In Hawai i as elsewhere, much depends on a combination of fund-raising, picking better national programs and creating good local productions. In contrast, Olelo, which owns its own big building in Mapunapuna, exists with an embarrassment of riches, as well as a need for more public understanding and support for the idea of open access and free expression. With far fewer cable users, Neighbor Island public access stations exist on small fractions of that. They do varying jobs, with Maui s operation termed notably progressive. From what I see and hear, Olelo programming has improved in the past couple of years under chief executive Lurline McGregor.
New equipment is praised by most.
A satellite operation in Wai anae gets especially good marks for giving that area more access and expression. Others are in Kahuku and Leeward Community College. But McGregor also has a spectrum of critics. They range from wannabe micromanagers to conspiracy buffs to people concerned about her treatment of personnel and favoritism. Some worry that the purpose of public access will get lost amid other priorities.