Getting information

Because of "Right to Know Week," designated by the American Society of Newspaper Editors, here are some tips on how to handle federal Freedom of Information requests or requests made to state or local governments for information:

SAMPLE LETTER

Agency Head (or Freedom of Information Officer)
Name of Agency
Address of Agency
City, State, Zip Code

Dear FOI Officer:

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. (section)552).

I request that a copy of the following documents (or documents containing the following information) be provided to me: (Identify as specifically as possible.)

(You may also offer to pay fees up to a certain amount or request a fee waiver.)

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

[signature]

WHEN YOU'RE HAVING TROUBLE

Contact the agency to discuss your request. Try to pin down a date within four to six weeks that your request will be fulfilled.

Consider revising your letter if the agency says you have inadequately identified the material you're requesting.

Ask for exemption under which they are denying the request and be prepared to remind the agency that it has discretion whether to release some material.

Look for material at another agency. One agency might refuse release, but the another agency might release the same information.

ENLIST HELP

Consider getting an attorney to help you.

Contact a local or national Freedom of Information group.

Call legislators or members of Congress who may be in a position to influence agency officials.

LAWSUIT

Remember you have six years from the date of your initial request to file a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act.

You might be able to recoup court costs and attorney fees if you "substantially prevail" in your Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.

Source: Freedom of Information Clearinghouse, Society of Professional Journalists

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.

David Shapiro
Managing editor

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Your Right To Know