Public Hearing on Maui for Proposed Cable Transfer

Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Maui offices. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Cable Television Division hosts a series of public hearings regarding the joint application filed by Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable.

The companies are seeking approval of the indirect transfer of control of Oceanic’s cable television franchises from Time Warner Cable to Charter.

Executives with Akakū Maui Community Media are against the sale.  Akakū CEO Jay April released a statement saying that if it goes through, “Charter will hold a virtual Internet and cable monopoly in Hawaiʻi for the next 20 years.”

Supporters of the deal say the transfer will result in faster internet service and new jobs, among other benefits.

Today’s (Friday, Sept. 11, 2015) hearing is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the Cameron Center in Wailuku.

Additional meetings are planned: on Lānaʻi at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 15th at the Lānaʻi Senior Center; in East Maui at noon next Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the Hāna Community Center Hall; and on Molokaʻi at 4 p.m. next Thursday, Sept. 17th at the Kaunakakai Gym.

All interested individuals are encouraged to put their comments in writing and submit them to the DCCA by Friday, Sept. 25th.