KITV4 News and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin went to court Friday in an effort to open up secret hearings and confidential records. Some of the records concern how the four Campbell trustees handled or mishandled a multi-million dollar claim against its former law firm, Ashford and Wriston.

Campbell Estate court records were open to the public for more than 100 years, but in the past 18 months, the estate's business activities have been shrouded in legal secrecy.

"Until now, no court has conducted a searching or meaningful review of the issue of secrecy that has shrouded this case and made secret from the public and the press much of the actions of the judiciary in relation to the Campbell Estate," KITV4 News and Star-Bulletin attorney Evan Shirley said.

Campbell Estate trustees argue that the challenge by the news media should be made to the state Supreme Court and not the probate court.

"In Hawaii, there is no law on the issue of rights of access in probate court," Campbell Estate attorney Ed Case said. Case also serves in the state House of Representatives.

Previous Stories:

• March 16, 2001: KITV4 News Challenges Campbell Estate
• February 6, 2001: Campbell Estate Dealt Legal Blow