Posted on: Wednesday, April 30, 2003

EDITORIAL
PBS Hawai'i needs enduring support

The fact that Hawai'i's public television station faces a severe budget shortfall and will have to cut staff and programs is unhappy but not unexpected news.

Since the station decided several years ago to cut its financial ties with the state, it has struggled yearly to meet the budget it needs to offer its valued programming.

Hawai'i Public Television, now known as PBS Hawai'i, is a vital cultural institution.

The trimmed-down budget will be enough to keep the station on the air. But it needs to do more than continue to exist; it should flower.

In the short run, it is crucial that everyone who enjoys public television participate fully during the next pledge drive, which begins June 10. And the station should renew its search for partnerships that might put it on a stronger footing, up to and including a fresh look at some enduring relationship with public access television 'Olelo.