package, the stories were well-written and allowed the reader all necessary background for a complete picture of what exactly happened. An outstanding and timely response to a deadline situation."
FINALISTS: "Jones in San Diego," Paul Arnett, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Local AJAs Revolutionized Japan Hoops," Steve Lum, Hawaii Herald.
"Honolulu Lite" Charles Memminger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
FINALISTS: "Maui Nei," Ron Youngblood, The Maui News; "Changing Hawaii," Diane Yukihiro Chang, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
"Who's the Problem, Dems or Business?" Carl Zimmerman, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
The judges said: "This has all the ingredients of a good editorial, and they are blended together skillfully. There is just enough background to enable even an unaware reader to understand the message. The editorial is pointed and powerful. More important, it is succinct. There is no attempt to dazzle with ornate language or flimsy imagery -- just straight talk. It works."
FINALIST: "Seized," A. Kam Napier, Honolulu Magazine
"Fasi ... Pasture" John S. Pritchett, Elizabeth Kieszkowski, Honolulu Weekly "Hate Crime" Corky Trinidad, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
FINALIST: "Abs Tract," Jim Abts, Hawaii Business Magazine
Ben Wood, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
The judges said: "Entries showed nice imagination and a good use of word play.....The puns don't hit you between the eyes; they work well and are clear. Display a good sense of what the story is about....Liked "Posh Pound" headline -- it was playful and out of the ordinary. Got my attention."
FINALIST: Lois Lingeman, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
"Wayman Kaua Standoff" Dean Sensui, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
The judges said: "Critical moment from a tense situation captured cleanly by photographer. The picture told the whole story."
FINALIST: "Blaze Erupts in High Rise," Cory Lum, Jeff Widener, Honolulu Advertiser
"Mighty Mo Enters Pearl Harbor" Ken Sakamoto, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
The judges said: "Good picture, played right. Gives a real sense of homecoming in one frame."
"Ke Kama `Ula - In Search of the Red Child" Dennis Oda, Honolulu Star-Bulletin The judges said: "The clear winner in this category. The use of the diary on the double truck was a good edition to the package." FINALIST: "Hey, Good Lookin’," Kathryn Bender, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
"Double Exposure" Sergio Goes, Michel V.M. Le, Honolulu Magazine The judges said: "A smart concept elegantly realized in this gorgeous package of exquisite black-and-white photos celebrating Hawaii's ecological diversity." FINALIST:"Formulas for Success," Ray Wong, Hawaii Business Magazine
"MIL Basketball Title" Eugene Tanner, The Maui News The judges said: "Photographer captures moment of great expression from a young face. The picture was clean and the action popped off the page. An extraordinary picture from an ordinary event."
"In the Line of Fire" David Swann, Dan Woods, Honolulu Star-Bulletin The judges said: "If the purpose of an informational graphic is to help the reader better understand the story by helping them visualize and get a feel of what took place, then (this entry) has provided a prime example. The simplicity and sophistication of his diagrams actually let the reader recreate the scene in their mind. Details rendered, such as devices to indicate movement and line-of-fire, give the drawings motion. The addition of an actual gun gives the reader a close feel for the real thing and is a nice design contrast to the illustrations. Summing up the numbers graphically completes the package and puts the information in context."
"The Writing on the Wall" Rob Barber, Michel V.M. Le, Honolulu Magazine The judges said: "The style Rob Barber utilized was exceptional, boasting both talent and experience. The calm color palette is reflective of the main character and is accented with highlights and brush-stroke textures that give the scene a sense of action. He used a solid composition and executed the elements to portray an abstract theme in a fun and eye-grabbing way. Also noted was the flexibility of Barber, creating spot illustrations for quotes proved visually pleasant and very functional, carrying the reader through the story and packaging the multiple page layout."
