Star-Bulletin honors
reporter, columnist
for work in 1999

By Susan Kreifels
Star-Bulletin

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin handed its top two annual awards to reporter Rick Daysog for his groundbreaking coverage of Bishop Estate, and to columnist June Watanabe for her daily doses of problem-solving and common sense.

Daysog received the 1999 Kilohana Award for Outstanding Achievement and Watanabe was named the Unsung Hero for her Kokua Line column.

Managing Editor David Shapiro, who presented the awards Saturday, said Daysog's reporting made the Star-Bulletin the "undisputed leader in covering the 2-1/2-year-old Bishop Estate controversy."

"His insightful coverage of the many civil and criminal cases involving the removal of the Bishop trustees and the rebuilding of the trust has given our readers the most thorough possible understanding of these vital issues," Shapiro said.

He noted that Daysog's exclusive stories included the trustees' role in the Senate ouster of former state Attorney General Margery Bronster; the trustees' attempt to "essentially steal the estate" by making it a private corporation and moving it to an Indian reservation; and using ex-Gov. John Waihee to lobby the White House in a bid to kill legislation that would penalize trustees of charities for excessive pay.

Shapiro called Watanabe one of the "most important faces we present to the public. Every day she listens to our readers' problems, big and small, and helps them find solutions."

"Her efforts don't result in big Page 1 stories, but in little daily victories that make Kokua Line the Star-Bulletin's most popular daily feature," he said.

Shapiro also praised Watanabe for always pitching in to help during major breaking stories. For example, Watanabe helped cover the Xerox shooting and attempts to shut down the Star-Bulletin. "June is a role model to newer staffers for her professionalism and skill and an inspiration to all of us for her dedication and work ethic."

Each award included $1,000, a plaque and a rosewood box.