TAKING MY CHEW TOY AND GOING HOME: The second Kookaburra-Kangaroo, Kookoo4CocoPuffs, Jimmy-Jonny-Jabber-Jam event will actually be taking place tonight in Kekaha despite attempts by Surfrider co-honcho Diana LeBedz’s to sabotage the community event so she could preach to the choir about GMOs instead of having a dialogue within the community.
The preparations for the “big tent” event has tuned into its own big-top side-show in recent days after LaBedz saw that she would be unable to control the event she had glommed onto and that the whole community- including the people who work for the GMO companies- would be invited to talk about things like the way they are poisoning our kids in school.
Without any consultation LaBedz sent out an email/press release yesterday “canceling”
the event saying that there were “insurance” problems and that instead they would be holding a session in Hanapepe with two anti GMO speakers she had invited
But it turns out nothing was cancelled. The problem is that a community dialogue was not what LaBedz wanted but rather she envisioned having her speakers preach to the choir, what the local community wanted to talk about be damned.
It all started yesterday mid-afternoon when LaBedz, apparently without talking to the original organizers, sent out the following to dozens of participant and members of the press:
Our speakers will be at a new location tomorrow 7:00 The Big Tent has been POSTPONED
Because of insurance, security and permits needed, the big tent will be postponed
Jimmy Torio will let us know the new date. The Kekaha Community Center is not available on April 30.
The Community Gathering's new location is United Church of Chris Hanappe. Right off the freeway next to the Hanappe Library across the street from the Fire Station.
Time 7:00 to 9:00
No need to bring chairs
Call if you have questions. Thank you. Diana XXX-XXXX
It's going to be wonderful. Please tell your friends, neighbors and family.
The Big Tent Event POSTPONED
Well this was certainly news to everyone else and after an apparent flurry of phone calls from the other angry organizers LaBedz sent this email to the same group:
This has been quite an ordeal. I changed the place because of the concern over the permits, insurance, security etc that Jimmy did not have, and only a day to make the changes happen for our guest speakers.
Jimmy is still going to have his event. Below is from an e-mail he sent about Dr's Pang and Valenzuela. He gave them both only 15 minutes to speak, we were quite concerned. Now I understand why. People reported that they heard Jimmy say on KKCR that Sygenta and Pioneer will be speaking.
"Although we may not have the EXPERTS.. We happen to have something we feel is better at the tent to discuss GMO. The representatives themselves whom many of us happen to know on a personal basis. We had planned to have both at the event but not this time. We had all along intended to invite the companies to participate and they are!"
I am so sorry about all this. I had no idea this would get ugly. Diana
Well this was all too much for Jonathan Jay who originally joined with Jimmy Torio who owned a big party tent and they both envisioned setting it up around the island for talk-story sessions about the issues in the community in a grassroots manner as opposed to the Mayor’s Ka Leo highly controlled and exclusionary community sessions.
The original session in Hanama`ulu was a bit of a success according to those who attended and it was stressed that all opinions views and persons were welcome and no one would have their views tossed aside as so often happens at meetings with an agenda.
But LaBedz insisted on making the Kekaha session into an anti GMO rally. And when all speakers- including representatives from the GMO seed companies- were invited and were going to be given equal time with the anti GMO-speakers she decided to sabotage the big tent and hold her own event.
Jay finally wrote to clear things up a bit:
Clarity - would that be a nice thing to have right now. Evidently we don't get to have that right now - too much waters stirred. Speaking only for moving forward, and not dipping back into the present mud flats, please do not take the wrong lesson from the present snafu. Here is a clarification of the purpose of the BIG Tent:
The primary purpose for the BIG Tent is COALITION BUILDING. As such, the BIG Tent IS available for community events, and CAN be used to prioritize a particular issue of import to the community.
This embracing focus on a particular issue will be placed into a context
of issues to the community. This way, the focused issue will not exist in any kind of artificial vacuum. This way, the opportunity for coalition building and strengthening the community's ability to make progress is brought to the fore - the WHOLE POINT of the BIG Tent.
The BIG Tent is NOT available for EXCLUSIVE focus on an issue that excludes all other matters and perspectives. To do so would be to take the issue out of context and then only look at half of it, not a helpful approach to expanding coalitions. This can be exclusive rather than inclusive, and IS ONE OF THE PRIMARY BARRIERS TO COALITION BUILDING WITHIN OUR CONTROL. This can define ourselves in opposition to others, locking in our problems rather than finding new ways to reach out and come together with solutions. Aole!
To review and amend Judie's earlier statement:
General Community Events: yes, BIG Tent!
Embracing Focus on an Issue in Context: yes, BIG Tent!
