Many thanks to those who helped with awards program: Garret Kamemoto, Jade Moon, Don Kozono, Ray Lovell, and emcees Keoki Kerr, Jodi Leong and Floyd Takeuchi.
Winner: "Bronster Ouster," Capitol Bureau, Honolulu Advertiser. Judges' comments: "Remarkable team coverage from several angles that gave readers all the information they needed." Finalists: "Bronster Vote," Craig Gima, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Broken Schools, Band-Aid Solutions," Crystal Kua, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Winner: "What Price Paradise?", Rob Perez, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Judges' comments: "A clear winner, enterprising at its finest. Perez did indeed challenge the legitimacy of the so-called paradise tax in exhaustive detail and demonstrated courage by not caving in to advertisers' feelings." Finalists: "Star-Bulletin Closes," Rick Daysog, Debra Barayuga, Peter Wagner, Christine Donnelly, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Hawaiian's Renaissance," Michele Kayal, Honolulu Advertiser.
Winner: "Sacred Falls," Lori Tighe, Gordon Y.K. Pang, Gregg K. Kakesako, Jaymes K. Song, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. No comments provided.
Winner: "Big Island, Big Dreams," Hunter Bishop, Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Judges' comments: "Superb journalism; compelling." Finalists: "Dana Ireland," Crystal Kua, Cynthia Oi, Rod Thompson, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Hawaii's Brain Drain," Lavonne Leong, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Winners: "Shark Survivor," Tim Ryan, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. No comments provided.
Winner: "Search for Identity," Vicki Viotti, Honolulu Advertiser. No comments provided.
Winner: "Conference of Confusion," Paul Arnett, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Judges' comments: "A very strong piece of sports journalism. Arnett tackles the breakup of a major college conference and affords the reader an insightful and clear journey through several complex issues. He does a wonderful job relaying how the split will affect the hometown university, while also offering thoughtful analysis about the league's other seven teams. Arnett succeeds at one of writing's toughest hurdles to scale: He makes a difficult subject easy to understand.'' Finalists: "His Business Was Football," Ferd Lewis, Honolulu Advertiser; Cindy Luis, Honolulu Star-Bulletin (Note: Judges did not indicate which Cindy Luis entry was selected as a finalist, and there was more than one; clarification was not received in time for this release.)
Winner: "Dana Ireland," Michael Rovner, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Comments: "A powerful use of words and images to give a well-rounded picture of what happened then, and what has happened since. It's the kind of piece you don't forget." Finalists: "The Last Harvest," Lee Imada, Eugene Tanner, Terrie Eliker, The Maui News; "Seven Victims, An Island of Sorrow," Honolulu Advertiser.
Winner: "Sizing Up the Competition," Stephen Downes, Honolulu Advertiser. Comments: "Now this is a graphic element that tells the whole story. A fun and effective way to communicate with readers exactly what the story is about." Finalists: "Tora, Tora, Tora," Lucy Young-Oda, Bryant Fukutomi, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Warriors, Again," Michael Rovner, Curt Brandao, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Winner: "Businesses Allege Retribution," Malia Zimmerman, Gina Mangieri, Pacific Business News. No comments provided.
Winner: "How ADA Impacts Businesses," John Duchemin, Gina Mangieri, Pacific Business News. No comments provided.
Winner: "Kamehameha III School Playground Problem," Mark Vieth, Lahaina News. No comments provided.
Winner: "Eddie Kamae Exploring Lahaina's Soul," Mark Vieth, Lahaina News. No comments provided.
Winner: "Sam Lono's Legacy," Ian Bauer, Honolulu Weekly. No comments provided. Finalist: "One Man USO: The Earl Finch Story," Mark Santoki, Hawaii Herald
Winner: "Ailing Lahaina Tennis Legend," Walter Chihara, Lahaina News. No comments provided.
Winner: "Pacific Business Index," John Duchemin, Gina Mangieri, Pacific Business News. No comment provided.
No entries
No entries.
