Dish Network
named in Hawaii suit

An isle woman claims the network
didn't disclose programs are
aired on East Coast time

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By Lyn Danninger
ldanninger@starbulletin.com

A former customer of satellite television provider Dish Network has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging fraud and misrepresentation, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and breach of contract.

The suit alleges that Echostar Satellite Corp. and Echostar Communications Corp., which does business as Dish Network, failed to disclose that Hawaii programming follows Eastern Daylight Time and that it does not offer local Fox station KHON in its lineup. The company also failed to disclose all fees, the suit said.

The suit, bought by Esmina Roberts, a former Dish Network customer, was filed in state Circuit Court by local attorney Robert Kawamura, who is seeking class action status. Roberts is seeking unspecified damages.

Dish Network spokesman Marc Lumpkin would not disclose how many customers the company has signed up so far in Hawaii. But overall there are approximately 11,000 satellite television customers in Hawaii who subscribe to either Dish Network, DirecTV or the larger C-Band dish.

Dish Network began offering Hawaii service several months ago.

While local channels are provided on Hawaii time, Kawamura's suit alleges that much of the programming originating on the mainland is six hours ahead during the mainland's daylight savings time.

Lumpkin said he could not comment on the lawsuit. "I can't confirm we've been served yet," he said.

But Lumpkin acknowledged the company does not carry local Fox affiliate KHON because it has been unable to reach a re-transmission agreement with the station.

Stephen Levins, executive director of the state's Office of Consumer Protection, said his department has not received any complaints about Dish Network.