The DCCA's deadline for comments has been
extended to
September 30, 2008
Oceanic Cable Television O`ahu Franchise Renewal Questionnaire on Community Needs and Olelo’s Services |
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DCCA's new community meeting notice announcing info on upcoming Sept 9 (Kapolei) and Sept 10 (Windward) meeting times and Sept 30 written comment deadline. |
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The Honolulu Advertiser OpEd on the Franchise Renewal Process from August 15 2008 |
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DCCA web page regarding Oceanic Time Warner Cable's Franchise Renewal for Oahu. |
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Consolidation of ideas and comments given at ‘Ōlelo forums |
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The enabling legislation authorizing DCCA to regulate Cable Television in Hawaii. |
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D&O of the franchise renewal from 1988. |
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D&O outlining significant modifications to the franchise due to a transfer of ownership of the cable company. |
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Web Site of nationally renowned PEG Access expert, Sue Buske |
September 17
As even a casual observer can see, economic news has not been good of late. Much of the discussion centers around how the financial crisis could have been averted and how steps should have been taken years ago to stem the economic downturn. Sometimes bad news like this can engender a sense of powerlessness and we're not sure which direction to take. At times like these, I find it meaningful to focus on things I can make a difference on.
Right now, via the Franchise Renewal Process, there is an opportunity for you to affect the future direction of community television on O`ahu for years to come. In the scope of everything happening right now, it may not seem like you have the time or even the inclination to do something. I ask you to join me and add your voice to speak about what services, resources and capabilities are needed to shape the future of technology and connectivity on our island as well as the importance of preserving community television. The deadline for comments is fast approaching. Every one of us can easily contribute to this process rather than looking back at some point in the future asking what we could have done.
There are a number of ways you can become involved, but keep in mind, the deadline is September 30, 2008.
Submit Written Comment
Provide written comments describing what you believe are vital communication needs for you and your community.
Comments may be sent to the DCCA by mail, fax or scanned e-mail:
DCCA-CATV, P.O. Box 541, Honolulu, HI 96809.
Fax (808) 586-2625.
E-mail: Cabletv@dcca.hawaii.gov
Complete a DCCA Survey
If you haven't completed a DCCA survey about PEG access and 'Olelo services, the survey (O'ahu Franchise Renewal Questionnaire) can be found here.
http://hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/catv/cable_operators/oceaniccable/oahufranchiserenewal/Comm_Needs_Quest_Final.pdfFor more on the franchise renewal process and to see what kind of information is being sought, read the Honolulu Advertiser Op Ed and read this page.tp://www.olelo.org/news_franchise_renewal.htm
Be a part of the process by submitting your comments and completed surveys before the September 30th deadline. Also spread the word to your friends and neighbors as this opportunity may not come again for another 10 to 15 years.
Let your voice be heard!
September 8
We want to make sure that everyone knows how to participate in the Franchise Renewal process. What's decided during this renewal will impact you, your neighbors, families and community organizations for decades and the opportunity to become involved in this process comes only once every 10 to 15 years. The time to speak is now. Every voice is important.
Coming up next week Tuesday and Wednesday, important community meetings on the franchise renewal will be held and we hope to see you there giving your input. More info on these meetings can be found below.
The last meeting in July was very complimentary about 'Olelo and its services and we thank you for your heartfelt comments. However, the DCCA has asked that future comments be more specific to the franchise renewal process. This means comments should be focused on what types of communication advances you would like to see for your community, for O'ahu and for the State as a whole. It is important that you and others participate. Here are some of the ways you can become engaged:
Learn More About Franchise Renewal
To help answer your questions, 'Olelo is coordinating an informational series of interactive Internet seminars (Webinars). We invite you to participate so you can be better prepared to provide informed input on franchise renewal. To sign up for a Webinar, email Meredith Nichols mnichols@olelo.org or call 834-0007, ext. 128.
Offer Comment at a Community Meeting
The DCCA has scheduled additional community meetings:
Tuesday, September 9 at Kapolei Middle School Cultural Center
Wednesday, September 10 at Windward Community College - Hale Alaka'i, Rm 102
Both meetings are scheduled from 6 - 8 pm.
Click here for the meeting notice.
Submit Written Comment
Provide written comments describing what you believe are vital communication needs for you and your community. Comments are due to the DCCA by September 30. Information on where to send your comments can be found at the meeting notice link.
Complete a DCCA Survey
If you haven't completed a DCCA survey about PEG access and 'Olelo services, the deadline for this survey is September 30. Click here for the survey (O'ahu Franchise Renewal Questionnaire)
http://hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/catv/cable_operators/oceaniccable/oahufranchiserenewal/Comm_Needs_Quest_Final.pdf
Explore this web page for information on the franchise renewal process and to see what kind of information is being sought.
http://www.olelo.org/news_franchise_renewal.htm
Mahalo for your continuing participation and advocacy for your community's access needs.
