Former Honolulu City Council member Andy Mirikitani, released from federal prison last year, is going back to court, this time asking that his conviction be reversed and his remaining term of court supervision be ended. In a complaint filed in federal court in Honolulu by attorney John Edmunds on October 29, Mirikitani blames the court appointed attorney who handled his original appeal for failing to advance three arguments he believed had legal merit and would have been persuasive. Click here to read the lastest filing. You’ll have to scroll down to the end for the meat of the issue.

Thanks to one-time Star-Bulletin photographer Dick Schmidt for pointing me to a couple of items from the Sacramento Bee concerning those California lawmakers and lobbyists gathered on Maui. Here’s a news story from earlier in the week, and a column by Steve Wiegand, described as “the Bee’s version of Charley Memminger, but Wiegand’s humor column is always dedicated to topics involving state politics.”

Speaking of politics, did you notice Peter Boylan’s piece in yesterday’s Honolulu Advertiser concerning a request by Associated Press to release the Awana emails that had triggered the recent extortion prosecution?

It seems clear that these should be released. Prosecutors originally argued that they should remain confidential “until trial” in order to assure a fair trial. Now that the case is completed, they should not receive any special status that other government documents subject to the Freedom of Information Act would have. Under FOIA, there would have to be a balancing test with the privacy rights of persons named in the documents on the one side, and the public’s right to know on the other. In this case, the emails involve planning by a top state government official for activities during an official state trip abroad. That on its face creates significant public interest that has to be given substantial weight, I would think. In addition, even if there are privacy concerns about other parties named, the documents should not be withheld in their entirety, but subject to redaction, if necessary, as would happen in a FOIA case.

It appears the decision will initially be up to Judge Seabright. Let’s hope he does the right thing.

And I’m told there are still seats available for the free Nov. 13 workshops in the State Capitol Auditorium on ethical lobbying (Nov 13th, morning), and nonprofit coalition building (Nov 13th, afternoon).

‘Ethical Lobbying in Hawaii’

This workshop will be from 8:30 to 11 a.m., is designed for nonprofit advocates, attorneys, consultants and others who work with the Legislature to develop public policy. Presenters include Ann Bailey, chief counsel of the California State Senate Legislative Ethics Committee, Daniel J. Mollway, executive director and general counsel, Hawaii State Ethics Commission, and Charles Totto, executive director and legal counsel of the Honolulu Ethics Commission.

‘Building Coalitions and
Political Power for Nonprofits’

This workshop, from 1 to 4 p.m., will answer questions, such as: How can we build authentic, lasting, effective coalitions in the competitive world of nonprofits? What are key characteristics of honest coalitions, that honor the autonomy of agencies and dignity of individuals while creating an environment for collaboration and cooperation? What mentalities must nonprofits adopt to build real power for social change?

For more information, contact Sally Ley, sley@hano-hawaii.org, (808) 529-0455.

In case you missed it, here’s a fish story, dateline Kaaawa, with a special twist.

For some other real fish tales, check out these stories and photos by Rob Whitton, one of our friends in Kaaawa and a top-notch underwater videographer.

The Peacock’s back…we heard his loud commotion late yesterday afternoon, and he turned out to be strutting his stuff while perched on the roof of the house below and across the street from us. I got the camera in time for a photo before he ambled off. Just click for a good view.