In 'Olelo's agenda for the upcoming board meeting on April 27, 2001 they are scheduled for "Adoption of the Strategic Plan" which in the boards version includes changes to the Mission and Vision which according to their legal agreements requires a change to the bylaws & articles of Incorporation which have to be approved through DCCA CATV division by the Director of the DCCA.

'Olelo's has distributed 4 separate versions yet they are all different in some way. The result is that the public commented on a version of the strategic plan which is not even close to what it appears the board really wants to do which is to allow for more in-house and specially facilitated programs of their choice which are in competion with access producers' productions for air time, equipment and facility usage, staff availability, print & TV promotion, and funds. There is still no clear process of how one gets special facilitation and without clear guidelines, they can pretty much do whatever they want. Not very democratic is it?

All documents pertaining to the Strategic Plan have been removed from 'Olelo's website so I am providing them for you to read and draw your own conclusion.

IMHO, what the end result of their approving the Mission change will facilitate less access to independant producers and effectively be able to say they are providing their choice of content for the channels because according to their unshared "outreach" documentation, that's what the producers and viewers want. Who are the viewers and producers they outreached to? Where are the questions they asked them? Where are ALL the answers?

Don't let these government appointed board directors continue to shave a little more off the "soapbox" year by year till not even a sliver is left for true "Free Speech". I'm afraid it's a "speak now or forever hold your peace" type situation. Once Government (all Hawai'i Access centers are State Agencies) takes something away from you, you'll nver get it back ! We on O'ahu are not alone as the same arrogant behavior is happening on Kauai & Maui and may be on the Big Island, I haven't heard anything as yet. This is not only the state of things in Hawai'i, but apparently has become the trend nationwide.

It is not clear if this is 'Olelo's or 'Olelo's board's Strategic Plan, in other words, who is to be held accountable for the illegal changes suggested so far?

Here are the different versions I have to share:
 

Board Handout This isn't the one attached to the minutes of that meeting,  this one was Newest Version as of April 23, 2001

Website Version distributed for Public Comment This is the original that came before the following one:

DRAFT 04/17/00 Olelo Strategic Plan. 2000 - 2002 '0lelo's Mission        (this is the current mission) The mission of 'Olelo Community TV is to: • promote lifelong learning. through the creation, production and cablecasting of programs that are aimed at the preservation, development and 'enhancement of the diversity of thought, culture and heritage on O'ahu: • facilitate communication through electronic media technology forcommunity empowerment; and • Increase civic participation in the democratic process by promoting understanding and informed use of electronic media. 'Olelo's Vision  (this is the current '96 Vision) ‘Olelo’s vision is to serve the entire O'ahu community, which includes producers as well as viewers. through its media resources. This means continually striving to increase the diversity of speakers; increase viewership; and increase community understanding of the Public, Educational and Government channels (PEG) and their value to the community. Strategies 1) Facilitate the production aid cablecast of prograins through partnerships with other non profit organitations. Nonprofit organizations sometimes don't have the resources either human or financial to produce programming featuring their activtities or events. Olelo may assist groups in producing their own program through the provision of such resources as a producer, volunteer crew, videotapes and promotion. 2) Create programs that provide a community service. ‘Olelo may initiate programmmng that fills a community need, such as a public affairs program whereby experts are brought in to discuss issues; a roving camera at community gatherings or events to seek "man on the street" opinions about curreut topics: local arts presentations, including visual and literary arts; nonprofit organization showcases. etc- Such programs are created by 'Olelo produced by volunteers once the format is established. Capitol Commentary, in which both legislators and the public speak on issues under consideration by the Legislature is an exatiiple of such progamming. 3) Operate satellite centers to increase communnity access to 'Olelo services In order to make its services more accessibie to rural communities, ‘Olelo has developed partnerships with members of two communities in which it now operates satellite centers: the Wni’anae Media Center, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Wai’anae; and the Kahuku Media Center, in partnership with Kahuku Intermediate and High School. 'Olelo is working with members of these communities to shape the centers into media resources that will serve their needs. It is possible that there may be other satellite centers in geographically remote locations on O’ahu in the future. 4) Promote services arid programs hat are relevant to the community. Program promotion may include on-channel promotion of programs that will be airing, sending out press releases; taking out paid advertiseinents; including channel schedules in mainstream print media: seeking feature newspaper articles; partnering with other community organizatjons to promote the program through their newsletters etc. Promotion of 'OIelo services may include outreach activities, such as presentations to community organizalons about 'Olelo’s services; distribution of flyers about 'Olelo and its services at community events; channel promotion of services, etc. 5) Acquire programming for cablecast that brings value to the community Programming does not have to be produced using 'Olelo’s production equipment or facilities in order to have access to 'Olelo’s channels. NoncommerciaI programs that are relevant to the community, whether produced by government agencies, nonprofit or business organizations, independent producers or via satellite downlink may all be considered programming resources appropriate to 'Olelo’s community building purpose. Outcomes   1. 'Olelo services and programs build community, Indicator: Collaborative relationships with other agencies and organizations results in programmlng. Action: 'Olelo forms strategic partnership agreements with agencies and innovative production services are developed. 2. Program content is of value and interest to the community. Indicator: The community participates in identifying desirable content and focus. Action: Develop commanity advisory councils. acquire programming, encourage community involvement. 3. There is individual support and volunteer participation in ‘Olelo activities. Indicator: lndividuals understand and support ‘Olelo and its resources. Action: Link training to volunteer help, work with schools. 4. Increase viewership Indicator: Seven out of ten cable suhscribers/viewers would report watching 'Oleloprogramming on a regular basis; they would also recall special channels and programs. Action: Implement a program and channel promotions strategy that includes print advertising, on-channel promotions, and a publicity campaign.   5. Increase the diversity of voices on 'Olelo's channels. Indicator: Programming reflects the diversity of people, causes and issnes found on our island. Action: Partnerships with producers and community agencies result in the creation of relevant programming. Jim Brewer's testimony which was attached to the minutes in hardcopy, but not online. Attachment to the Minutes on October 24, 2000 Board of Director's Meeting Strategic Planning Committee Report:

