Why free society needs
full-access government

Open government is the cornerstone of our democracy. Without full public access to government records and meetings, we cannot fulfill our responsibilities as citizens of a free society.

This week is "Your Right to Know Week," so designated by the American Society of Newspaper Editors in observance of the First Amendment and laws that mandate open government.

The Star-Bulletin will publish stories and features all week examining the state of open government in Hawaii. You'll also see the "Your Right to Know" logo on many stories during the week as a reminder of the important information that wouldn't be available to the public if not for local and federal laws that require it.

We invite readers to write and tell us why open government is important to you and how well or poorly you think Hawaii is doing in making official information and meetings open to the public.

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David Shapiro
Managing editor