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Posted: Friday, February 1st, 2013 9:31 AM HST

Hawaii lawmakers propose shielding celeb privacy

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — More than two-thirds of Hawaii's state senators have signed onto a bill to protect celebrities from paparazzi, giving famous faces power to sue over unwanted beach photos and other snapshots on the islands. And the bill's author says he's pushing the law at the request of Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler. A representative for Aerosmith declined immediate comment Thursday night, saying Tyler was not immediately available. Maui Democrat Sen. Kalani English says the so-called "Steven Tyler Act" will help Hawaii's tourism and film industries. The bill would open people up to civil lawsuits if they invade privacy by taking or selling photos or videos. Longtime Hawaii media lawyer Jeff Portnoy says the legislation panders to celebrities. Portnoy compares the effort with a 12-year-old trying to get a Justin Beiber autograph.