The flocks of media typically swarming the Hawaiian islands for the latest celebrity news will now have to think twice before publishing the latest expose due to a new bill passed by the State Judiciary Committee on Feb. 8. The senate approved a bill protecting celebrities or anyone else from intrusive paparazzi. The bill gives people the power to sue others who take photos or videos that are offensive in any way. The Steven Tyler Act was approved after rock legends Steven Tyler and Mick Fleetwood testified of the difficulty the media cause in their private lives. Each star spoke of how the paparazzi make simple activities like cooking with family and sunbathing elusive luxuries and the bill would give them peace of mind. Along with the two rock stars, Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne were two of more than a dozen celebrities that submitted testimonies supporting the bill. BYU-Hawaii students were asked whether this act is going to draw more celebrities to the already star-infested North Shore. “I don’t think it will make celebrity sightings more frequent but it will give those Hawaii visitors more peace of mind and the ability to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii more,” said native Hawaiian Trey Fortucci, a junior in biology. Fortucci is a caddy at Turtle Bay golf course and occasionally plays a few rounds with the stars. “It’s gotten to the point where I’m not even star-stricken . . They are just normal people. Hopefully this act will allow them relaxation just like regular tourists,” he said. Another student Haley Bleazard, a junior in biology from Cedar City, Utah, also hopes the act will give celebrities a better experience. She said, “Hawaii is all about hanging loose and getting lost in the tranquility of the island. Celebrities should be allowed to have an experience that reflects that.” Like Bleazard, Atalie Issacson, a business junior from Tucson, Ariz., said the bill will attract more celebrities. “The fact that so many stars have supported this bill means they are more than likely to act upon it and come here. Most celebrities want their privacy so I bet we will be seeing more of them around,” said Issacson.
Writer: Blakely Gull
