HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 464 Draft 01 2004-2006 tr w N-
COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII
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RESOLUTION NO. ~~'4 f"fi'
A RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND THE FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION TO ADDRESS PUBLIC INTERESTS AND
COMMUNITY NEEDS FOR LOCAL MEDIA, INCLUDING NEWS, ACCESS, AND
OWNERSHIP
WHEREAS, the Hawaii County Council supports the need to address Hawai`i's unique
telecommunications needs by supporting local broadcast, cable, print, and satellite media, and
future local news and information applications via broadband telecommunications; and
WHEREAS, a vibrant, independent local media ensures diverse programming and public
access to information that reflects local concerns; and
WHEREAS, there has been a shift from local media ownership and control in Hawaii to
large mainland companies; and
WHEREAS, mainland media ownership, such as the recent sale of KHON, leads to a
reduction of local news staff, and has resulted in a decrease of local programs covering local
issues, interests, cultures, and arts and in their replacement with programs lacking a local
connection or outreach; and
WHEREAS, broadband communications technology has the potential to vastly improve
the public's ability to obtain information, communicate, and participate in the democratic
process. Moreover, broadband technology can create further opportunities for local expression.
The U.S. Congress, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and other regulatory
agencies are in the process of making important decisions regarding the deployment of this
technology that will profoundly affect programming via broadcast radio and television, cable,
satellite, print, and the Internet. Congress and the FCC could create a regulatory scheme that
favors large corporate media companies, which would, in turn, deny local communities from the
potential benefits of broadband technology.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the County of Hawaii
that we urge the United States Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to
address public interests and community needs for local media, including news, access, and
ownership.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk of the County of Hawaii shall
submit certified copies of this resolution to Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim; U.S. Senator
Daniel Inouye; U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka; U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie; U.S.
Representative Ed Case; and President George W. Bush.
Dated at Hilo , Hawaii, this 15th day of November 2006
INTRODUCED BY:
r~"C 1~1
COUNC EMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAII
COUNTY COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE
County of Hawaii AYES Noes ABS Ex
Hilo, Hawaii ARAKAKI X
HIGA X
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by HOFFMANN
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the HOI,SCHUIi
County of Hawaii on November 15, 2006
IKEDA
ISBELL
ATTEST: JACOBSON X
PILAGO X
III~'~~~ SAFARIK X
Reference: C-lOflO/PWIRC-54
COUNTY CLERK CHAIRMAN & PRESIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO. 4~4 S J S
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