2007 Excellence in Journalism Awards

July 11, 2008 at Dole Cannery Ballrooms


 
Steve Petranik of The Honolulu Advertiser



Mircrosoft Word file of Awards list

The Greater Oregon and Cincinnati chapters of SPJ judged this year’s contest.

Hawaii Chapter

2007 Excellence in Journalism Awards

 

DAILY NEWSPAPER

D1 Business Reporting

First Place

Business Reporting

"Funeral Trusts Take 30 Percent Off Top"

Jim Dooley

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: Terrific expose of an outrageous funeral industry practice.

Finalist

"Former American Savings Bank Assistant Manager Indicted on 10 Counts of Theft, Embezzlement and Fraud"

Malia Zimmerman

Hawaii Reporter

Finalist

"Corporations vs. Corpses"

Jaymes Song

The Associated Press

D2 Spot News Reporting

First Place

"Don Ho's Death Coverage"

John Berger, Helen Altonn, Robert Shikina, Alex Da Silva, Gary Chun

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Comments: Thorough deadline coverage on the death of a very public figure. Emotional and gripping.

Finalist

"Hawaii Superferry"

Chris Hamilton, Melissa Tanji

The Maui News

Finalist

"Homeless Mansions"

Audrey McAvoy

The Associated Press

D3 General News/Enterprise Reporting

First Place

"Sythan's Journey"

Craig Gima

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Comments: The reporter traveled to Cambodia to follow the experience of a girl who needed to travel to Hawaii for surgery. A very ambitious project.

Finalist

"Ethics Board Member Supported Councilor"

Jason Armstrong

Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Finalist

"Corks Blow at Champagne Pond"

Bret Yager

Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

D4 Feature Writing Short Form

First Place

"Mr. Kuraya's Prologue"

Lee Imada

The Maui News

Comments: Meaningful narrative, well told story

Finalist

"And Now There Are Only 5 Left"

William Cole

The Honolulu Advertiser

Finalist

"The Hefty Influence"

Susan Essoyan

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

D5 Feature Writing Long

First Place

"Their Spirit Carries Them"

Michael Tsai

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: An inspiring piece, effectively communicated.

Finalist

" 'They Thought I Was Dead Until ... '

Stephen Tsai

The Honolulu Advertiser

Finalist

"Firmly Planted"

Nadine Kam

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

D6 News Page Design

First Place

"The Drowning of Hawaii"

Mike Rovner, Charlene Robinson

Honolulu Star Bulletin

Comments: Beautiful. We won't let the ad count against it.

Finalist

"Dalai Lama - Meeting of Minds, Cultures"

Tressa Verber

The Maui News

Finalist

"Pearl Harbor Anniversary"

Jed Stockton

Hawaii Tribune-Herald

D7 Feature Page Design

First Place

"Just Beachy"

Jacquelyn Carberry

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Comments: The page has a nice integration of geological shapes.

Finalist

"Dream On!"

Steve Berkowsky

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Finalist

"Aquarium Thinks Big"

Russell McCrory

The Honolulu Advertiser

INTERNET

I1 Online Spot News Reporting

First Place

"Don Ho Farewell"

Advertiser Staff

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: A great use of multimedia storytelling tools.

No finalists

I2 Online General News Reporting

First Place

"Burma Stories & Videos"

Craig Gima

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Comments: This is the kind of reporting – detailed and full of context but never bogged down in ponderous writing – that is the point of journalism. And it's the kind of videography that is the point of expanding to online access. Tops among extraordinarily strong competition.

Finalists

Online General News Reporting

"Iz - Wonderful World"

Advertiser Staff

The Honolulu Advertiser

Online General News Reporting

"KaLoko Dam - Coverage Continues"

Malia Zimmerman

Hawaii Reporter

Ronna Bolante of Honolulu Magazine



MAGAZINE

M1 Business Reporting
First Place

"Big Spenders, Global investors shake up Hawaii's list of wealthiest landowners"

Cathy Cruz-George

Hawaii Business

Comments: This story was a fascinating roundup of Hawaii’s wealthiest landowners, as ranked by tax assessed value.

