STAND. COM. REP. NO. 606

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: H.B. No. 636

H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 636 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CABLE TELEVISION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to authorize the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) to provide additional funding to support public, educational, and governmental (PEG) cable television access. Specifically, this bill would allow DCCA to use monies in the Compliance Resolution Fund currently designated for administration of cable regulation to, instead, support PEG facilities, equipment, and operations in underserved areas of Hawaii:

(1) Pursuant to standards and conditions established by a decision and order of the Director of DCCA that is not subject to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS); and

(2) Without regard to grants and subsidies requirements under chapter 42F, HRS.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Mayor of the County of Maui, Akaku: Maui Community TV, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Olelo Community Television.

Your Committee finds that offering PEG access to underserved areas will contribute to more informed communities. Additional funds will help improve current PEG facilities as well as establish new facilities and programs to meet community needs for rural or remote areas.

However, concern was expressed regarding the exemption from grants and subsidies requirements that would be afforded to funds directed for PEG support. Accordingly, your Committee has provided an effective date of July 1, 2099, to facilitate further discussion. Technical, nonsubstantive amendments were also made for clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 636, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 636, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

 

____________________________

KENNETH HIRAKI, Chair