Brett,  good column, though I take exception with your characterization of public information officers in Hawaii.  From my experience on both sides of the fence (as a news executive and now as a government communications manager), many PIO's are former journalists (numerous ones who worked for me) , who didn't suddenly drink "bureaucratic koolaid" and now suddenly become obstructionists or shills for bureaucratic leaders or politicians.  Legal constraints, difficulty in gathering information expeditiously, and heavy work loads can give the impression that an agency is being less than forthcoming.  These are the same challenges newsrooms often face these days.  Many of us take pride in the level of transparency we provide, the volume and accuracy of the information we disseminate; it is always easy and efficient to blame the messenger, but we both know that's a simplistic way of looking at things.

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resource