A plan by Hawaiian Telcom to start offering television service received generally positive support from about 40 speakers during a hearing late yesterday.

Hawai'i's major phone company is seeking a cable franchise license from the state, which would give Hawaiian Telcom the right to offer video service in Honolulu over its phone lines in competition with Time Warner Oceanic Cable. Hawaiian Telcom, which is facing growing competition for phone customers, wants to offer video as a means of retaining and adding customers.

The state Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs is expected to decide whether to approve Hawaiian Telcom's application in September.

Hawaiian Telcom, which has 1,800 employees, plans to launch the Internet-based TV service by year's end.

The company has not revealed the price of its proposed television service.

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.