Exclusionary Focus on Issue in Vacuum: `a`ole mahalo!
please try come to at least one of the events tonight - either the larger community event in kekaha or Diana's event in hanapepe. The split is unfortunate, but either or both will still be worth your while.
aloha,
jonathan
Respected local Kekaha leader, kupuna Jose Bulatao had been key to organizing the event, trying to bring the local community to the event after many of them- some of whom owe their livelihood to the GMO seed companies- have been up-in-arms over the obvious, reported-yet-ignored-by-authorities poisoning of their children and neighbors by Sygenta and Pioneer- to the event .
He wrote everyone on the email list saying
I concur and wholeheartedly agree with Jonathan's statements articulated (in Jonathan Jay’s letter).
Thank you,
Jose/Mr B
Now exposed as having fraudulently tried to sabotage the event and replace it with her own little event LaBedz wrote the following response to Jay
For clarity. This event was organized by the west side community members. The Polynesian Kingdom of Atooi, GMO Free Kauai, People for the Preservation of Kauai, members of the Sierra Club, Malama Kauai, the Surfrider Foundation, other organizations and individuals all had a shared vision. Our purpose is to help parents understand the abuse of chemicals around schools and the gmo plots spreading in our west side neighborhoods.
The tent's agenda, although good, distracted from our mission, diminished our goal and their leaders dropped one of our important speakers.
I had little time and choice when told that the red tape was not in order. So, it is what it is.
People can come to the Big Tent and hear the song sung by Pioneer and Sygenta and all the rest. Or, hear the honest truth from professionals that care deeply for Kauai's people and the land. ~Diana
To which Jay responded:
a hiccup with permits and insurance did indeed happen, but rather than resolve a very simple matter, a TREMENDOUS confusion has been sown.
now there are two worthwhile events (at the same time) rather than one, terribly garbled communications and altered plans at the last minute.
this is more than unfortunate; it is very junior high school.
Great team work is how as an Island we will resolve problems and move forward - evidently we need to work on our team work building skills.
imua,
jonathan
We did hear from the voice of sanity on this, Katy Rose, who was not involved in the event but said this in an email to Jay today. It sums up a reality that LaBedz doesn’t seem to get.
I imagine you've already thought about this. If the discussion of gmo companies on the westside isn't taking into account the concerns of those dependent on the jobs, it will be a terrible discussion.
One way to frame the issue that centers it in the concerns of working people, rather than in the concerns of "elite" environmentalists: no one should ever be forced to choose between the health and safety of their families and putting food on the table.
This is just food for thought - put out there in the hopes that whatever discussion about gmo arises it will allow for the wisdom and creativity of those most impacted by their presence - in positive AND negative ways (ie the workers and their families) - to inform the search for alternatives. My fear, I suppose, is that the potential there might be lost by an elitist approach that alienates such people.
LaBedz and her husband Gordon live in Kekaha and founded the national Surfrider Foundation.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
GNAWING ON THE POUND OF FLESH:
GNAWING ON THE POUND OF FLESH: The absurd 20 year term Puna pot-grower David Finley received from Circuit Court Judge Glenn Hara has been tossed around recently, not only here but in a post (and its comments section) at Planet Kaua`i from Pete Antonson about the practice of “sending a message”.
Pete actually made sense this time as opposed to his usual vapid, intentionally ill-informed drivel like his Superferry cheerleading letter to the editor in today’s local paper.
But now new information from the Big Island’s premiere blogger, journalist Hunter Bishop speaks to the hypocrisy and, with along with some “comments”, explains what might well be behind the “message” Hara apparently tried to “send”.
Here’s what Bishop, who was canned by the Hawai`i Tribune-Herald in their recent anti-union dust up, had to say Sunday about the sentencing in another recent case before Hara- that of Charles Rosecrans- as compared to Finley’s.
David Finley was by all accounts a good guy, a family man with ties to the community and his church. More than 90 people who know him wrote letters asking Judge Glenn Hara to give him probation after his conviction for being a big-time commercial marijuana grower at his Volcano ranch.
Finley had already spent 14 months in jail and forfeited $85,000 while the case was being prosecuted. First-time offenders like Finley often get probation.
Another drug offender, Charles Rosecrans, was searched before boarding a flight to Oahu and was found to have nearly an ounce of cocaine concealed in his pants and about 100 pills, XENIX and Avocet, in his luggage. Rosecrans said he was going to Oahu "to party."
Rosecrans has a "history of Dues" and four prior convictions, Deputy Prosecutor Jason Skier told Judge Hara. In February 2007, Rosecrans was sentenced to 20 years in prison for second- degree promotion of a dangerous drug and first-degree promotion of a harmful drug, a class A felony.
But earlier this month Rosecrans went back before Judge Hara for resentencing, just a few days before Finley appeared in Hara's court for sentencing.
There was no flood of letters from the community attesting to Charles Rosecrans’ character or calling for leniency from the court -- at least none reported.
No one said David Finley was a danger to the community, as Skier had described Rosecrans:
“My concerns, at the time of (Rosecrans') initial sentencing, and at the time of his resentencing was the amount of drugs. He has a history of DUIs. He's been convicted four times. He is somebody that has an untreated drug problem, and driving around. Somebody like that is a danger to the community.”