"Clinton Impeached" David F. Montesino, Honolulu Advertiser The judges were especially impressed by the sophisticated use of typography, and the sense of visual continuity throughout the section. They also liked the balance of positive and negative space, particularly on the cover. "Kudos for presenting a lot of information in a manner that is accessible and visually inviting." FINALISTS: "A Century of Annexation, A Century of Questions," David F. Montesino, Honolulu Advertiser; "Aloha 243 Anniversary," Lee Imada, The Maui News
"How to Save Liberty House'' Thomas Kim, Ray Wong, Hawaii Business Magazine The judges said: "As Mainlanders, we are not familiar with Liberty House, but this vivid multimedia cover sure made us want to find out. The combination of color photography and digitally enhanced artwork of a Godzilla-like monster's foot conveyed a sense of alarm in an amusing and intriguing way." FINALIST: "Happy Holidays," Darrell Grindstaff, Michel V.M. Le, Honolulu Magazine
"Voices of Hana" Michel V.M. Le, Honolulu Magazine The judges said: "From the striking cover collage to the adventurous composition and use of color, Le achieves a fine balance between structure and freedom. The variation in size and shape of photos caught the eye while keeping the theme. The unconventional typeface on the first page of the story set a playful tone. Le utilized several different components to pull readers in without distracting them. Exceptional job!" FINALISTS: "Nightmares in Daylight," Michel V.M. Le, Honolulu Magazine; "All This and a View: Art Pad," Michel V. M. Le, Honolulu Magazine
"Buddy Check 9: Breast Cancer Awareness" Angela Keen, KGMB The judges said: "Timely piece on a very important subject. Hard work was apparent."
"Inside Hawaii’s Prisons" Bob Loy, George Hurd, Bill Beyer, KGMB The judges said: "Relentless pursuit of the truth about what goes on behind bars. Good work." FINALIST: "Voting Problems," Daryl Huff, KITV
"Kelly’s Coffee Shop" Will Tran, Glenn Holcomb, KGMB The judges said: "Felt like we had been eating at Kelly’s for years."
"Christmas Day Balloon Rescue" Cedric Yamanaka, KITV The judges said: "Several other reporters submitted the same story, but Mr. Yamanaka’s writing, use of available video, story sequencing, all the elements he used came together in a well-told story. The stand-out in this category by far."
"Last Day" Dell H. Ison, Dan Cooke, KHNL The judges said: "Good turn of phrase, good use of sound, concise writing. Well done." FINALIST: "Conversation with Captain Cronin," Patti Lee, KHNL
"Hawaii Youth Challenge" Darren Pai, Daniel Arakaki, KHNL The judges said: "Excellent story telling, nice writing to the video. Good job by all involved in giving us a clear feel of the emotion involved."
"Danger for Sale" Bill Beyer. George Hurd, Christopher Skapik, Beau Cuizon, Louise Kim McCoy, KGMB The judges said: "Shocking! Good use of a hidden camera, proving once again that a picture is worth a thousand sound bites."
"Hawaii’s Weird Weather" Sharie Shima, KITV The judges said: "Very well-written, good use of natural sound." FINALIST: "Paige Ann," Duncan Armstrong, Linda Hosek, KHNL
"Katie’s Swim" Paul Drewes, Andrew Nunes, KGMB The judges said: "What a sweet, well-told story. It was lumpsville for the judges (lump in the throat). Go Katie!"
"Hawaiian Sovereignty Centennial" Gregg Takayama, Donard Sonoda, KHON The judges said: "Very nice use of pictures, sounds, emotion. Well done."
"Mixed Plate: Season of Ghosts" Pamela Young, KITV
Public Service Reporting "USS Missouri: Final Voyage" Heidi Chang, Hawaii Public Radio The judges said: "Nice use of historical tape and sailors’ recollections."
"Kahoolawe" Craig DeSilva, Hawaii Public Radio The judges said: "Rich look at the island’s transformation from Navy bombing range to cultural landmark."
"Kalaupapa: The Making of the Father Damien Movie" Heidi Chang, Hawaii Public Radio The judges said: "Use of sound and telling quotes really put us in Kalaupapa."