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We shudder to think. We know that Olelo public access is an incredibly important non-commercial resource for information, discussion, expression and community connections on Oahu.

Olelo was created as part of an agreement between DCCA and Oceanic cable in 1989. In return for a cable franchise on Oahu, Oceanic agreed to provided PEG (public access) cable services through Olelo.

The Oceanic franchise expires at the end of this year, which means its re-negotiation time. Think Oceanic is going to continue their public access requirement without a demanding public? Think again.

The increasing trend with cable corporations is to eliminate funding for access services. The very existence of Olelo is at stake!

Hearing on the future of Olelo Tomorrow: Tuesday, July 15 from 4PM to 6:30PM at McKinley High, Hirata Hall. (Hirata Hall is best accessed from Pensacola, midway between King and Kapiolani. Parking is to the immediate right as you turn into the campus from Pensacola.)

From the guys at Olelo:

Thank you so much for spreading the word and for your encouraging responses. It is our understanding that except for a short opening PowerPoint presentation, the majority of the meeting will be devoted to public comment. Be sure to sign in, and if you plan to speak, check the appropriate box on the sign-in sheet.

We also understand that two questionnaires will be passed out. One will deal with the current quality and adequacy of cable service. The other may focus on ‘Olelo’s role. The information on our website, http://www.olelo.org/news_franchise_renewal.htm may help you prepare your written comments.

Written comments will be accepted through July 31.

Thank you again for all of your support. I look forward to seeing you at this important meeting on July 15.

Mahalo,

Keali`i S. Lopez
President and CEO
‘Olelo Community Television

No ke aha e kupaianaha ai ka ‘olelo Hawai’i ma Hawai’i nei? Why is the Hawaiian languauge a strange language in Hawai’i nei?

Each place in our islands has a Hawaiian name and is associated with mo’olelo or an ancient Hawaiian story. Still, the Hawaiian language with its history, insights, and cultural significance remains silenced in its ‘one hanau or birthplace.

The collection of ‘olelo no’eau or Hawaiian proverbs provide some evidence that the Hawaiian language evolved and emerged as they discovered and wandered the beautiful landscapes of this new and unfamiliar land.

The steep cliffs of the Ko’olau mountains and high sea cliffs of Moloka’i provided one example for an avenue of poetic thought and expression that were used to compare and contrast plants, animals, and people to its sheerness and distinction.

Over the next few months, we hope you will see more more Hawaiian language in KAHEA’s outreach and website–part of a renewed commitment from us to integrate the Hawaiian language as a living part of our daily work.

We’ve seen some other hopeful examples around, including the recent release by GO! Airlines of their bilingual website. So maybe GO! Airlines pilots *have* been snoozing behind closed doors… but the company has invested in an effort to provide their Hawaiian language speaking customers a choice to make their reservations in ‘olelo Hawai’i.

Let’s all be a vehicle to support the Hawaiian language in the capacity we can as individuals, communities, and organizations. E ola ka ‘olelo Hawai’i!