Yet it was Finley, 65, who was given two 20-year prison terms and Rosecrans (no age given) who got probation.
In Finley's case, Judge Glenn Hara said it was not easy for him and he spoke for several minutes about how marijuana is "entrenched in our island way of life," the Tribune-Herald reported. And while acknowledging the public debate on marijuana's place in society, Hara said to Finley:
“I know you really regret what you did. But we have these laws ... Any sentence other than prison will undermine the community's respect for these laws. The only thing they will hear is 'probation’.”
Well, now, after Charles Rosecrans' resentencing, all I hear is "probation" and I’m also hearing the word “travesty.”
How can this gross sentencing inequity instill greater respect for the law? Doesn't probation for cocaine, DUI and multiple repeat offenses also undermine the community's respect for these laws? Does Judge Hara really think Finley’s marijuana farm was worse for society than Rosecrans’ dangerous record?
On a different level, does it make sense to fill another long-term prison bed with the likes of David Finley while letting Charles Rosecrans off on probation? What a crazy world when the good family man goes to prison and the dangerous party guy gets a big break.
Do you feel any safer tonight?
But perhaps equally revealing, presumably true, is a comment on Bishop’s post from “Hugh Clark”.
"One should not forget, the last time Prosecutor Kimura was challenged in an election was many years ago when Hara was rejected by voters.Glenn is a bright and able attorney but not about to be lenient in the courtroom. That should be weighed the next time a career prosecutor is appointed to the bench"
And another comment, this one from someone called “dakine”, asks another pertinent question.
"Does the prosecutor get some bennies from the feds for keeping the case 'high profile'? Don't they, and the police department make a substantial share of the proceeds from any forfeiture earnings?"
The answer is yes because, although the actual funds go to the police department, often they can be funds that the prosecutior’s office might have had to spend to take care of police-prosecutor cooperation matters. Even though that would seem to violate the way asset forfiture funds are supposed to be used- for things not ordinarily covered in a PD budget- it is common practice.
There is a limited pool of judicial candidate- they have to be lawyers. But a disproportionate number come from prosecutorial backgrounds and a disproportionate number of them show the type of bias that compromises justice in the name of the biases and outright lack of perspective that can come from years of a “get the bad guy” mentality that some may want to see from a prosecutor but is inappropriate for someone who is there to be an impartial arbiter of justice.
The vigilante mentality of the populace that often comprises a “Confederacy of Dunces” doesn’t excuse allowing a “Toole” of over zealousness to sit on the bench.
------------
Note Pete Antonson's name was misspelled. The above has been corrected
Pete actually made sense this time as opposed to his usual vapid, intentionally ill-informed drivel like his Superferry cheerleading letter to the editor in today’s local paper.
But now new information from the Big Island’s premiere blogger, journalist Hunter Bishop speaks to the hypocrisy and, with along with some “comments”, explains what might well be behind the “message” Hara apparently tried to “send”.
Here’s what Bishop, who was canned by the Hawai`i Tribune-Herald in their recent anti-union dust up, had to say Sunday about the sentencing in another recent case before Hara- that of Charles Rosecrans- as compared to Finley’s.
David Finley was by all accounts a good guy, a family man with ties to the community and his church. More than 90 people who know him wrote letters asking Judge Glenn Hara to give him probation after his conviction for being a big-time commercial marijuana grower at his Volcano ranch.
Finley had already spent 14 months in jail and forfeited $85,000 while the case was being prosecuted. First-time offenders like Finley often get probation.
Another drug offender, Charles Rosecrans, was searched before boarding a flight to Oahu and was found to have nearly an ounce of cocaine concealed in his pants and about 100 pills, XENIX and Avocet, in his luggage. Rosecrans said he was going to Oahu "to party."
Rosecrans has a "history of Dues" and four prior convictions, Deputy Prosecutor Jason Skier told Judge Hara. In February 2007, Rosecrans was sentenced to 20 years in prison for second- degree promotion of a dangerous drug and first-degree promotion of a harmful drug, a class A felony.
But earlier this month Rosecrans went back before Judge Hara for resentencing, just a few days before Finley appeared in Hara's court for sentencing.
There was no flood of letters from the community attesting to Charles Rosecrans’ character or calling for leniency from the court -- at least none reported.
No one said David Finley was a danger to the community, as Skier had described Rosecrans:
“My concerns, at the time of (Rosecrans') initial sentencing, and at the time of his resentencing was the amount of drugs. He has a history of DUIs. He's been convicted four times. He is somebody that has an untreated drug problem, and driving around. Somebody like that is a danger to the community.”
Yet it was Finley, 65, who was given two 20-year prison terms and Rosecrans (no age given) who got probation.
