Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Economic Development and Technology and Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 2255 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide that boards of cable television access are not to be selected by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).

Your Committees received testimony in favor of this measure from Common Cause Hawaii, the Kokua Council, Akaku: Maui Community TV, Community Television Producers Association, Hawaii Public Access Media, and one individual. Your Committees received testimony opposing this measure from Olelo Community Television, Ho'ike Kauai Community Television, and comments from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Your Committees find that a local community-based board appointment process, rather than the DCCA appointment process, would provide continuity and consistency for the local governance of community media. The need for ongoing accountability to the local community is enhanced while the interests of the State are protected in the provisions of their contracts with the private nonprofit media access providers.

Your Committees have amended this measure by requiring that cable stations comply with chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and by making nonsubstantive, technical changes.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Technology and Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2255, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2255, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing.