THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1235

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013

S.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO CABLE TELEVISION.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Hawaiian language movement has become a leading national and international model for indigenous language revitalization.  The legislature further finds that the media may have a very important part in furthering the efforts to normalize the Hawaiian language throughout Hawaii.  The legislature strongly supports the production and distribution of Hawaiian language content on cable television but finds that additional guidance is needed to determine the most appropriate method of providing long-term sustainable funding for a cable television channel dedicated to the Hawaiian language and perspective.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the director of commerce and consumer affairs to work with various interested stakeholders and assess the best method to ensure dedicated funding for the development of a Hawaiian television channel;

     (2)  Require the director of commerce and consumer affairs to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2014; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds to Oiwi TV for the production and distribution of Hawaiian language content on cable television.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  In light of the current cable television franchise renewal, the director of commerce and consumer affairs shall work with various interested stakeholders and assess the best method to ensure dedicated funding for the development of a Hawaiian television channel.  The director shall also determine whether a specified percentage of the revenues derived from the cable television franchise fees collected pursuant to chapter 440G, Hawaii Revised Statutes, should be designated as a funding source for a Hawaiian television channel.

     (b)  The director shall submit a report of findings and recommendations regarding funding for the development of a Hawaiian television channel, to the legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2014.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2013-2014 to provide funding to Oiwi TV for the production and distribution of Hawaiian language content on cable television.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of commerce and consumer affairs for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2030.


 


 

Report Title:

Cable Television; Hawaiian Language Content; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to work to assess the best method to ensure dedicated funding for a Hawaiian television channel and report to the legislature.  Appropriates funds for the production and distribution of Hawaiian language content on cable television.  Effective July 1, 2030.  (SB1235 HD1)

 

 

 

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