Background

     Ho'ike is the smallest of the public access centers, serving
approximately 20,000 cable television subscribers.  Despite its
size, and relative youth, having gone on the air in the fall of
1993, Ho'ike has been a dynamic organization.  Whereas 'Olelo has
a yearly budget of approximately $2.6 million, Ho'ike works with
a figure one sixteenth the size, approximately $150,000, for P,
E, and G access.(1)  At the time this report was prepared, Ho'ike
received only two percent out of a possible maximum five percent
of gross cable revenues from the Kaua'i cable companies.(2)
Ho'ike has requested receipt of three percent in the past and has
been rejected by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
(DCCA).  The DCCA has since reconsidered and indicated to the
researcher that Ho'ike will be receiving three percent for 1996.
However, those moneys will not be received until December 31,
1996.

     Ho'ike rents a nine hundred square foot building in Koloa,
Kauai, which holds room for three staff members, cameras and
other equipment, and four editing bays marked off by half-height
partitions.  Ho'ike has no studio, as it is unable to afford
either the space rental or the cost of the studio equipment.

     With such a limited budget, Ho'ike has had to be creative.
For example, since it cannot afford a studio, it trains all of
its producers in field techniques.  Rather than have a two-phase
training as 'Olelo does, with separate producer and technical
tracks, Ho'ike offers one five-week combined course that covers
operation of the camera, tripod, and audio kit in the field;
operation of the VCRs, editing system, and titlemaker; planning a
script and storyboard; and proper preparation of videotapes for
cablecast and distribution.

     Ho'ike was one of the first public access organizations in
the nation to implement an interactive video bulletin board
(IVBB) system (Akaku on Maui and Na Leo on the Big Island have
also adopted an IVBB).  In this system, the television screen
scrolls through a list of numbered topics.  Any television viewer
with a touch-tone phone can call in and enter the number, and on
the TV screen will appear the full text of that topic.  In
addition to topics of general concern, such as information of the
Kaua'i Humane Society, tuberculosis testing, and recycling,
Ho'ike has worked with the Ask-2000 program to list their topics
and information, including child protective services, the WIC
program, Al-Anon, and the Legal Aid Society.  Ho'ike made another
innovative coup by adding job vacancy notices to the IVBB, which
are the most requested topics on the IVBB.

     Ho'ike has also sought to attract teens to its program by
obtaining a grant for equipment for them and instituting a Teen
TV program.  Ho'ike is also presently exploring the option of
coordinating the purchase of hardware and software for producers
to use, if they choose, to open caption their programs.

     With its limited funds, Ho'ike has sought other funding
sources.  Ho'ike has also just become an Aloha United Way of
Kaua'i agency, eligible for those funds, and will be a recipient
of the combined federal campaign fund.  At the time this report
was prepared, these programs were just getting underway and no
revenues had yet been generated for Ho'ike.


Training

     Ho'ike's training is available to anyone living within the
franchise area.  Ho'ike publicizes its basic field producer
training through its monthly newsletter, which goes out to two
hundred people; extra copies of the newsletters are available at
the Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility, and the county
and state buildings in Lihue; newspaper articles, which come out
about every six weeks; public meetings; public outreach to
business and social gatherings; words of mouth from existing
producers; watching Ho'ike producers in the field, and via the
IVBB.

     Since Ho'ike's inception, utilizing a staff of only three
full-time employees, Ho'ike has trained one hundred eighty-five
people.  An additional three people have passed using an
equivalency exam process.

     Ho'ike offers its training course every month, except
December.  The course trains twelve people each session and runs
for five consecutive Saturdays, from 8:30 to 5:00; differently-
abled persons have specialized instruction on Tuesdays and
Thursdays.  The waiting list for individuals is between three and
five months; the wait is shorter for nonprofit agencies.  The
cost for the basic field production course is $35.  The advanced
sound and weather resistant camera seminars are $5 to $10 per
person.

