Status: Pending Board Approval

Board President Gerald Kato called the meeting to order at 10:31 a.m.

Phil moved, Bob seconded, and the Board unanimously approved the minutes of the November 18, 1998 Board of Directors' meeting as presented.

1. Gerald did not have a report to present, and requested to defer his personal comments regarding his Board retirement to the end of the meeting.

1. Lurline presented the 1999 operating and capital budget for the Board's approval. Because capital amounts have been pre-set according to the franchise agreement, this budget is firm. However, the operating budget is a working budget and will be finalized after `Olelo receives its franchise fee from Oceanic Cable. A revised budget will be presented at the first Board meeting of 1999.
   
   
2. Lurline reported that ´Olelo's 1999 budget included 25% for the HENC educational contract. In order to meet this increase, funds were reduced from some segments of the public access budget. Additionally, savings from the reduced ground lease are helping to offset the increased educational access funding as well as increased rent to tenants.
   
   
3. Lurline requested that the Board approve the working operating budget and the one year capital budget for 1999.
   
   
4. Public comment requested a copy of the 1999 operating capital budget to review before commenting. Gerald stated the budget is in a draft version at this time and a budget summary will be made available when the Board approves the final draft after the next Board meetings.
   
   
5. Bob moved, Linda seconded, and the Board unanimously approved the 1999 operating and capital budget.

A. Jeff Garland noted that Robbie Alm's absence from several Board meetings were a concern to him, and wondered what the reason was for his absence. Gerald replied that the Board excused Robbie from the meeting.

B. Jeff further queried as to Robbie's absence was due to his involvement with the ´Olelo/KHET merger. Gerald replied that while Robbie has been involved in the merger discussion, it was not the reason that he was excused from this meeting.

C. Jeff further asked if there were any new updates concerning the 'Olelo/KHET merger. Gerald replied that an update had been given at a recent Board meeting. Lurline also noted that the reports do not come from any one individual, but from the merger task force. She further stated that the only report is that the group continues to meet.

D. Jeff had additional questions regarding KHET's stand on the merger. Gerald recommended Jeff direct his questions to KHET.

E. Jeff asked if the public would continue to receive status reports on the KHET/´Olelo merger. Gerald stated that as news became available it would be shared.

F. Kimo Brown thanked Gerald for his involvement with the Board, and commended Gerald for being true to the vision of community access.

G. Gerald thanked Kimo and expressed his gratitude for Kimo's work at the State Legislature as well.

A. Gerald stated that it had been his privilege to serve on 'Olelo’s Board of Directors for the past six years. He thanked his fellow Board members for the support and wise counsel over the years.

B. Gerald also thanked the ´Olelo staff for their hard work and acknowledged the many challenges they have faced over the years. Their dedication has helped make ´Olelo among the top access centers in the country. He also stated that it is important that 'Olelo continue working to preserve the public space on the electronic frontier.

C. Gerald wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Bob moved, Phil seconded, and the Board unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 a.m.


Respectfully submitted,



Linda M. Colburn, Secretary