RES 448 Draft 01 2024-2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WHEREAS, such reductions would severely impair the capacity of Hawai`i's PEGs to fulfill their core mission of providing equitable access to media tools, education, and civic information across all islands; and WHEREAS, PEGs actively strengthen Hawai`i's creative industries by supporting the community through workforce development initiatives, film challenges, and professional training in media production and storytelling; and WHEREAS, Charter Communications, Inc., and Cox Communications, Inc., have announced a proposed merger expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, subject to approval by DCCA, which presents a critical opportunity for the State to negotiate community - benefiting franchise conditions; and WHEREAS, this upcoming merger provides a timely and necessary opportunity for the State and all four counties to assert their authority to ensure PEG Access sustainability, equity, and modernization; now, therefore, �aT.Y�71C+]117:3+�1YaDTK1I17►MIPrO Il1IDXK118RIfll'Jr0W,EVi+LI0IRIT IN body hereby urges the Hawaii State Legislature to: 1. Affirm the critical public service role of Hawai`i's PEG Access organizations as essential community communication infrastructure; 2. Establish statutory protection ensuring PEG Access providers receive no less than three percent of gross cable revenues in Access Operating Funds for the full duration of each franchise term; 3. Require DCCA to consult with and obtain ratification from each County prior to approving any merger, franchise renewal, or modification affecting PEG Access operations and funding; 4. Mandate the inclusion of high -definition channels, digital modernization support, and increased annual capital payments in all future franchise agreements; and 5. Extend PEG Access operating agreements beyond June 30, 2026, to provide long- term stability and planning capacity for Hawai`i's community media ecosystem. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body also urges the Governor and DCCA to condition approval of the Charter Communications, Inc., and Cox Communications, Inc., merger on contractual commitments restoring full PEG funding, eliminating Federal Communications Commission Rule 621 reductions and ensuring equitable, county -specific franchise terms that reflect Hawai`i's unique cultural and geographic diversity.