     Ho'ike submitted copies of eighty evaluation forms it
received.  Of those, approximately fifty-three were positive,
twenty-one were basically positive with a few suggested changes,
and only three had significant criticism, generally based on the
need for more time.  One instructor, who no longer teaches at
Ho'ike, got mixed to negative ratings, but the other instructors
were very enthusiastically received.  Sample comments from the
forms are:

     "I appreciate the staff's willingness to be of assistance -
they were knowledgeable and patient and good-natured."

     "[The course could last for a few months] making each
producer a bit more qualified instead of rushing many through
quickly."

     "Course was outstanding and instructors superb."

     "Ho'ike could use a bigger place."

     "The course is excellent and packed full of valuable
information."

     "Too little time for everything[.]"

     "[Course pace] too slow."

     "Great course!!!  Fun and inspirational."

     "This was an incredible opportunity and one I hope many take
advantage of." 

     Of the people trained, forty-seven individuals and eight
groups have gone on to produce programs for Ho'ike.  Ten have
produced only one, but several have been quite prolific,
producing as many as fifty-five shows.

     Statistics for shows produced by certified producers:

         One show:          10
              2-9:          31
            10-19:           8
            20-29:           1
            30-39:           2
            40-49:           2
            50-59:           1


Equipment Availability

     A certified producer needs to propose a production plan to
the staff in order to obtain the necessary equipment.  The staff
will work with the producer to discuss the resources needed and
to reserve the necessary equipment no more than three months in
advance.  To ensure equitable access, a maximum number of
requests per producer is established, which fluctuates based on
total current requests.  The equipment is available on a first-
come, first served basis, unless there is a conflict, in which
case the following priorities apply:

     (1)  Individuals and organizations that have proposed
          programs that will serve needs established in community
          needs assessment that are tied to a specific event or
          activity that cannot be reproduced or recreated;

     (2)  Individuals or organizations that have proposed
          programs and productions that are tied to a specific
          event that cannot be reproduce or recreated;

     (3)  Individuals or organizations that have proposed
          programs and productions that will serve needs
          established in an annual community needs assessment,
          and are not tied to a specific event or activity; and

     (4)  Any other individual or organization's proposals, which
          are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional training is needed to utilize the water-resistant
camera housings, waterproof underwater camera, and "live
switching" multi-camera projects require additional training and
certification.  The equipment is restricted only due to training
and safety concerns.

     When a piece of equipment becomes defective, obsolete, or
otherwise unusable, it is sent to Sony in Honolulu for repair if
it is deemed reparable.  If it is not, it is sold or discarded.


Cablecast Access

     Ho'ike uses block programming to schedule its programs, in
the following categories:  arts and entertainment, community
service/information, education/instruction (for credit); issue-
oriented; religious/spiritual; sports; and well-being.
Presenters and producers may indicate first through fourth
choices of date and time for play, and Ho'ike will take these
requests into consideration, but the block programming and its
scheduling priorities will prevail.

     First consideration:

     (a)  Programs created with Ho'ike facilities;

     (b)  Programs created within the franchise area;

     (c)  Programs created on Kaua'i; 

     (d)  Programs created in the State of Hawai'i; and

     (e)  Programs created elsewhere.

     Second consideration:

     Timeliness:  time-sensitive programs have priority
     over those that are not.

     Third consideration:

     (a)  Series programs have priority over non-series;

     (b)  Programs scheduled by presenters making an initial
          request have priority over programs scheduled by
          presenters whose programs have already been cablecast;

     (c)  Premiere programs have priority over repeat programs.

Programming is changed three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Fridays.


Editorial Guidelines

     Ho'ike does not censor or edit public access programs
submitted to it.  It does preview each tape to ensure that it
meets the technical requirements, but does not reject a tape on
grounds of content unless:

     .    The program is of a commercial nature;

     .    The program contains a solicitation of funds or other
          property of value; 

     .    The program contains obscene or defamatory material;

     .    The program concerns a lottery, gift enterprise, or
          similar scheme;

     .    The program contains matter intended to defraud the
          viewer or obtain money by false or fraudulent
          pretenses; or

     .    The program invades the privacy of a private citizen.