In Finley's case, Judge Glenn Hara said it was not easy for him and he spoke for several minutes about how marijuana is "entrenched in our island way of life," the Tribune-Herald reported. And while acknowledging the public debate on marijuana's place in society, Hara said to Finley:
“I know you really regret what you did. But we have these laws ... Any sentence other than prison will undermine the community's respect for these laws. The only thing they will hear is 'probation’.”
Well, now, after Charles Rosecrans' resentencing, all I hear is "probation" and I’m also hearing the word “travesty.”
How can this gross sentencing inequity instill greater respect for the law? Doesn't probation for cocaine, DUI and multiple repeat offenses also undermine the community's respect for these laws? Does Judge Hara really think Finley’s marijuana farm was worse for society than Rosecrans’ dangerous record?
On a different level, does it make sense to fill another long-term prison bed with the likes of David Finley while letting Charles Rosecrans off on probation? What a crazy world when the good family man goes to prison and the dangerous party guy gets a big break.
Do you feel any safer tonight?
But perhaps equally revealing, presumably true, is a comment on Bishop’s post from “Hugh Clark”.
"One should not forget, the last time Prosecutor Kimura was challenged in an election was many years ago when Hara was rejected by voters.Glenn is a bright and able attorney but not about to be lenient in the courtroom. That should be weighed the next time a career prosecutor is appointed to the bench"
And another comment, this one from someone called “dakine”, asks another pertinent question.
"Does the prosecutor get some bennies from the feds for keeping the case 'high profile'? Don't they, and the police department make a substantial share of the proceeds from any forfeiture earnings?"
The answer is yes because, although the actual funds go to the police department, often they can be funds that the prosecutior’s office might have had to spend to take care of police-prosecutor cooperation matters. Even though that would seem to violate the way asset forfiture funds are supposed to be used- for things not ordinarily covered in a PD budget- it is common practice.
There is a limited pool of judicial candidate- they have to be lawyers. But a disproportionate number come from prosecutorial backgrounds and a disproportionate number of them show the type of bias that compromises justice in the name of the biases and outright lack of perspective that can come from years of a “get the bad guy” mentality that some may want to see from a prosecutor but is inappropriate for someone who is there to be an impartial arbiter of justice.
The vigilante mentality of the populace that often comprises a “Confederacy of Dunces” doesn’t excuse allowing a “Toole” of over zealousness to sit on the bench.
------------
Note Pete Antonson's name was misspelled. The above has been corrected
Monday, April 28, 2008
DOG BITES MAN
DOG BITES MAN: A provision in the Kauai County Charter restricting Council meeting executive session (ES) to those that regard “claims” (3.07e) has apparently been accepted as law by the Council, according to statements by Councilpersons JoAnn Yukimura, Jay Furfaro and Tim Bynum and especially Deputy County Attorney (CA) Harrison Kawate at the Council meeting last Wednesday, April 21.
Though the Council still refuses to release the actual CA opinion Yukimura made it quite clear that the Council intends to abide by the law although their interpretation of it might seem a bit of a stretch to those who brought the law to light more than 10 months ago
Council watchdogs Glenn Mickens and Ken Taylor, along with attorney Walter Lewis discovered provisions in the charter and state law that restrict secrecy unless the matter is one of “claims” last summer but the council has refused to acknowledge the law until last week when it was “noticed” on the agenda for two executive sessions..
This week’s agenda listed ES 334 and 335 with a new citation saying “Pursuant to... Kaua`i County Charter section 3.07(E)” for the first time.
Mickens prepared testimony took note of that and, as he has done at every meeting that has included an ES on the agenda since last August, asked the question again- why are you breaking the law. He said :
Today’s council agenda includes two executive sessions. They both refer to Charter Section 3.07 E as justification for holding the sessions. But they also refer to HRS sections. If 3.07 E applies, the Sunshine law provisions do not.
From the information provided in the notice of the executive sessions neither Executive Session 334 nor 335 is supportable under the terms of the Charter Section.
Section 3.07 E provides that council meetings shall be open to the public except for consultations with the County Attorney on claims. Neither proposed executive session states that any consultation is being held with the County Attorney or even a deputy in that office.
The notice for Executive Session 334 appears to refer to a course of action contemplated by the county and the possibility of legal risks that may be related. The notice does not state that any monetary claim has been asserted; it does not identify any party who may be a claimant; it does not state why any claim may be presented and it does not identify the nature of any claim that may be asserted. In short, the notice fails to provide adequate information to support the assertion that it relates to a claim or even to a potential claim.
The notice for Executive Session 335 lumps together four different lawsuits. It cannot be ascertained from the notice that any of the lawsuits involve claims. The council understands the meaning of the word “claims”. It has a practice of identifying what it considers claims on its meeting agendas. There are three of them on today’s agenda. They are communications submitted to the county clerk pursuant to Section 23.06 of the Charter and relate to the seeking of recovery of damages for death or injury to person or property. There is no indication in the notice for Executive Session 335 that in any of lawsuits mentioned claims for recovery of damages are being sought. The notice for this executive session fails to provide the requisite information to support its allowance under Section 3.07 E.
