Steven Tyler to Testify – Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will testify before the Hawaii State Senate, as members debate a bill that would limit photographers’ ability to snap photos of celebrities on the island.
Dubbed The Steven Tyler Act, the bill seeks to impose stricter penalties on photographers, enable celebrities to seek damages from those who break the law, and expand the laws surrounding invasion of privacy. For instance, Tyler’s bill seeks to penalize the use of zoom lenses on cameras and sophisticated sound equipment.
“The paradise of Hawaii is a magnet for celebrities who just want a peaceful vacation,” Tyler wrote in a statement to The Associated Press. “As a person in the public eye, I know the paparazzi are there and we have to accept that. But when they intrude into our private space, disregard our safety and the safety of others, that crosses a serious line that shouldn’t be ignored.”
Tyler is not alone in feeling paparazzi presence should be curbed on the island. A dozen celebrities have also lent their support and submitted testimony to the act, including Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Neil Diamond, Tommy Lee and the Osborne family.
The following is a snippet from some of their testimony:
“Providing a remedy to the often-egregious acts of the paparazzi is a very notable incentive to purchase property or vacation on the islands,” the stars said. “Not only would this help the local economy, but it would also help ensure the safety of the general public, which can be threatened by crowds of cameramen or dangerous high-speed car chases.”
If anyone was wondering what promoted Tyler to testify, records show he has a home in Maui.
Tyler already has the support of key Hawaii leaders. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said that he supports the intent of the bill, but said it may need to be “refined.” Sen. Kalani English, from Maui, even introduced the bill at the request of Tyler. The AP reports that more than two-thirds of the state’s senators have co-sponsored the bill.
Hawaii’s Senate Judiciary Committee will debate the bill publicly for the first time on Friday.
