Honolulu (AP) - The state and a group of residents are suing in an attempt to stop the closing of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

They say shutting down the newspaper deprives readers and advertisers of competition in violation of antitrust laws.

The separate lawsuits were filed in U.S. District court.

Gannett Co. Inc. which owns the competing morning Honolulu Advertiser, will pay Liberty Newspapers Ltd. Partnership more than $30 million to close the still-profitable Star-Bulletin, according to the lawsuit filed by Save Our Star-Bulletin.