Proposed executive sessions 334 and 335 are simply imaginative efforts to try to cover situations as presenting claims when in fact they do not. It is reprehensible that the council would use this type of misrepresentation to achieve sessions from which the public is excluded. If you value our citizens’ perception of your integrity, please act in the public interest and do not hold these sessions.
When Mickens was finished, instead of the usual “Thank you Glenn” from council chair Asing this time he got a response.
Yukimura, who has been a single woman bastion of secrecy despite her lip service to open meetings finally admitted that 3.07(e) pertains and even expressed astonishment that anyone thought she ever didn’t think this.
“I just want to say that (the agenda posting for) ES 334 specifically mentions ‘claims’- the posting of it- and 335 mentions lawsuits all of which are claiming damages- which are claims” said Yukimura.
“There is no doubt in my mind that these two issues clearly come under the Charter. It’s fine when they come under two laws- they can come under both the Sunshine Law and the Charter and they do in terms of claims”
Mickens again commented calling it “strange” that after 10 months of complaints that claims and 3.07(e) were noticed on the agenda to which Yukimura astonishingly said “We’ve always recognized that it’s relevant.
“You have?” said Mickens in disbelief, “Then why have we sat here for 10 months bringing it up and we’ve never heard anything?
“There’s always been a question as to how HRS and the charter integrates” responded Yukimura.” I don’t think we’ve ever said the charter doesn’t apply”
“But it’s never been on the agenda before” cried Mickens.
“And I think that’s due to your good influence” said Yukimura.
The council routinely meets on matters of public policy in secret ES.
Furfaro then said that he believes a case called Hui Malama v C&K of Honolulu might pertain which he said widens the definition but Mickens, obviously familiar with the case said that the law there was different and more lenient.
Then Ken Taylor specifically complained that ES 334 was clearly about the sea wall fronting Pono Kai in Kapa`a for which there is no litigation much less claims.
At that councilmember Tim Bynum who has been trying to buck the system in trying to release various CA opinions told of his frustrations, including the fact that he can’t even get the council to pass rules for releasing the opinions and how he’s been trying to get this one released since January.
When Taylor tried to answer Bynum’s tale Furfaro screamed that Bynum had made a statement and had not asked a question and doesn’t call for an answer from Taylor to which Asing banged his gavel and dismissed Taylor.
But the final admission that the council will now operate under 3.07(e) and how they will do it came from Kawate who later reading of ES 334 confirmed Yukimura’s statements.
“As previously stated relating to the clarifying language relating to the executive session applied to this particular executive session, pursuant to (state laws) and Kaua`i County Charter Section 3.07 subsection “e” the purpose of this executive session is for the council to consult with legal consul regarding claims, potential claims and all other claims and potential claims and associated issues regarding the seawall fronting Pono Kai resort in Kapa`a,” said Kawate.
There is no lawsuit regarding the crumbling seawall nor has there ever been one nor has anyone but the Council ever mentioned the possibility of one.
And there is no “claim” under section 23.06 of the charter which is called “Claims”.
Nowhere else in the state are county attorneys or even the State Attorney General’s opinions on public policy held secret and the Kaua`i Council has released CA opinions in the past and routinely did so until recently, mostly at the behest of Yukimura and Asing.
The statements are an apparent victory for Mickens who has brought the issue forward, gotten opinions from the Office of Information Practices and ultimately the CA, although for a while the Council wouldn’t admit there even was an opinion until Bynum finally got to make a statement on the matter. Others on the Council routinely cut him off as Furfaro did successfully while Taylor was being questioned by Bynum at last week’s meeting.
The Charter provisions “trumps” State law due to a provision in HRS 92-71 which says county provisions that are more stringent than the Sunshine law take precedence.
It remains to be seem how the council tortures the word “claims” in the future despite the fact that the Charter clearly defines the word in Section 23.06.
Though the Council still refuses to release the actual CA opinion Yukimura made it quite clear that the Council intends to abide by the law although their interpretation of it might seem a bit of a stretch to those who brought the law to light more than 10 months ago
Council watchdogs Glenn Mickens and Ken Taylor, along with attorney Walter Lewis discovered provisions in the charter and state law that restrict secrecy unless the matter is one of “claims” last summer but the council has refused to acknowledge the law until last week when it was “noticed” on the agenda for two executive sessions..
This week’s agenda listed ES 334 and 335 with a new citation saying “Pursuant to... Kaua`i County Charter section 3.07(E)” for the first time.
Mickens prepared testimony took note of that and, as he has done at every meeting that has included an ES on the agenda since last August, asked the question again- why are you breaking the law. He said :
Today’s council agenda includes two executive sessions. They both refer to Charter Section 3.07 E as justification for holding the sessions. But they also refer to HRS sections. If 3.07 E applies, the Sunshine law provisions do not.
