The Hawaii Reporter reported yesterday that more than two-thirds of Hawaii's state senators have signed onto a bill to protect celebrities from paparazzi, giving them power to sue over unwanted beach photos and other snapshots on the islands.
The bill’s author is making the move at the request of Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, and former "American Idol" judge who recently bought a $4.8 million home in Maui.
It's strange that this is coming from Tyler, who for years has bared as much as he could onstage. He even went so far as to strip naked on an episode of American Idol in Las Vegas, and then jumped into a pool next to the judges stage.
According to Maui Democrat Sen. Kalani English the so-called "Steven Tyler Act" will help Hawaii's tourism and encourage famous people to come here without fear of being stalked by paparazzi.
"These are my constituents as well," English told the Associated Press. "Public figures have a right to reasonable privacy. There's a balance that we need to create."
The bill would allow public figures to file civil lawsuits against anyone invading the privacy of public figures by taking or selling photos or videos. It defines invasion of privacy as capturing or trying to capture images or sound of people "in a manner that is offensive to a reasonable person," during personal or family moments. It does not specify places where pictures would be ok or whether public places would be exempt. The bill says it would also apply to people who are taking photos from boats or anywhere else within ocean waters.
English wrote in the bill, "Although their celebrity status may justify a lower expectation of privacy, the Legislature finds that sometimes the paparazzi go too far to disturb the peace and tranquility afforded celebrities who escape to Hawaii for a quiet life."
Jeff Portnoy a longtime Hawaii media lawyer said the legislation is vague and panders to celebrities. "It's unnecessary, it's potentially unconstitutional and it flies in the face of decades of privacy law," he said.
Since moving to Hawaii Tyler has been seen on the beaches of Maui in a less than flattering bikini bottom, leading to Tyler being featured in a number of slideshows of celebs you never want to see on the beach.
One such slideshow, from the New York Daily News, features celebrities such as Quentin Tarantino, Steve Martin, Ivan Trump, and of course Tyler. TMZ photos show the rock star snorkeling on the beaches of Hawaii.
After viewing a number of photos of the 64 year-old, it’s understandable why Tyler would like a little privacy, but the beaches in Hawaii are owned by the people in Hawaii.
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