A hui of groups working for open meetings in Hawai'i received less than half of the requests made for minutes of closed "executive" sessions.

"Unfortunately, some government bodies surveyed failed to release the minutes of those closed-door meetings, thus fostering suspicions and undermining public trust in public agencies," said Beverly Keever, University of Hawai'i journalism professor and co-chairwoman of the project.

Starting in July 2006, the Society of Professional Journalists, Hawaii Chapter; Big Island Press Club; Honolulu Community-Media Council; and League of Women Voters of Hawaii began asking 28 boards and commissions across all major islands for minutes of 55 closed-door executive sessions.

They received minutes for only 25 sessions. Thirteen of them were deemed "inadequate" and two of the minutes listed matters that probably should have been discussed in public, according to the groups.

State law allows government boards and agencies to meet behind closed doors only for specific purposes, such as labor negotiations and land dealings, Keever said.

"But after the official decision is made," she said, "the long-term public interest requires under state law that the minutes of those sessions be released so that the public can be informed about government operations and policymaking."

Out of the 55 requests for minutes of executive sessions, the groups received only 48 responses. State law requires a response within 10 days to a request for minutes.

"One thing is clear: The results of this audit are unacceptable to the club and the people of Hawai'i," said Peter Sur, president of the Big Island Press Club.