From the information provided in the notice of the executive sessions neither Executive Session 334 nor 335 is supportable under the terms of the Charter Section.
Section 3.07 E provides that council meetings shall be open to the public except for consultations with the County Attorney on claims. Neither proposed executive session states that any consultation is being held with the County Attorney or even a deputy in that office.
The notice for Executive Session 334 appears to refer to a course of action contemplated by the county and the possibility of legal risks that may be related. The notice does not state that any monetary claim has been asserted; it does not identify any party who may be a claimant; it does not state why any claim may be presented and it does not identify the nature of any claim that may be asserted. In short, the notice fails to provide adequate information to support the assertion that it relates to a claim or even to a potential claim.
The notice for Executive Session 335 lumps together four different lawsuits. It cannot be ascertained from the notice that any of the lawsuits involve claims. The council understands the meaning of the word “claims”. It has a practice of identifying what it considers claims on its meeting agendas. There are three of them on today’s agenda. They are communications submitted to the county clerk pursuant to Section 23.06 of the Charter and relate to the seeking of recovery of damages for death or injury to person or property. There is no indication in the notice for Executive Session 335 that in any of lawsuits mentioned claims for recovery of damages are being sought. The notice for this executive session fails to provide the requisite information to support its allowance under Section 3.07 E.
Proposed executive sessions 334 and 335 are simply imaginative efforts to try to cover situations as presenting claims when in fact they do not. It is reprehensible that the council would use this type of misrepresentation to achieve sessions from which the public is excluded. If you value our citizens’ perception of your integrity, please act in the public interest and do not hold these sessions.
When Mickens was finished, instead of the usual “Thank you Glenn” from council chair Asing this time he got a response.
Yukimura, who has been a single woman bastion of secrecy despite her lip service to open meetings finally admitted that 3.07(e) pertains and even expressed astonishment that anyone thought she ever didn’t think this.
“I just want to say that (the agenda posting for) ES 334 specifically mentions ‘claims’- the posting of it- and 335 mentions lawsuits all of which are claiming damages- which are claims” said Yukimura.
“There is no doubt in my mind that these two issues clearly come under the Charter. It’s fine when they come under two laws- they can come under both the Sunshine Law and the Charter and they do in terms of claims”
Mickens again commented calling it “strange” that after 10 months of complaints that claims and 3.07(e) were noticed on the agenda to which Yukimura astonishingly said “We’ve always recognized that it’s relevant.
“You have?” said Mickens in disbelief, “Then why have we sat here for 10 months bringing it up and we’ve never heard anything?
“There’s always been a question as to how HRS and the charter integrates” responded Yukimura.” I don’t think we’ve ever said the charter doesn’t apply”
“But it’s never been on the agenda before” cried Mickens.
“And I think that’s due to your good influence” said Yukimura.
The council routinely meets on matters of public policy in secret ES.
Furfaro then said that he believes a case called Hui Malama v C&K of Honolulu might pertain which he said widens the definition but Mickens, obviously familiar with the case said that the law there was different and more lenient.
Then Ken Taylor specifically complained that ES 334 was clearly about the sea wall fronting Pono Kai in Kapa`a for which there is no litigation much less claims.
At that councilmember Tim Bynum who has been trying to buck the system in trying to release various CA opinions told of his frustrations, including the fact that he can’t even get the council to pass rules for releasing the opinions and how he’s been trying to get this one released since January.
When Taylor tried to answer Bynum’s tale Furfaro screamed that Bynum had made a statement and had not asked a question and doesn’t call for an answer from Taylor to which Asing banged his gavel and dismissed Taylor.
But the final admission that the council will now operate under 3.07(e) and how they will do it came from Kawate who later reading of ES 334 confirmed Yukimura’s statements.
“As previously stated relating to the clarifying language relating to the executive session applied to this particular executive session, pursuant to (state laws) and Kaua`i County Charter Section 3.07 subsection “e” the purpose of this executive session is for the council to consult with legal consul regarding claims, potential claims and all other claims and potential claims and associated issues regarding the seawall fronting Pono Kai resort in Kapa`a,” said Kawate.
There is no lawsuit regarding the crumbling seawall nor has there ever been one nor has anyone but the Council ever mentioned the possibility of one.
And there is no “claim” under section 23.06 of the charter which is called “Claims”.
Nowhere else in the state are county attorneys or even the State Attorney General’s opinions on public policy held secret and the Kaua`i Council has released CA opinions in the past and routinely did so until recently, mostly at the behest of Yukimura and Asing.
The statements are an apparent victory for Mickens who has brought the issue forward, gotten opinions from the Office of Information Practices and ultimately the CA, although for a while the Council wouldn’t admit there even was an opinion until Bynum finally got to make a statement on the matter. Others on the Council routinely cut him off as Furfaro did successfully while Taylor was being questioned by Bynum at last week’s meeting.
