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The massive search for 12 Marines, after Thursday night’s collision of two Super Stallion helicopters over rough seas off the North Shore, brings to mind one of the U.S. military’s most hallowed traditions: “Leave no man behind.” The Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Marines, as well as city lifeguards and ambulance personnel, joined in the intense and exhausting effort to find the Marines.
We can only hope for the best, while fearing the worst. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those missing, and to those who must guide them through this difficult time.
A blow to open government in DLNR case
In a 2014 ruling, the Hawaii Supreme Court explained a few things about how our democracy works. First, criminal proceedings involving adult defendants “are presumptively open to the public.” Second, “only an overriding interest” can overcome this presumption. Third, a court must “set forth specific findings” to justify a closure.
Perhaps Hawaii island District Judge Barbara Tasake didn’t get the message. On Thursday she sealed — without a hearing or public notice — the charging documents for Ethan Ferguson, a state Department of Land and Natural Resources officer charged with sexually assaulting a minor.
It’s disheartening when Hawaii judges and attorneys choose to ignore basic processes fundamental to an open government.
