ESTABLISHING POLICIES TO GOVERN THE BROADCASTING OF CABLE TELEVISION PROGRAMMING BY THE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE BRANCHES OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU.

    WHEREAS, the City Council actively supports the live and tape-delayed televising of Council meetings and public hearings, which are broadcast on cable television; and

    WHEREAS, the City Administration also participates in the televising of programs designed to provide information about the activities of the City's Executive Branch, which are also broadcast on cable television; and

    WHEREAS, the Council believes that televising Council and Administration activities is an effective way to enhance the democratic process because it helps to ensure free and open public access to information about City government; and

    WHEREAS, the Council notes that the Council's and Administration's cable television programming is supported by public funds, which are appropriated by the Council, and moneys received in the form of grants from 'Olelo, The Corporation for Community Television; and

    WHEREAS, the Council further notes that 'Olelo is supported by Oceanic Cable subscription fees, which are paid by members of the general public who receive cable television services; and

    WHEREAS, the Council finds that, as public funds and consumer dollars are directly and indirectly supporting the broadcasting of Council and Administration cable television programming, it is vital that such programming be as informative and as non-partisan as possible; and

    WHEREAS, Resolution 86-297, adopted by the Council on September 17, 1986, merely states that "no partisan programming or use shall be authorized" for the content of legislative cable television programming; and

    WHEREAS, it does not appear that the Administration has a policy governing the content of its cable television programming; and

    WHEREAS, the Council finds that, to enhance the public's trust in and knowledge of City government, and to ensure the proper use of public funds and consumer dollars, clearer and more specific policies are needed to govern the City's use of cable television; now, therefore,

    BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City and County of Honolulu that the following policies shall govern the broadcasting of cable television programming by the legislative and executive branches of City government:

    1.    Purposes.

        The purposes of the City's cable television broadcasting activities are to: educate the general public about City programs, projects, and activities; facilitate communications between City officials and the public; and encourage public participation in City government.

    2.    Content.

        (a) The content of cable television programming shall be designed to achieve the stated purposes of City cable programming and shall be as non-partisan, or free from the influences of political party affiliation and/or personal bias, as possible.

        (b) Cable television programming shall favor broadcasting forums in which the general public is invited or permitted to attend, such as public meetings or open presentations by City officials to community groups. This shall not prohibit the broadcasting of informational workshops concerning major projects that are currently being considered by the Council or Administration.

        (c) Cable television programming shall not be designed to further the personal or political aims or agendas of City officials. Campaign material shall be prohibited. Programming shall provide a reasonable opportunity for the expression of diverse views.

    3.    Objectivity.

        The content of cable television programming shall be as objective and as informational as possible. If appropriate, opposing views shall be represented.

    4.    Relationship to City Government.

        The content of cable television programming shall be directly related to proposed or existing City programs, projects, and activities;

and

---

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforementioned policies shall take effect upon the adoption of this resolution; and

    BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu and to the Managing Director.

                            INTRODUCED BY:

                            _____________________________

                            _____________________________

                            _____________________________

                            _____________________________

                            _____________________________

                            _____________________________

                            _____________________________

                            _____________________________

                            _____________________________
                                 Councilmembers

DATE OF INTRODUCTION:

_____________________
Honolulu, Hawaii

(OCS/083093/ec)

---

Policy Resolutions