Finalist

"The Rarest Chocolate in the World"

Rita Ariyoshi

Spirit of Aloha

Finalist

"Big Box Battle, Will plans for a Wal-Mart supercenter box out Kauai’s mom and pop shops?"

Jacy Youn

Hawaii Business Magazine.

 

M2 Industry or Trade Reporting

First Place

"30 Years at the Table"

John Heckathorn

Honolulu Magazine

Comments: Great 30th anniversary magazine story, looking at 30 years of restaurants.

Finalist

"Morphing Waikiki"

John Wythe White

Spirit of Aloha

Finalist

"Fishing Industry Faces Challenge of Endangered Species"

Teresa Dawson

Environment Hawai'i

M3 Profile

First Place: (tie)

"The Story of Big Mike: Mike Harrah is a daredevil and a developer"

Scott Radway

Hawaii Business

First Place (tie)

"Movin’ on Up"

Ronna Bolante

Honolulu Magazine

Comments: Both these pieces exemplify strong personality profile writing, even though they are very different.

Finalist

"The Inviting, Enticing Art of Hula"

Benton Sen

Spirit of Aloha

Finalist

"When Push Comes to Shove"

Lucy Jokiel

Island Scene Magazine

M4 Feature Writing/Short Form

First Place

"Mo’ Betta’ Waikiki"

Thelma Chang

Spirit of Aloha

Finalist

"Grandmother Flash"

Rose Kahele

Hana Hou!

Finalist

"Adventures on Da Bus"

Lucy Jokiel

Island Scene Magazine

M5 Feature Writing/Long Form

First Place

"Home Is Where the Hulihuli Is"

Dennis Hollier

Spirit of Aloha

Comments: This really fun feature on the joy of Hawaii’s roadside food is written in a breezy, yet informative style. A clear winner.

Finalist

"Motu Football"

Liza Simon

Hana Hou!

Finalist

"Hana‘i Tales"

Paul Wood

Hana Hou!

M6 Page Design

First Place

"The New Photography in Hawaii: The Islands, Reinterpreted"

Darrell Ishii

Spirit of Aloha

Comments: Simply stunning work.

Finalist

"Birds of Steel"

Kunio Hayashi

Hana Hou!

Finalist

"Daytripping"

Darrell Ishii

Spirit of Aloha

M7 Magazine Cover

First Place

"Fight Club"

Wes Funai

Hawaii Business

Comments: A fun cover concept, especially for a business magazine!

Finalist

November 2007 cover

Kristin Lipman

Honolulu Magazine.

Finalist

"Warriors Report"

Mike Rovner, Bryant Fukutomi

Honolulu Star-Bulletin



NON-DAILY NEWSPAPER

ND1 Business Reporting

First Place

"Not So Picture Perfect"

Chad Blair

Pacific Business News

Comments: Really thoughtful coverage of how businesses are hurt by a drop in Japanese weddings.

Finalist

"K-Bay recycling center manager talks trash"

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine

Finalist

"Chill out with shave ice"

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine.

ND2 General News/Enterprise Reporting

First Place

"Exercising for two at Semper Fit"

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine

No comments

Finalist

"K-Bay recycling center manager talks trash"

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine

Finalist

"Students unite for for Freedom Walk

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine

ND 3 Feature Writing

First Place

"The Magical Reno Weekend"

Joe Udell

The Hawai‘i Herald

Comments: Nice scene setter, well handled.

Finalist

"Teacher leaves on a good note"

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine.

ND 4 Community Reporting

First Place

"Teacher leaves on a good note"

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine

No comments

Finalist

"Quilts warm hearts at Fisher House"

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine.

 

Finalist

"Exercising for two at Semper Fit"

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine

ND5 Non-Daily Page Design

First Place

"Killer Waves"

Christine Cabalo

Hawaii Marine

NO COMMENTS

Finalist

"PBN – Aug. 31, 2007"

Ruben Duldulao

Pacific Business News

 

OPEN PRINT

P1 Column Writing/News

First Place

"Under the Sun"

Cynthia Oi

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Comments: The writer certainly doesn’t pull any punches in expressing her opinion.