Winner: "How to Save Hawaii," Mike Markrich, Honolulu Magazine. Comments: "Of the several categories evaluated by this group of judges, the quality of the business writing entries easily surpasses that of the other categories. That's why Mr. Markrich's story is especially impressive. It combines first-rate reporting and information-gathering, which strengthen the writer's impassioned arguments in favor of the political and economic vision and leadership Hawaii appears to be lacking. We were particularly impressed by the manner in which Mr. Markrich incorporated the remedies for similar economic plights achieved in places as far afield as Kansas, New York and Canada. Bravo!" Finalists: "Father Knows Best," Craig DeSilva, Hawaii Business; "Survival Skills," Craig DeSilva, Hawaii Business.
Winner: "Who's Killing the Star-Bulletin," John Heckathorn, Honolulu Magazine. Comments: "Excellent insight into media politics. Reporter as observer and harbinger? Interesting premise, yet his journalism is first-rate." Finalists: "Upside Down and Out," A. Kam Napier, Honolulu Magazine; "Death of a Daily," Lucy Jokiel, Island Business.
Winner: "Black Unlike Me," Jana Wolff, Honolulu Magazine. Comments: "Plenty of lessons to be learned here. A very professionally crafted article. The writer's skill allows us to focus on some very powerful universal messages." Finalists: "Date Line Politics," Aimee Harris, Honolulu Magazine; "Keanae Requiem," Mauka Gene Simpson, Honolulu Magazine.
(TIE) Co-winner: "When Jerome Died," Jessica Ferracane, Honolulu Magazine. Comments: "Excellent work; best we've read. Depicts the tragedy of all involved. So much pain. And, as readers, it filled us with anger at the shoddy work of police." Co-winner: "Hawaii A.D. 1000," Scott Whitney, Honolulu Magazine. Comments: "When a writer can breathe life and excitement into a 1,000-year-old, second-day story, that's worthy of a prize. This writer was able to make history, science and anthropology flow with excellent pace. Every editor knows when you write about history you and better make it read as fast as a best-seller to get most readers to finish it. Scott Whitney did that." Finalists: "Letter from Hilo,: Les Peetz, Honolulu Magazine; "Smart Women, Tough Choices," Melissa Ching Benjamin, Honolulu Magazine.
Winner: "Stars on the Water," Katherine Nichols, Honolulu Magazine. Comments: "At first we were bewildered at the lack of more entries in this category. However, after seeing the caliber of writing by Ms. Nichols, it became clear why other sports writers would hesitate to compete against her. Nichols, who is also our second-place winner, combines passion and knowledge in her portraits of some of the islands' top water athletes and advocates." Finalist: "Tin Woman," Katherine Nichols, Honolulu Magazine.
Winner: "The Secret Hollowing of Red Hill," Darrell Ishii, Spirit of Aloha. Comments: "In a category with at least five very strong contenders for first place, this black-and-white package wins top prize. Excellent photos are highlighted by reverse type, insets and a stark, plain font. The artist seamlessly pulls together the story from the start and the sidebar to the last jump page with lovely simplicity. Kudos." Finalists: "Volcano Chasers!", Darrell Ishii, Spirit of Aloha; "The Murder Nobody Wants to Talk About," Michel V.M. Le.
Winner: "Murder, Mischief & Mayhem," Michel V.M. Le, Honolulu Magazine. Comments: "Inventive and colorful, this cover uses many creative elements in a remarkably unifying way. The result is an eye-catching work that immediately draws the readers in. We loved the playful, pulp detective novel design qualities, in particular the cut-out, ransom-note-like lettering. If all his covers are this good, Mr. Le might want to consider a sideline career designing posters for Hollywood studios or book covers for New York publishers." Finalists: "Stars on the Water," Michel V.M. Le, Honolulu Magazine; "High-Tech Future," Sunny Pauole, Island Business.
