Maui public-access TV
seeks legislative help

The group running the station
warns of staff and service cuts
without state funding

KAHULUI » The executive director of the nonprofit group that has been operating public-access cable television in Maui County said his group will have to cut back staff and services unless it receives funding from the state Legislature.

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Sean McLaughlin said a recent agreement between the group and state officials means Akaku - Maui Community Television Inc. will lose about $400,000 in revenues in fiscal year 2005-06.

McLaughlin said he does not know the amount of staffing that might be cut, but that the cuts will be "substantial" without state help.

He said he plans to announce that Akaku will reduce its business hours by 30 percent.

Akaku has served as a soapbox for residents to express themselves uncensored and provides air time to sports, conspiracy theories, astrology, pet programs and comedy, as well as public affairs programs.

McLaughlin said he hopes the Legislature will assist in restoring the funds as it did to help Hawaii Public Television a couple of years ago with $2 million.

Akaku agreed last week to give one-third of its franchise fees to the state Department of Education and Maui Community College.

The agreement was made in an attempt to head off legislative bills that would have potentially given two-thirds of the franchise fees to the department and college.

The agreement means Akaku will lose about $271,000 of its $813,000 budget for fiscal 2005-06, McLaughlin said.

He said Akaku also will be giving a one-time award of $132,000 to the department and college.

Under state administrative rules, cable companies are required to give 3 percent of their adjusted gross revenues to public, education and government-access channels.

Department and college officials had complained they were not getting their fair share of the fees, as outlined in the state cable franchise agreement.

Some Akaku supporters charged that cutting the funding was a way of silencing outspoken critics, including those who have opposed development.