HTH wins 8 journalism awards

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald won eight awards for outstanding journalism during the 29th annual Pa‘i Awards held Thursday in Honolulu.

The Hawaii Publishers Association presented the awards for work published in 2013. Mainland journalists judged the entries to ensure impartiality.

The competition was open to news media outlets statewide, including newspapers, magazines and websites. The awards were announced during a luncheon at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

The awards the Tribune-Herald won are:

First place, Investigative Reporting — This award went to reporter Colin Stewart for “Pahoa High School No. 1 in Misconduct.” Judges said: “A strong piece that used a public-records request to gain access to information about disciplinary records at public schools that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. This is the kind of information that parents in the community deserve to have, but can have a difficult time finding on their own.” West Hawaii Today won second place.

First place, Feature Photography — This award went to photographer Hollyn Johnson for her picture of a researcher in a space suit at the end of a four-month research mission on Mauna Loa. Judges said: “… Between the effective use of negative space; the beautiful, well exposed, saturated sky; and the unique subject matter, this photo is definitely a star.” Pacific Business News won second place.

Second place, Spot News Photography — Johnson won this award for an image of a same-sex couple following their wedding. “It’s a beautiful shot that’s overflowing with human interest…,” judges said. Maui News won first place.

Second place, Special Section Excellence — This award recognized the Tribune-Herald’s special section for the Merrie Monarch Festival’s 50th anniversary. Judges said: “I really liked how ‘Merrie Monarch’ design and storytelling wed content and context to the graphic concept the Hawaii Tribune-Herald’s employed for this ambitious piece that mixed culture, history, and dance into this feature section. The work is fluid, colorful, playful and carries out its stylebook gracefully and invitingly with the content — very appropriate and tastefully balanced.” MidWeek won first place.

Second place, Excellence in Design — This award went to Associate Editor Meg Scarbrough for her layout and design of “Merrie Monarch 50th Anniversary.” Judges said: “The designer successfully combined a variety of different photos with text and graphics in order to create an informative, inviting layout. Although there is a lot going on visually, the overall look is still clean and classy.” MidWeek won first place.

Second place, Editorial Series — This award went to reporter Tom Callis for his series on genetically modified food. “A detailed look at the important GMO issue that comes at an international story from a number of local angles,” judges said. “Comprehensive, organized and clearly written. Fine journalism.” Mana won first place.

Second place, Editorial Enterprise Reporting —This award went to reporter John Burnett for “Pop Warner Lost $100k.” Judges said: “Good detail about the impact on the team — the kids endure a tough life lesson — and some of the inner workings of the league.” West Hawaii Today won first place.

Second place, Spot News —Burnett received this award for “10 years in Fatal Crash.” Judges said: “This manages to capture the emotion of the final day of trial and also recap what led up to it. Fine writing all the way to its measured conclusion.”

HPA also recognized retired Tribune-Herald publisher Ted Dixon and retired West Hawaii Today publisher Rick Asbach with its Hall of Fame Award.

West Hawaii Today, the Tribune-Herald’s sister paper, won the following awards: Second place, Excellence in Cover Design; first place; Excellence in Cover Design; second place, Investigative Reporting; first place, Editorial Enterprise Reporting; first place, Spot News.

Both newspapers are owned by Stephens Media.