August 12, 2008
Thank you to all who have submitted comments regarding the upcoming Oceanic Cable franchise renewal. Whether you have or haven't submitted comments yet, please take a few minutes to read about why your participation in this process is critical, not just for community access, but for the island as a whole.
To clarify, the Oceanic franchise renewal is not related to other PEG issues such as the RFP or the PEG Plan. The franchise renewal is much larger and involves more than PEG access. The outcome of the new franchise is far-reaching and determines the resources that will be made available to the community for the next 10 to 20 years. This could include, but is not limited to, funding support, island-wide connectivity, the number of channels set aside for PEG, existence of community media centers, and the community's access to new and/or improved technology.
Counties on the mainland have lost community access and other technological benefits as franchises have been renegotiated. The moment to speak up on what level of technology your community wants and needs is now, since this opportunity may not come again for many, many years.
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has extended the deadline for written comment and Questionnaire/Survey submissions until September 30, 2008. Blank surveys can be found on the DCCA website.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and add your comments as needed.
I also strongly encourage you to read through the information and watch the presentations on this page to fully understand the impact your input could have.
Your thoughtful comments on the proposed renewal will shape the future of communication on our island, and set the stage for franchise renewals statewide. Clearly identify the services you've enjoyed or benefited from, and added services and support that are needed. Then provide specific information on how these changes will positively benefit your community. The DCCA needs your perspective and the perspective of as many community members as possible to understand the full scope of community needs, so please share this with everyone you know and urge them to participate as well. Give them the DCCA survey link or share our website link with them.
The DCCA has also scheduled two more community meetings to obtain public comment related to Oceanic's franchise renewal application.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Kapolei Middle School's Cultural Center, 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Windward Community College's Hale Alaka`i room 102, 6 to 8 p.m.
Again, if you attended the July 15 community meeting at McKinley High School, or have already submitted written comment, many, many thanks. But you can still make the most of this extended opportunity. You can submit additional comment or use this time to encourage others to share their thoughts and concerns with the DCCA. The DCCA can negotiate with Oceanic Time Warner Cable for what's best for our island only if they hear from you about what's best for your community.
The cable franchise renewal is the single most important community issue facing community media over the next 10 to 20 years. Your input will affect how the community benefits for decades to come.
Mahalo for your time and commitment to PEG Access.
July 31, 2008
Thank you to all who have submitted comments regarding franchise renewal. We have just learned that the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has granted our request for an extension for input to August 15, 2008. This includes the questionnaire and any other related comments you might have. For those of you who have already submitted, you can amend your input and resubmit if you wish.
I appreciate the DCCA’s understanding and willingness to extend the deadline, and I urge you to use the added time to provide the DCCA with as much information about community needs as possible. The answers to each questionnaire should reflect the specific needs of the person or group submitting it. We encourage you to forward this email to other community members to ensure the broadest possible participation by the August 15 deadline.
If you would like a copy of the questionnaire, it is available along with other information here:
http://www.olelo.org/news_franchise_renewal.htm
or on the DCCA’s site:
http://hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/catv/
We recommend you use the open spaces on the questionnaire to provide written comments that reflect your specific thoughts to the DCCA. You may also want to do that in separate attachments, or letter or email. If you have any questions about Franchise Renewal, please feel free to call us at 834-0007 ext. 100 or email us at olelo@olelo.org.
Thank you again for all of your support of community access, including the large turnout at the DCCA’s community meeting on July 15 at McKinley High School. Both the turnout and the testimony were wonderful examples of the committed community members of O`ahu .
July 17, 2008
Mahalo to the 200 plus people who were able to attend the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) community needs assessment meeting Tuesday evening. As always, I'm inspired by your passion and dedication to the communities you represent and your willingness to advocate for the protection and enhancement of existing resources that make community expression possible. The insights and ideas that were shared will provide the DCCA consultants with initial information that they can consider and advocate for as part of the State's negotiation with Oceanic Cable regarding franchise renewal.
Tuesday's overwhelming turnout convinced the DCCA to extend the meeting by nearly two hours. In the coming days, the meeting will be cablecast on FOCUS 49 at the following times:
Friday, July 18 at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 23 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, July 24 at 8:30 a.m.
Friday, July 25 at 1 p.m.
The meeting will also be available on `OleloNet after Friday.
The meeting was a great start to the community input process, but much still remains to be done. Some of you were not able to attend the meeting on Tuesday or had to leave before you had an opportunity to speak, but there is still time to submit written comments by July 31. The DCCA and their consultants also recommend that those of you who spoke on Tuesday should follow-up with written comments to ensure your ideas are considered.
