February 2005

Hear no Evil - `Olelo ED denies any producer airtime complaints

Dear CAC members,

I recently had the opportunity to view the Maui CAC meeting. In response to a direct question, Ms. Lopez stated that NO producer had ever complained about airtimes given to their programs. I know personally of at least three producers who, within the last half year, complained long and loud both to the person who schedules programs and to Ms. Lopez herself about the delay in scheduling their program and about the poor air times (especially vs. Olelo-associated programs, which receive immediate air times and plenty of repeats in desirable slots). I truly doubt she really could have forgotten their vociferous communications.

In another statement, she allowed as how Olelo was not connected to a political program. I understand that the producer of record is one of the many persons associated with Olelo as employees or contract employees who Olelo uses to produce or present programs that it wishes to air but does not wish to be directly associated with. This ongoing pattern of abuse would be a good subject for your attention and investigation.

I also hope you would ask Olelo why it feels that expending around $90,000 (so I've heard) in suing the state to fight OIP's finding that Olelo is an agency for the purposes of the UIPA is a proper use of the funding given to it to provide the public access to the airwaves. What is Olelo doing with the Public's monies that it is fighting so hard to hide? Are you aware that non-access to its records is enshrined in Olelo's bylaws? Finally, please keep in mind, (from Olelo's bylaws) "The specific and primary purpose of the corporation is to promote the creation, production and cablecasting of programs by, for and about Hawaii." When Olelo presents its activities to you, ask yourself if they are consistent with this mandate or if they are controlling the programs and the content (a violation of law) by creating and producing them.

Thank you for your considerations in these important matters,

Wendy Arbeit
Olelo producer since 1992