Finalist

"Lee Cataluna"

Lee Cataluna

The Honolulu Advertiser

Finalist

"Board Talk"

Teresa Dawson

Environment Hawai‘i

P2 Column Writing/Features

First Place

"About Women"

Christie Wilson

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: Engrossing and lively copy.

Finalist

"Fashion Statement" "Urban Renewal" "The Real Deli"

David K. Choo

Hawaii Business Magazine.

Finalist

"Merrily We Roll Along" "Gravity and Other Hazards"

Kathryn Drury Wagner

Honolulu Magazine.

P3 Government Reporting

First Place

"Elevator Checks Lagging"

Jim Dooley

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: Jim Dooley's story about state elevator inspections in Hawaii examined a problem waiting to happen. Most reporting is after an incident, Dooley's reporting may serve to keep a deadly incident from occurring. Dooley's story made the reader aware of the multiyear backlog for annual elevator inspections in Hawaii, and the causes of the problem. Dooley took a sound path between alerting the reader and alarming the reader.

Finalist

Government Reporting

"Bones of Contention"

Ronna Bolante

Honolulu Magazine

Finalist

Government Reporting

"Critics of Akaka Bill appointed to advisory board of U.S. Civil Rights Commission"

Alex Da Silva

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

P4 Breaking News Reporting

First Place

"Army's Worst Day"

William Cole, Dan Nakaso, Lynda Arakawa, Will Hoover

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: The Iraq War came home for ten Hawaii families on one day in August. The reporting of William Cole, Dan Nakaso, Lynda Arakawa and Will Hoover brought and shared that story. In striking a balance between human interest and hard news, The Honolulu Advertiser's coverage of the crash of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in Iraq was well balanced, complete and most of all, compassionate.

Finalist

Breaking News Reporting

"Two Fatal Kauai Helicopter Crashes"

Tom Finnegan, Craig Gima

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Finalist

Breaking News Reporting

"2nd Copter Crashes"

Dan Nakaso, Jan TenBruggencate, Rick Daysog, Christie Wilson, Kevin Dayton

The Honolulu Advertiser

P5 Health Reporting

First Place

"Suicide Pleas to Tripler Fail"

Rob Perez

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: Very thorough reporting on a timely topic – mental health care for military members – but at the same time the story stayed focused on the tale of one man and how his repeated attempts to get help failed in an overburdened system.

Finalist

Health Reporting

"Gastric Bypass"

Helen Altonn

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Finalist

Health Reporting

"Isle Security Tight for Deadly Viruses"

Sean Hao

The Honolulu Advertiser

P6 Sports Reporting

First Place

"Paula Creamer"

Paul Arnett

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Comments: It's easy to write the big story when the big news happens, and Hawaii sports was blessed with big news in 2007. It isn't so easy to sit at a press conference and write the story no one else is. Paul Arnett’s profile of Paula Creamer at the Fields Open pro-am brought a professional athlete down to human size. And, at the same time, it told a touching story of fan interaction. It also brought the reader the cold reality of the work of a golfer beyond hushed greens.

Finalist

"Second Chance U"

Sports Reporting

Jaymes Song

The Associated Press

Finalist

Sports Reporting

"Michelle Wie: What happened?"

Michael Tsai

The Honolulu Advertiser

P7 Arts and Entertainment Writing

First Place

"Swooning at the Hui"

Rick Chatenever

The Maui News

Comments: Tone and pace are the keys to this story, which evokes both the seriousness of the artists' accomplishments and the excitement of their multifaceted celebration with an economy of words.

Finalist

Arts and Entertainment Writing

"Isle navigation documentary creates ohana to aid"

Katherine Nichols

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Finalist

Arts and Entertainment Writing

"Hip Hop tour mostly rings hollow"

Jason Genegabus

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

P8 Editorial Opinion

First Place

"A Hawaii-style shafting"

Jim Kelly

Pacific Business News

Comments: Strong details and clear writing grab the reader.

No finalists

P9 Editorial Cartoon

First Place

"Don Imus"

Dick Adair

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: The simple image conveys a strong message.