The Charter provisions “trumps” State law due to a provision in HRS 92-71 which says county provisions that are more stringent than the Sunshine law take precedence.
It remains to be seem how the council tortures the word “claims” in the future despite the fact that the Charter clearly defines the word in Section 23.06.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
PNN INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: KKCR- A STUDY IN BROWN AND WHITE
PNN INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: KKCR- A STUDY IN BROWN AND WHITE
Introduction
In what can only be described at best as a cover-up, Kaua`i Community Radio station KKCR-FM’s governing Board of Directors (BOD) has issued a one page confusing letter to the Kaua`i Prosecutor Craig DeCosta apparently in place of a promised “investigation” of charges of racism, harassment and illegal suspensions/firings of programmers as well as other abuses reported last December and January.
In approving and issuing the letter KKCR’s BOD has disposed of their promised internal investigation of events- which included an incident of the beating by police of a young Kanaka Maoli (native Hawaiian) programmer at the behest of staff and board members- with a declination to “file charges”.
The letter, written and presented by BOD member Carl Imperato essentially says that even though they didn’t do it, if they did it was because they thought there was going to some kind of mob coming to do something, apparently unspeakable, citing an undefined “call to action”
Here is the letter:
August 9, 2008
Mr. Craig De Costs
Prosecuting Attorney
County of Kauai
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
Re: January 3, 2008 Arrest Near KKCR Facilities in Princeville
Aloha Mr. De Costa,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Kekahu Foundation, the organization that is responsible for the operation of radio station KKCR in Princeville.
On the afternoon of January 3, 2008, the Kauai Police Department responded to a request for KPD’s presence to ensure that KKCR’s facilities, which are located on private property, would not be threatened by any activities that might occur as a result of a “call to action” that was planned by some members of the public at KKCR’s facilities.
In the course of events that followed, one of the members of the public, Mr. Hale Mawae, was arrested. The Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors has no knowledge of the events surrounding Mr. Mawae’s arrest, and has no grounds to offer any opinion on that matter. We do, however, strongly disagree with any assertions that have been made to the effect that the Kekahu Foundation’s Board, management or staff had any hand in the events that transpired between Mr. Mawae and the KPD.
Nonetheless, the Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors does recognize that many of the parties who participated in response to the “call to action” may have believed that they were acting in pursuit of the public interest, and that misinformation and miscommunication may have contributed to the misunderstandings on the part of many parties. Therefore, we believe that it would be in the general interest of the entire community for an amicable resolution to be sought in regard to the events that occurred on January 3. To that end, the Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors wishes to inform you that the Board does not desire to pursue any legal actions to which the Kekahu Foundation might be entitled in connection with the events of January 3, 2008.
In stating this, we also want to emphasize that we are appreciative of all the assistance that the Kauai Police Department has provided to KKCR and the Kekahu Foundation, both on January 3, 2008 and over the course of KKCR’s existence.
The letter apparently denies any involvement by KKCR in calling the police rather than allow the regularly scheduled programmers in to discuss doing their program. Yet a press release from County, prepared after PNN’s request for information on the beating and arrest, says the it was at the behest of KKCR’s Donna Giarmin, although it doesn’t mention her by name. And not only does a video tape of Princeville security guard confirm this but so do Giarmin’s own written admissions.
Giarmin has refused to talk about the matter with anyone and is expected back from the “leave” she took after station manager Gwen Palagi came back from her leave after all the incidents had taken place.
Since the Board has apparently refused to investigate PNN has obliged with this documented account. We read through more than a hundred written documents, accounts, news articles and blogs and their comments sections, the most pertinent of which appear in a 68 page document that accompanies this investigation. Not included are dozens of emails that were sent privately to and from various individuals which PNN has obtained and has used in preparing this report but has chosen not to include in the document file at the request of those who provided them because they were originally sent as “private” communications, though many in the community have possession of them..
In addition to the documents this report is also based on detailed accounts from dozens of people intimately involved on both sides. Most have declined to be quoted or publicly identified all due to fear of losing their radio programs or positions on the Board or Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAB) or due to other relationships with people involved with the station. Every description and depiction described has been confirmed by multiple reliable sources.
Part 1 - Gathering Clouds
Though problems at KKCR go back to a theft of the station in the 1990’s shortly before the station went on the air, things boiled over in December of 2007.
Despite the BOD’s letter’s contentions documentation is conclusive in indicating that Giarmin, as acting Station Manager at the time, acted in concert with the true station manager Gwen Palagi, Staff member Dawn Jewell and Palagi’s business partner, Board Chair Harvey Cohen, as well as other board members and former and current staff to incite the events described below.
