We’re passionate about helping aspiring journalists grow and make an impact

Our Mission

The Big Island Press Club (BIPC) defends the public’s right to know, uplifts ethical journalism, educates the public on media literacy and cultivates the next generation of journalists. Since 1967, we’ve served as Hawai‘i Island’s independent watchdog for open government and media transparency. Through community-driven advocacy, legal action, annual scholarships, internships and events that honor integrity—and call out its absence—we champion a free press and informed citizenry. The BIPC Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit accepting charitable donations.

BIPC is more than a professional association; we are an independent watchdog for the people of Hawai‘i Island. Founded on the belief that a healthy democracy requires a free and fearless press, our mission is to protect the public’s right to access information.

Defending Your Right to Know

We serve as a frontline advocate for government transparency and open records. Through our legislative monitoring, educational seminars and public advocacy, we hold power to account and ensure that the Sunshine Laws of our state are upheld. Whether you are a working journalist or a concerned citizen, BIPC is your partner in the pursuit of truth.

Transparency starts with us. Review the formal structure and governance of our organization by viewing the Official BIPC Bylaws.

Six adults, three women and three men, gathered in a cozy room, smiling and posing for a photo. The women are sitting and lying on a bed or couch, while the men are sitting and lying among them, with one woman lying down front and center.

Our History

Nearly 60 Years of Integrity

Founded in 1967, the Big Island Press Club (BIPC) is the oldest organization of its kind in the state of Hawai‘i. For over half a century, we have stood at the intersection of media, government, and community life. Our legacy is built on the shoulders of local legends like Yukino Fukabori, whose dedication to the club helped establish the foundation of our $450,000+ scholarship endowment.

From our early days hosting "Gridiron" roasts of local politicians to our modern-day role as a leader in Freedom of Information advocacy, our history is a testament to the enduring importance of local news. We don't just record history; we protect the systems that allow it to be told accurately.

Want to learn more about BIPC? Review some of our historical documentation.

A group of six people, three women and three men, gathered behind a banner that reads 'Big Island Press Club,' in front of a building with a white wall and a lantern. The group is smiling, with one man showing a thumbs-up gesture and a woman with a flower in her hair. The banner features a cartoon fire goddess in red with a typewriter, and text indicating the press club's mission since 1967.

Board of Directors

Leadership with a Vision

The Big Island Press Club is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprising award-winning journalists, communication professionals and community advocates. Our board members bring decades of experience from newsrooms, government offices, and non-profit sectors to guide our mission. Board Directory:

  • Maya-Lin Green, President

  • Kevin Dayton, Vice President

  • Nancy Cook Lauer, Treasurer

  • John Burnett, Secretary

  • Tiffany Edwards Hunt, Past President/Director

  • Robert Duerr, Past Treasurer/Director Emeritus

  • Patsy Iwasaki, Director

  • Peter Serafin, Director

  • Ross Wilson, Director

  • John Atwell, Director

  • Laila Moiré-Selvage, Board Adjunct/Website

If you need to reach a specific committee chair or officer, please reach out via our contact page.

A framed black-and-white photo of a woman wearing a sun hat, with a necklace draped over it, displayed on a table. Behind the table, two women are talking, one wearing a floral sweater and one with dark hair. The setting is decorated for Christmas with garland and ornaments.

Our Awards

Torch of Light & Lava Tube

Every year, the Big Island Press Club presents two of Hawai‘i’s most anticipated awards. Together, they celebrate those who open the doors of government and call out those who attempt to close them.

As it has for the past 28 years, our 59-year-old press club announces these awards on March 16th—Freedom of Information Day. This date honors the birthday of James Madison, the "Father of the U.S. Constitution" and the leading advocate for openness in government among our founders. Today, BIPC carries on this tradition as Hawaiʻi Island's independent watchdog for open government.

The Torch of Light Award: The Torch of Light Award is given to an individual or entity for illuminating the public’s right to know. This honor represents the highest commitment to transparency and truth.

The Lava Tube Award: Conversely, the Lava Tube "dishonor" is reserved for the most egregious act of government secrecy, lack of communication or obfuscation. It serves as a pointed reminder that the public’s business must always be conducted in the public eye.

Torch of Light Honorees

2025 Retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald
2024 Julia Neal, founder and publisher of Ka’u Calendar (posthumously) 2023 retired Intermediate Court of Appeals Judge Daniel Foley 2022 Cindy Reves, Hawaii state director for the Journalism Education Association 2021 Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha 2020 James Hustace and the Waimea Community Association 2019 W.H. Shipman Ltd. President Margaret “Peggy” Farias 2018 Sue Lee Loy, Hawaii County Councilwoman 2017 Brian Black of the Civil Beat Law Center 2016 West Hawaii Today reporter Nancy Cook Lauer 2015 State Sen. Lorraine Inouye 2014 USGS HVO Scientists 2013 Mayor Billy Kenoi 2012 County Councilwoman and State Rep. Helene Hale (posthumously) 2011 State Judicial Selection Commission 2010 Hawaii County Civil Defense and other departments 2009 Legislature, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle 2008 Les Kondo, Office of Information Practices 2007 West Hawaii Today 2006 Lillian Koller, State Department of Human Services 2005 Retired Circuit Judge Paul de Silva 2004 UH Manoa Journalism Professor Beverly Keever 2003 U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink (posthumously) 2002 Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim 2001 Hawaii County Clerk Al Konishi 2000 Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano 1999 Jerry Rothstein and Judith Graham 1998 Environment Hawaii and Common Cause 1997 Society of Professional Journalists, Hawaii Chapter

Lava Tube Dishonorees

2025 Legislator X (still unknown person accepting a $35,000 bribe)
2024 Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA)
2023 HI-EMA Administrator Col. (Ret.) James Barros
2022 Hawaii Gov. David Ige
2021 Group of 10 senators, led by Sen. Kalani English
2020 Hawaii Gov. David Ige
2019 Pohakuloa Training Area Public Affairs Officer Michael Donnelly
2018 Hawaii County Civil Defense
2017 Hawaii Office of Information Practices
2016 Former Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi
2015 State Land Board Chairwoman Suzanne Case
2014 State Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago
2013 Democratic Party House District 5 Council
2012 State Sen. Clayton Hee
2011 Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie
2010 Hawaii County Council
2009 Noelani Whittington, County Department of Public Works
2008 Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaii County Council
2007 State Board of Education
2006 Honolulu, Kauai, and Hawaii County Councils
2005 District Judge Matthew S.K. Pyun
2004 State Land Board Chairman Peter Young
2003 State Sen. Cal Kawamoto
2002 University of Hawaii Board of Regents
2001 University of Hawaii Board of Regents
2000 State Rep. Eric Hamakawa and Hawaii County Councilman James Arakaki
1999 Hawaii County Council
1998 Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano
1997 Hawaii County Councilman Elroy Osorio