Promotion

     Ho'ike promotes its shows through the IVBB; promotion of a
show through other methods, such as TV Guide and newspapers, is
left up to the individual.  Programming is finalized each week
and delivered by the prior Thursday, but any presenter or
promoter who wants advance time for the purposes of publicizing
the show will be given as much time as they require.

     Ho'ike submitted its monthly programming schedules for May
1995, which appeared to indicate a diverse range of public access
programming, including programs on Hawaiian music, astrology,
religion, martial arts, United States Representative Patsy Mink,
the Humane Society, surfing, volcanology, sustainable
development, heart disease, drug awareness, a forum with State
Representative Cynthia Thielen, the budget, a charity golf
tournament, a scholarship pageant,  hula, juvenile justice
reform, shows for children, and dog care.

     The government access channel programming for May 1995
featured county council meetings, budget review hearing, Navy and
Marine news, two shows from the Kaua'i Police Department on
bicycle safety and the F.B.I., a press conference with Mayor
Kusaka, and a planning commission meeting.

     The education access channel for the period May 15, 1995
through June 24, 1995 included course series such as advanced
placement calculus, geology, history, anthropology, and Kul-aiwi
(Hawaiian language), as well as non-series classes in the areas
of KidScience, public safety, local herbs and tropical fruits,
and environmental resources for the classroom, as well as a Board
of Education meeting.  This channel has a full schedule of
programming from DOE's Distance Learning Technology center, UH-
Manoa, UH-Hilo, Kapiolani Community College, and Maui Community
College.  Ho'ike also solicits educational programming from the
Kaua'i Community School for Adults.


Viewership

     Ho'ike has no hard data for the viewership of its channels.
However, it does have statistics on usage of the IVBB.  For the
month of July 1995 alone, the IVBB received 2111 calls.  As of
its inception through August 1, 1995, a fifteen month period, the
IVBB has received a total of 33,585 completed requests.


Budget

     Ho'ike received approximately $150,000 per year in franchise
fees for operating expenses (approximately six percent of the
amount received by 'Olelo).  This figure is based on receipt of
only 2 percent of the gross revenues from the cable companies,
not 3 percent, as is the case in Honolulu.  The allocations
between the P, E, and G components are made by the Board, based
on recommendations from the finance committee.

     Ho'ike transmitted information on its allocation between the
P, E, and G components.  It states that the document is
confidential, so information will not be reproduced in full here.
In broad terms, the document shows that, except for two interns,
all employees put at least as much time into P as they do into
the E and G components, and three put in more time into P access
than into E or G.


Board Membership

     The Ho'ike board as a whole took the position that it is not
in favor of a board selected through the votes of cable
subscribers due to low response of cable subscribers, because it
is not reflective of the population polled, and because it is not
cost effective.(3)  

     Stan Yates, president of the Ho'ike board, speaking as an
individual, made the point that at present, the nominating
committee selects potential members based on an individual's
demonstrated interest in cable television and potential
contributions, not just because they have a group affiliation in
general.  He says that trying to base a board on differing
affiliations cannot be successful unless one is "working with a
relatively rigid definition of 'representative,' and one had a
lot of Director slots available."  For instance, if one slot is
for subscribers, should another slot be designated for non-
subscribers to even things out?  If one slot is for urban
representatives, one would need to set up a slot for a rural
representative.  Mr. Yates stated that the Ho'ike board is
representative, featuring members from four ethnic backgrounds
and a variety of business and government backgrounds.  The
primary criterion for their selection is not the group that they
represent, but their individuality.

     Ho'ike has three standing committees:  Development, Finance,
and Program.  The bylaws state that any citizen may request to be
placed on a committee as a voting member, and that during his
tenure on the board, no one who has so requested has been denied
membership on the committee.  According to Yates:  "No Ho'ike
committee members are selected, encouraged, or appointed
according to any grouping or group affinity.  That would appear
to me to be grossly undemocratic and exclusionary."  It should
also be noted that the Ho'ike bylaws require that a majority of
directors be cable subscribers.


