Always the champion to fight for a cause, Aerosmith front-man Steven Tyler will "appear in a Hawaiian courtroom on Friday to attend a legislative hearing on a bill that bears his and would limit people's freedom to take photos and video of celebrities," according to USA Today.
A publicist for the former "American Idol" judge told The Associated Press on Thursday that Tyler submitted written testimony supporting the proposal, which would allow people to collect damages from someone who photographs them in an offensive way during their personal or family time.
"The paradise of Hawaii is a magnet for celebrities who just want a peaceful vacation," Tyler said in a statement emailed 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."
Supports of this bill include other celebrities like Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Neil Diamond, Tommy Lee and the Osborne family," according to USA Today.
The stars claim the paparazzi have made activities like cooking with family and sunbathing elusive luxuries and the bill would give them peace of mind.
"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," according to USA Today.
Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said he supports the intent of the bill but said it may need to be refined. The state attorney general will testify about legal concerns concerning the bill's language, according to USA Today.
Sen. Kalani English, from Maui, said he introduced the bill at the request of Tyler, who owns a multimillion-dollar home in Maui. More than two-thirds of the state's senators have co-sponsored the bill, according to USA Today.
The bill will spur celebrity tourism to the islands, boosting Hawaii's economy, English said, according to USA Today.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