Winner: Dalton Tanonaka, Hawaii Herald. Comments: "This was the best entry in a very competitive category. Mr. Tanonaka has achieved a difficult task: educating and entertaining readers at the same time. His insights about various cultures, and the warm, inviting way in which he writes about them would make him an asset to any publication." Finalists: "Off Deadline," Valerie Monson, The Maui News; "Volcanic Ash," David Shapiro, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Winner: Ferd Lewis, Honolulu Advertiser. Comments: "By far the best entry in the category of sports column writing. Lewis smoothly weaves opinion with fact, while at the same time backing up his claims with a strong sense of research and knowledge of his subject. The columns are well-written, imaginative, clear and decisive. He shows great range in strongly taking on a local basketball coach one day, while pulling at the human emotion in a tale of the overachieving college athlete the next. Very solid stuff." Finalists: "Keeping Score," Cindy Luis, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Between the Lines," Robert Collias, The Maui News.
Winner: "A Musical Laboratory," Tim Ryan, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Comments: "Very well-organized and executed, these stories took an intriguing topic that could have been dealt with superficially, but instead was handled with obvious care and attention to detail. Good use of quotes enhanced a touching duo of stories." Finalists: "Jumping Flea," Ben DiPietro, Associated Press; "Merrie Master - George Naope," Cynthia Oi, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Winner: "Fire the Torpedoes," A. Kam Napier, Honolulu Magazine. Comments: "What a fiery column! Loved the way the writer mixed it up with this tax-collecting zealot and took him to task for seemingly unethical practice of targeting people at random. A perfect sample of someone watching the watchdog!" Finalists: "Bishop Estate," Carl Zimmerman, Lee Catterall, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Watch What You Wish For," John Heckathorn, Honolulu Magazine.
Winner: "Workplace Violence," Corky Trinidad, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Comments: "Striking; good play on a vintage idea." Finalist: "Chinese Takeout," Dick Adair, Honolulu Advertiser.
Winner: "Heather," David Swann, Dennis Oda, Honolulu Star-Bulletin Comments: "Stretching the almighty dollar never looked so fun. Nice touch showing the plethora of goods spilling out of the bill." Finalists: "Warriors, Again," Dean Sensui, Dennis Oda, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Upside Down and Out," Dennis Calero, Honolulu Magazine.
Winner: "Somebody's Got a Gun," Martha Hernandez, Honolulu Advertiser. Comments: "In cases where breaking news events continue to evolve, the reader is sometimes better served with a comprehensive follow-up once all the facts are in. Thorough reporting, thoughtful composition and attention to detail bring this full-page infographic to the top of the heap. Adding mugshots of all the principal players humanizes this tragedy. This graphic tells the whole story and forces the reader to get involved. Solid job." Finalists: "A Look Back," Lucy Young-Oda, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Rapa Nui," David Swann, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Winner: Seth Markow, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Comments: Referring to Markow's headline: "Most patients chronically ill-informed. Study finds doctors provide too little info for proper decisions," the judges said: "The clear standout here. Fine wordplay in the main headline is well-supported by an informative deck. Other headlines submitted were also good."
Winner: "Officer Hurt on Freeway," Bruce Asato, Honolulu Advertiser. Comments: "Asato's photograph has a feel of immediacy as two officers comfort their fellow officer who was hit by a motorist while he was stopping to check on a stalled car." Finalists: "Kosi Trial," Matthew Thayer, The Maui News; "Halo Over Honolulu," Dennis Oda, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Winner: "Last Leap Before School Starts," Kathryn Bender, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Comments: "Winner used good technique in using blur on a sunny vacation feature picture." Finalists: "Sunset Sail," George F. Lee, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Testing Out Some Young Wings," Dennis Oda, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Winner: "Rodeo Has Its Ups and Downs," Matthew Thayer, The Maui News. Comments: "This clearly takes first place based on its split-second strangeness." Finalists: "Pirates' Gold Glove," Eugene Tanner, The Maui News; "Rainbows Wrap Up Season to Remember," Cory Lum, Honolulu Advertiser.
Winner: "Quiet Gunman Kills 7," Cory Lum, Honolulu Advertiser. Comments: "A clear first place. Lum's photo of Xerox killing suspect Byran Uyesugi negotiating with police is a solid example of the photographer placing himself where the images were in this national story." Finalist: "6 Killed in Landslide," Jeff Widener, Honolulu Advertiser.