‘Ölelo Community Television Preliminary Strategic Framework ‘Ölelo’s community access purpose is to serve the entire O’ahu community, which includes producers as well as viewers, through its media resources. This means continually striving to increase the diversity of speakers; increase viewership; and increase community understanding of the Public, Educational and Government channels (PEG) and their value to the community. To accomplish this, ‘Ölelo carries out the following activities:   1) Promotes services and programs that are relevant to the community. Program promotion may include on-channel promotion of programs that will be airing; sending out press releases; taking out paid advertisements; mailing out a monthly program guide; seeking feature newspaper articles; partnering with other community organizations to promote the program through their newsletters, etc. To promote ‘Ölelo services this may include outreach activities, such as presentations to organizations about ‘Ölelo’s services; distribution of flyers about ‘Ölelo and its services at community events; channel promotion of services, etc.  2) Facilitates the production and cablecast of programs through partnerships with other non profit organizations. Nonprofit organizations sometimes don’t have the resources, either human or financial, to produce programming featuring their activities or events. ‘Ölelo may assist groups in producing their own program through the provision of such resources as a producer, volunteer crew, videotapes and promotion.  3) Operates satellite centers to increase community access to ‘Ölelo services. In order to make its services more accessible to rural communities, ‘Ölelo has developed partnerships with members of two communities in which it now operates satellite centers: the Wai’anae Media Center, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of  Wai’anae; and the Kahuku Media Center, in partnership with Kahuku Intermediate and High School. ‘Ölelo is working with members of these communities to shape the centers into media resources that will serve their needs. It is possible that there may be other satellite centers in geographically remote locations on O’ahu in the future.  4) Creates programs that provide a community service. ‘Ölelo may initiate programming that fills a community need, such as a public affairs program whereby experts are brought in to discuss issues; a roving camera at community gatherings or events to seek “man on the street” opinions about current topics; local arts presentations, including visual and literary arts; nonprofit organization showcases, etc. Such programs are created by ‘Ölelo and produced by volunteers once the format is established. Capitol Commentary, in which both legislators and the public speak on issues under consideration by the Legislature is an example of such programming.  5) Acquires programming for cablecast that brings value to the community. Programming does not have to be produced using ‘Ölelo’s production equipment or facilities in order to have access to ‘Ölelo’s channels. Noncommercial programs that are relevant to the community, whether produced by government agencies, nonprofit or business organizations, independent producers or via satellite downlink may all be considered programming resources appropriate to ‘Ölelo’s community building purpose.       As ‘Ölelo pursues these activities, we are seeking comment from community members on the following questions:  1) a) What kind of programming would be useful to your community?      b) Who in your community can develop or help us develop these programs?  2) What’s the best way to let you know what’s happening on ‘Ölelo channels?  The ‘Ölelo Planning Committee will use your responses to these questions for guidance as it develops a three year strategic plan. The comment period will be open until January 31, 2000. The Committee will begin reviewing comments early next year and plans to finalize its strategic plan for presentation at ‘Ölelo’s annual board meeting in Spring, 2000. It is important for distribution purposes that we receive all comments in writing, either via email, fax or letter. Comments may be addressed to:  Strategic Planning Committee ‘Ölelo Board of Directors 1122 Mäpunapuna Street Honolulu, Hawai’i 96819 fax: 836-2546 Website: www.olelo.org For more information, please contact Miki Lee, Director of Operations: mlee@olelo.org

Version attached to the board minutes.

'Olelo's Financial Information
(IRS Tax Forms)

Fiscal Year 1999 (676 kb)
Fiscal Year 1998 (803 kb)
Fiscal Year 1997 (918 kb)