Posted on: Thursday, May 12, 2005

2 phone books will be back by demand

One book or two? Hawaiian Telcom will publish separate white-page and yellow-page directories instead of one combined book. Do you agree or do you prefer one directory?

By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaiian Telcom will revert to publishing two phone books for Honolulu — a move that will lighten the load for consumers who took up knives and scissors last year to split the current directory into white and yellow pages.

The combined O'ahu phone book, which debuted last fall, had a 1,254-page yellow page listing with an 874-page white page directory in one book nearly 4 inches thick.

While the book featured slightly larger text, it generated numerous complaints because of its unwieldy size and weight. Rather than lug around the one book, many consumers opted to cut the directory in two and use tape to secure the ends.

Now the phone company, formerly known as Verizon Hawaii, said it has decided to publish two directories after recent surveys showed customers and advertisers preferred separate phone books. The company plans to release a press release on its decision today.

The phone company also selected The Berry Company, a Bell South Corp. subsidiary, to produce the upcoming directory, scheduled to come out in October. More than 1 million of the books will be published.

In an effort to give the directory a more local feel, the yellow pages will feature about 80 pieces of artwork drawn by Hawai'i school kids.

Competition in the phone directory business has been increasing in recent years.

This year residents started receiving a third phone book when Ad-Ventures Hawai'i LLC joined The Paradise Pages in competition for Verizon Hawaii's directory business.

Last week Paradise Pages announced it would begin publishing separate yellow and white pages as a convenience for customers. Ad-Ventures already publishes separate yellow and white pages.

The phone company's return to two directories will likely be welcomed by customers who complained about its big book.

"I had to cut it with my knife and it came out perfect," said Roy Uehara, a Salt Lake customer. "It makes sense to do two separate books."

Hawaiian Telcom was purchased by The Carlyle Group for $1.6 billion this month. Verizon will continue to collect phone bill payments through 2005, but checks must be written to Hawaiian Telcom, P.O. Box 9688, Mission Hills, CA 91346-9688.

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.