What State Could Do to Assist Public Access

     When asked what the State could do to help Ho'ike meet the
PEG access goals, Ho'ike had three responses.  First, it
requested that more of the franchise fees be directed to the
neighbor island public access organizations in general, and
Ho'ike in particular, since it is at only 2 percent out of the
possible 5 percent franchise fee level.  While Kaua'i has a much
smaller population than Honolulu, it has certain fixed costs that
cannot be reduced.  The subscription base for Kaua'i is so small
that Ho'ike cannot afford to have its own studio (in contrast,
'Olelo not only has its own studio, it has recently purchased its
own building).

     Second, Ho'ike asks that the Legislature help the public
access centers form a strong state-wide organization.  Third,
Ho'ike asks that the Legislature develop a clear policy that does
not allow government to influence independent public access
centers.  According to Ho'ike, government does not have a clear
stake in access management.


Guidelines to Restrict Potential Abuse of G Channel

     During the last political season the executive director sent
letters to government officials reminding them that the channel
is for government business only, and not to be used for re-
election purposes.  Ho'ike warned them that violations will be
reported to the state Ethics Commission.  No problems were noted.


Public Comments

     The Bureau was contacted by three independent producers on
Kaua'i who had several complaints and comments to make on
Ho'ike's functions in general, its board of directors, and its
general manager.  Their major points fall into two categories;
one set is directed toward the general set-up of the public
access organizations in general:

     .    The boards of all the public access corporations are
          authoritarian, hierarchical, and illegitimate as they
          were not democratically elected;

     .    The responsibilities of the board should be to
          facilitate viewers into becoming producers;

     .    The board members appointed by the cable companies have
          a conflict of interest, as the interests of cable
          companies can be contrary to that of PEG access; and 

     .    The purpose of the 1984 Cable Act is to provide
          electronic free speech, and not to turn out television
          producers.

     They also have specific objections to the way in which
Ho'ike is being operated, such as:

     .    Ho'ike is running a "chop-shop," competing with
          independent producers like themselves by contracting
          and working with nonprofit organizations such as Kaua'i
          Police Department to produce their shows;

     .    The general manager has at times violated some of
          Ho'ike's procedures; and

     .    The board members are not experienced in television
          production, are not community free-speech activists,
          have at times not followed their own procedures, and
          have a "gate-keeper" mentality.

     The recommendation was that the board be democratically
elected from the subscribers.

     Ho'ike's response is that the board's duty is to the
community as a whole, not to the independent producers who are
seeking to make a living by producing public access programs.
The board president has not noted any conflict of interest on the
part of the board members appointed by the cable companies.  On
the allegations that Ho'ike is acting as a so-called "chop shop,"
Ho'ike stated that when the organization first opened, it did
provide production services to groups such as the Kaua'i Police
Department and the County Council.  Upon receipt of the so-called
"chop-shop" complaints, the board took the position that it would
not compete with independent producers, and now envisions Ho'ike
as the last resort for these governmental and non-profit groups,
allowing the independent producers the first opportunity to
compete for these jobs.  One producer informed the Bureau that
the board apparently changed its position in its November 1995
board meeting, and intends to bid on producing programming for
the Kaua'i county council.(4)

     The polarity between these three producers and the Ho'ike
management and board seems to be intractable.  This does not mean
that public access is not working on Kaua'i.  The IVBB statistics
show that a significant portion of the viewing public is watching
Ho'ike, and the variety of shows is also evidence that a
diversity of views is being shown.  The training comments are
quite positive and there seems to be an active group of
producers.  The only element missing from what seems to be a
well-rounded program is an "Open Mike" type of show.  The
criticism voiced above that Ho'ike should not be in the business
of making television producers but should just provide access
appears too limited; the versatility and power of the medium are
so much greater than a fifteen minute "talking head" program.
Those who want to produce should be encouraged to do so, but the
Open Mike option should, if at all possible, be available for
those who just want to be heard.  However, the reality of
Ho'ike's tight budget precludes this at this time.