Winner: "Goodbye to Wainee Village," Matthew Thayer, The Maui News. Comments: "Poignant and evocative. This photo essay compellingly captured memories of a community and place that is no longer there anymore, and the sadness of its demolition." Finalists: "The Last Harvest," Eugene Tanner, The Maui News; "Road to Mandalay," George F. Lee, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Winner: "Rodrigues/PGMA," Ian Lind, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Comments: "Lind's series of hard-hitting articles exposed a trail of misconduct and corruption. The writing is clear and easy for readers to follow." Finalists: "Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate," Rick Daysog, Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "Insane Punishment," Robert Rees, Honolulu Weekly.
Winner: "What Price Paradise," Rob Perez, Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Comments: " 'What Price Paradise' touches on a pocketbook issue that affects every citizen in Hawaii. The text is accompanied by a vast array of useful graphics. It was difficult to pick a winner from the selection of compelling stories in the categories of investigative and public service reporting." Finalists: "Dana Ireland," Honolulu Star-Bulletin; "White Collar Crime," Lucy Jokiel, Island Business.
Winner: "Haiku Stairs," Russell Shimooka, Liz Chun, KGMB-TV. No comments provided. No finalists.
Winner: "Aloha Wear," Russell Shimooka, KGMB-TV. No comments provided. Finalists: "Mixed Plate: Mail Order 1&2," Pamela Young, KITV; "Big Island Bananas," Bill Beyer, Alan Lu, KGMB.
Winner: "Star-Bulletin to Close," Bob Loy, Andrew Nunes, KGMB. No comments provided. Finalists: "City Bus Slowdown," Keoki Kerr, KITV; "Founder's Day," Jim Mendoza, Beau Cuizon, KGMB.
Winner: "Daring to Dream: Hokulea's Quest," Kim Gennaula, Don Kozono, KGMB. Comments: "Strong production value; nice story-telling; good surprise ending, good photography." Finalists: "Dying Man's Wish," Diane Ako, Sisto Domingo, KHNL; "Hawaii 5-0 Hips," Diane Ako, KHNL.
Winner: "Toothbrush Investigation," Angela Keen, KGMB. Comments: "Echh! The judges all went home and threw out their toothbrushes after watching this well-produced piece." Finalist: "Disabled Lawsuit," Daryl Huff, KITV.
Winner: "Gun Safety Test," Louise Kim McCoy, Bill Beyer, Liz Chun, Matt Fletcher, George Hurd, KGMB. Comments: "Excellent concept; engaging' we watched the whole piece with interest; good, emotional connection, even with viewers who are not parents." Finalist: "Teen Stop Smoking Challenge," Jill Kuramoto, KITV.
No winner. Finalist: "Tiger Like?" Dave Vinton, KGMB.
Winner: "San Juan Islands," Stuart Ishikawa, KITV. Comments: Artistically very strong; captured natural beauty of subject."
Winner: "Mixed Plate: Land Where Time Began," Pamela Young, Rick Pike, KITV. Comments: "Informative, interesting, high production values; very creative shots and angles." Finalist: "Baywatch Hawaii: On Location," Ron Mizutani, Faye Jones, Kyle Funasaki
Winner: "Bishop Estate: Fulfilling Her Legacy," Sharene Saito Tam, Garett Kamemoto, KGMB 9 News Team, Production Dept., KGMB. Comments: "In-depth covrage of an important community issue' concise; good use of graphics." Finalists: "Raging Sea," Kim Gennaula, Don Kozono, KGMB; "Disabled Lawsuit," Daryl Huff, KITV.
Winner: "Wayfinders," Heidi Chang, Hawaii Public Radio. Comments: "Nice radio intro to what sounds like an interesting TV special."
Winner: "Bishop Estate," Heidi Chang, Hawaii Public Radio. Comments: "Good in-depth examination of a serious problem."
Winner: "Hawaiian Language Movement," Heidi Chang, Hawaii Public Radio. Comments: "Good exploration of the link between saving a language and saving a culture. We loved the sound of the little kids in Part 1."
Winner: "USS Missouri Museum," Heidi Chang, Hawaii Public Radio. Comments: "A clean sweep for Ms. Chang. Nice mix of retires sailors and Marines and archival sound." Hawaii SPJ