No finalists

P10 Illustration

First Place

"Sour Poi Awards"

Matt Mignanelli

Honolulu Magazine

Comments: Really well done, sophisticatedly illustrates the news item. Nice use of color and line. Very distinctive style – almost Ralph Steadman-like.

Finalist

Illustration

"Words to Live By"

Garry Ono

Spirit of Aloha

Finalist

Illustration

"Coop Dreams"

Alfredo Garma

Hana Hou!

P11 Informational Graphic

First Place

Gregory Taylor, Minette McCabe, Jon Orque

The Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii Superferry

Comments: Outstanding work; wonderful level of detail, extremely reader friendly and useful.

Finalist

Informational Graphic

"Kawai Nui Marsh"

Jon Orque

The Honolulu Advertiser

Finalist

Informational Graphic

"Inside Mo's Big Guns"

Dave Swann

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

P12 News Photography

First Place

"Goodbye Alexander"

Jeff Widener

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: Judges felt this was the cleanest, most news-telling image of the group. The message is very clear and has a nice composition with several moments occurring simultaneously.

Finalist

News Photography

"Coming Home"

Dennis Oda

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

P13 Feature Photography

First Place

"USS Oklahoma"

Bruce Asato

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: Judges felt this was a well composed, visually interesting image that was less than typical compared to the other entries. The image contains lots of information about the individual and creates a sense of place without being overly obvious.

Finalist

Feature Photography

" 'Best Community Theater' photo"

Mark Arbeit

Honolulu Magazine

Finalist

Feature Photography

"Oh Joy"

Jeff Widener

Honolulu Advertiser

P14 Sports Photography

First Place

"Roosevelt Clinches East"

Jamm Aquino

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Comments: Great action and expression. Tells the story.

No finalists

P15 Photo Essay

First Place

"Celebrations"

Sergio Goes

Honolulu Magazine

Comments: Judges felt this was the strongest collection of images about a specific subject created by a single photographer, which showed a dedication of time, appreciation for the island lifestyle and its customs and traditions.

No finalists

P16 Special Section

First Place

"Wonderful World"

Mike Gordon, Beverly Creamer, Wayne Harada, Russell McCrory

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: A good look at a man who, like Elvis, has become a musical legend even in death.

Finalist

Special Section

"Don Ho Dies"

Staff

The Honolulu Advertiser

Finalist

Special Section

"Dream Season"

Jamm Aquino, Dave Reardon, Donica Kaneshiro, Richard Walker, Dennis Oda

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

P17 Investigative Reporting

First Place

"Good Causes, Flawed Process"

Rob Perez

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: A revealing group of articles, thoroughly reported, on an important topic. This is classic impact journalism.

Finalist

Investigative Reporting

"Kukui Garden"

Rick Daysog

The Honolulu Advertiser

Finalist

Investigative Reporting

"NELHA and Megasoft"

Patricia Tummons

Environment Hawai'i

P18 Public Service Reporting

First Place

"Hidden Wounds"

Susan Essoyan

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Comments:

Finalist

Public Service Reporting

"Unguarded Giving"

Rob Perez

The Honolulu Advertiser

Finalist

Public Service Reporting

"Hawaii Superferry"

The Honolulu Advertiser

The Honolulu Advertiser

RADIO

R1

No Entries

R2 Feature Reporting

First Place

"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Center, Tripler Army Medical Center"

Wayne N. Yoshioka

Hawaii Public Radio

Comments: You’ve done a good job giving a voice to people suffering from PTSD – actually by getting them to open up in their own voice. Details of the treatment philosophy are fascinating. This is important work as is your work sharing this with the general public.

Finalist

Feature Reporting

"Bassist Lyle Ritz: Father of Jazz Ukulele"

Heidi Chang, Tom Cole

National Public Radio

Finalist

Feature Reporting

"Aloha Koke'e - Following the Scent of Kaua'i's Forest"

Noe Tanigawa

Hawaii Public Radio

STUDENT

S1 News Writing

First Place

"Security violates federal crime log law"

Alyssa S. Navares

Ka Leo O Hawai'i

Comments: Great digging and fearless reporting here. You’re using the power of good journalism to create change by challenging the roadblocks put in the way of public information.