This Franchise Renewal process is a rare and important opportunity for all of us to think deeply about what our communities need today and try to anticipate what the needs will be 10 to 15 years from now. This is a time for us to envision what resources will foster healthy and vibrant community dialogue for the benefit of each community, O`ahu, and the State as a whole. Keep in mind that the existing resources provided through `Olelo are only part of what may be possible. The DCCA needs to know what type of capability and services you want to see retained or expanded and they need to know the reasons why they are needed. Be sure to fully explain how you see these capabilities and services benefiting the community. Click here for samples of ideas that were shared at recent ‘Ōlelo community forums to get you thinking about what may be necessary.
In addition to accepting written comments, the DCCA has developed a questionnaire to collect input regarding community needs and 'Olelo's services and it is available here:
http://hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/catv/
Click on the link Oahu Franchise Renewal Questionnaire-Due by 7/31/08 on the DCCA website.
When completing the DCCA's questionnaire be sure to provide additional information that explains issues that are important to you, your community or organization. We recommend that you submit written comments in addition to completing the questionnaire.
Please send your comments to the DCCA by July 31, 2008 via one of the following methods
Email: cabletv@dcca.hawaii.gov
Fax: (808) 586-2625
U.S. Mail to: DCCA-CATV
P.O. Box 541
Honolulu, Hawaii 96809
Check this page for more information about the cable television franchise renewal process and to expand on community needs that have been identified to date.
Remember, your input will help determine how the community will benefit for years to come.
June 20, 2008
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has identified a date for community input on the upcoming Cable Television Francise Renewal process.
The meeting will be held:
Tuesday July 15, 2008
McKinley High School
Hirata Hall
1039 S. King Street
4:00pm to 6:30pm
The DCCA is also accepting written comments until July 31.
The hearing notice can be found here.
To inform you about the Cable Television Franchise Renewal process and to answer any questions you may have, ‘Olelo will be conducting a series of forums at our Community Media Centers. The dates are:
Forums
Palolo CMC, Thur 6/26 6p
Waianae CMC, Mon 6/30 6p
Mapunapuna CMC, Wed 7/2 6p
We hope you can join us. If you are unable to make the forums, please plan to come to the DCCA’s community input meeting on July 15.
We will continue to keep you up to date. This is a critical time for input as your thoughts, needs, and vision can help define the role of PEG Access television for the next 15 to 20 years. Please free to forward this email to others who are interested in Community Access.
Again, mahalo for your continuing support of PEG Access in Hawai`i.
June 13, 2008
In the recent past, we've kept you informed about past proceedings, including the RFP and legislative bills and resolutions that could impact Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Access. We think it is important to keep you up to date on all opportunities to provide input helping to shape and manage community access services and resources.
Coming up is perhaps the greatest opportunity you will have to help chart the course of community access television on O‘ahu for the next 15 to 20 years.
This summer, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) will begin requesting public input on the upcoming Cable Franchise Renewal process for the entire state. The outcome of this process will affect all cable subscribers and enable you to determine if cable access services should remain intact, expand or be limited.
As background, in 1989, the DCCA awarded Oceanic the franchise to operate cable services on the island of O‘ahu. As part of that franchise, the DCCA required Oceanic to provide PEG Access services for the O`ahu community, which ‘Olelo was created to manage. These services include dedicated channels for PEG programming as well as training, equipment and operations that make community programming possible.
The franchise crafted in 1989 will expire at the end of this year. The franchise laid the foundation for the thriving PEG Access environment O`ahu has today because it included input from people and organizations representing a diverse cross-section of our community. Just as the efforts to create the current franchise made the successes of the past 20 years possible, the new franchise will define the possibilities for PEG Access for the next 15 to 20 years.
In July, the DCCA will host a community needs assessment, and they again need to hear from everyone on O‘ahu. With the accessibility of newer, greater technology, so much is possible. But with the increasing climate nationwide to eliminate funding for access services, much is at stake.
Your input during this process can have far-reaching consequences. Think
about:
•How community access has benefited your community
•What kinds of services, facilities, equipment, and training would you want to have supported? Expanded?
•What are your community’s needs? Do the current access resources satisfy them? Do you see more needs?
•Do you have concerns about changing technology and how access can support this? i.e. high definition, video on demand, connectivity into communities so that more live programming can be generated, etc.
•If you had the chance to speak to Oceanic to let them know how important PEG access is in your community, what would you say?
At this point, the DCCA has not set a firm date for the public meeting portion of their needs assessment, but it is tentatively planned in early or mid July. With the process in flux, it is important for us to be able
to contact you so that your voice can be heard. Please be sure to
update your contact information with us if necessary.
Community members, leaders and organizations speaking to the importance of PEG access resulted in a franchise agreement that has allowed for the creation and management of one of the leading PEG Access centers in the country. It is important that we do not take this opportunity for granted. If we don’t speak to what we all need, it is very likely our needs will be dictated to us.
Please plan to come out and help shape the future of community access on O‘ahu. We will continue to keep you up-to-date as the specific dates and locations of the meetings are identified.
Thank you for your continuing support of PEG Access in Hawai`i.
