EBay Founder to Start Up Online Hawaii News Service

[Source: The Honolulu Advertiser; November 18, 2009]

EBbay founder, philanthropist and Honolulu resident Pierre Omidyar said he plans to start up a local online news service that will cover public affairs and civic matters across Hawaii.

Omidyar, in a post on his “Peer News” blog, said he is looking for an editor for the yet-to-be-named service set to debut in early 2010. 

“We are creating a Honolulu-based local news service that will produce original, in-depth reporting and analysis of local issues in Hawaii. Although we haven’t fully defined our coverage areas yet, we know the focus will be public affairs and civic matters that impact communities across Hawaii."

Editor's note: Omidyar's announcement is the latest in a trend of wealthy philanthropists contributing significant start up funding for non-profit online news ventures: Buzz Woolley and Voice of San Diego, the Sandler Family and ProPublica, Warren Hellman and the Bay Area News Project.