Finalist

News Writing

"Health experts to examine dance studios"

Alyssa S. Navares

Ka Leo O Hawai'i

S2 Feature Writing

First Place

"She's a real doll"

Diane S.W. Lee

The Honolulu Advertiser

Comments: An interesting peek into the life of an ordinary girl touched by fame.

No finalists

S3 Broadcast Reporting

First Place

"Health experts to examine dance studios"

Alyssa S. Navares

Ka Leo O Hawai'i

Comments: You’ve done bold, important work drawing attention to this problem. Pieces like this are vital to holding officials accountable and raising general awareness.

No finalists



Keoki Kerr of KITV


TELEVISION

T1 Government Reporting

First Place

"Smoking Violators Go Unpunished"

Keoki Kerr

KITV

Comments: Watchdog journalism for some is a lost art. Good to see someone is keeping tabs on this important issue.

Finalist

Government Reporting

"Boardwalk Blunder"

Beth Hillyer

KHNL

T2 Business Reporting

First Place

Business Reporting

"University of Hawaii Business Development"

Gary Sprinkle

KITV

Comments: This two-piece package was one of the more interesting stories I’ve seen on television. It was visually attractive as well.

Finalist

Business Reporting

Puna Kamali'i

Pamela Young

KITV

T3 General News/Enterprise Reporting

First Place

"Mount Everest Doc"

Stephanie Lum, Duncan Armstrong

KHNL News 8

Comments: Visually compelling video that complimented a unique story that was told very well.

Finalist

General News/Enterprise Reporting

"Manoa Wildfire"

Ron Mizutani, Greg Lau

KHON2

T4 Feature Reporting

First Place

"Obesity Battle Prompts School Changes"

Marisa Yamane

KHON2 News

Comments: A well-edited, informative feature on what one school is doing in response to a serious health problem. Included nice quotes from students.

Finalist

Feature Reporting

"Mixed Plate: Body Worlds"

Pamela Young

KITV

Finalist

Feature Reporting

"Hawaiian: A Language in Jeopardy"

Keahi Tucker

KGMB9-TV

T5 Investigative Reporting

First Place

"Dorm Security: An Open Door?"

Tim Sakahara, Taizo Braden, Mike Cherry, Robbie Reich

KGMB9

Comments: Good watchdog story exposes a gap between what officials say and what the reality is.

No finalists

T6 Series Reporting

First Place

"Trip to Indonesia"

Stacy Loe, Mike Cherry

KGMB-TV

Comments: It must have been very interesting for Hawaii viewers to see Indonesia and how disaster issues there could help Hawaii learn how to deal with those disasters.

No finalists

T7 Videography

First Place

"Skate dog"

Stuart Ishikawa

KITV

Comments: Funny and well-photographed story told from the dog’s level.

No finalists

T8 Documentary

First Place

"Season of the Lion"

Pamela Young

KITV

Comments: We find this look behind the scene of "The Lion King" to be very interesting and informative. It’s a reminder that not every documentary has to be about a serious issue.

No finalists

T9 Special News Program

First Place

"Don Ho Remembered"

Staff

KGMB9-TV

Comments: Fitting coverage for a cultural icon. Nice photography and the story flowed well, especially considering it was a live event.

No finalists

T10 Public Service Reporting

First Place

"Hawaii's Medical Crisis"

Leland Kim, Joseph Aikala

KHNL News 8

Comments: In a very strong category, this entry brought to light a serious issue in Hawaii and dealt with it thoroughly.

Finalist

"Friends of the gang"

Gary Sprinkle

KITV

THANK YOU TO THE JUDGES OF THE REGION 12 CONTEST

Helen Altonn
Laurie Au
Dave Briscoe
David Butts
Alex Da Silva
Susan Essoyan
James Gonser
Gerald Kato
Nancy Cook Lauer
Marsha McFadden
Stirling Morita
Sandra Oshiro
Gene Park
Robert Shikina