The ignition of the Dec. 17, 2007 incident was a witnessed racist attack on “Songs of Sovereignty” (SOS) producer Ka`iulani Edens-Huff by entrenched white programmer and former Board member Noel Brooks, who has had a history of anti-Hawaiian remarks, especially toward Edens whom he proceeded on the air every Monday morning.
After Edens and Brooks had a small shouting match in which Edens threw her personal headphones, the next Edens heard was an email from Giarmin suspending her by because, Brooks claimed, he was abused by Edens, unprovoked.
This cheery letter greeted Edens when she checked her email at the behest of others who knew before she did.
December 17, 2007
Aloha Ka`iulani,
I hope you're having a great holiday season. We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.
Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately.
It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment.
For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.
Mahalo for your contributions to KKCR during the past months. If you have any questions, please contact me.
aloha,donna
The witness was her program associate Hale Mawae, the same kanaka maoli who was beaten while video taping the later “incidents” of January 3, and has plead “sovereign” to the charges of trespassing and resisting arrest. At the time of the beating he was on the side of a public right of way road between the Princeville Police substation and the golf course where the gates to KKCR are located- a road which Princeville and apparently the Police claim is private property, although no signs appear anywhere and the public drives upon it daily.
Neither Mawae - who was in the studio during the Dec. 17 incident and has confirmed the story told here- nor Edens was asked anything about the incident before the termination or for any supposed investigation. Neither, PNN has confirmed, was anyone else mentioned in this piece questioned except perhaps some staff and/or board members
The incident led to the charges of racism not just from Ka`iulani and Hale but from many programmers and others associated with KKCR who had seen the exclusionary policies in action.
And it wasn’t just local people that were excluded but those who sought to use KKCR as the community’s free-speech soap-box. They have been and continue to be not only ignored but actively rejected by an advertising operation that promotes the Hollywood Music industry as PNN and others have detailed in print and television over the past 15 years.
KKCR public affairs programmers Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo heard about the incident and decided to do something about it. Three days later they spent their entire call-in program on the matter. And the white privilege and resulting clique-rule at what is widely known among locals as “Haole radio in Princeville” was exposed as never before.
Here’s how Rose describes that day and some subsequent events http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-getting-clear.html
On Thursday, December 20, Jimmy Trujillo and I hosted our regular call-in program. After explaining to the listeners that Ka`iulani had been terminated, we opened the phone lines to the community to discuss the issue. We scrupulously avoided name-calling and finger-pointing, but we did not shy away from raising the question of how racism played into the events. At one point, a staff member was invited into the studio by Jimmy to offer up station management’s position. (This caused some confusion in the studio, as I was unaware that the staff member had been invited and interpreted her presence as an inappropriate incursion; later I did apologize to her for my attempts to limit her access to the microphone.)
It has been stated since that we were “fishing” for callers who agreed with us. I think this refers to the fact that at one point I mentioned that a particular caller was trying to get through, and invited her to call when the line became open (for some reason, only one phone line into the studio was open, instead of the usual two or three.) But those who have never been in the studio should understand that we do not “screen” callers, and that we do not use a “delay.”
The staff member, Jewell was enraged, ranting on and off air against Edens, Rose and Trujillo and, although technically “invited” by Trujillo was on the air at her insistence after first reportedly contemplating pulling the plug, which was the apparent reason for the acquiescence of Trujillo to one who, as proven later, held the power to terminate their program.
Rose continues.
On Monday, December 24th, several people felt moved to go to KKCR to protest for the re-instatement of Ka`iulani to the airwaves. It was no secret that we planned to demonstrate. There was no indication that this demonstration was ever intended to cause harm to the station premises or people therein. Yet, when we arrived, we found the station closed and locked down, all regular programming pre-empted, no staff present, and the Kaua`i Police Department alerted to our presence. Under warnings of trespassing, we agreed to move to a public area, at the intersection of Hanalei Plantation Road and Kuhio Highway. We held a peaceful sign-holding protest raising the issue of institutionalized racism at KKCR. A video, now on YouTube, was made of the protest. Our message was clear: we were not accusing individuals of bigotry, but pointing to the structure of KKCR as inherently exclusive and unaccountable to the community.
Although Videographer Koohan “Camera” Paik produced a video of the demonstrations she has chosen to remove it from public perusal after it was posted on YouTube. It included Ka`iulani scathingly speaking about the events and the blatant racism she experienced at KKCR from staff and some programmers.
The station meanwhile was playing canned music all day as their “Christmas Gift” to the community according to their web site that day with no mention of the events going on outside or the reason for the “pre-emption”, causing other programmers to complain when they were locked out without notice or reason.
More from Rose:
The following Monday, three of us arrived at the grounds of KKCR again. This time, it was to fulfill a request by Ka`iulani that Hale Mawae sit in as a guest host for the “Songs of Sovereignty” program. Again, the station was locked and empty. After waiting in the hope that staff would arrive at 10 am – the start of usual business hours – we left.
The following day, Jimmy Trujillo and I received emails informing us that our scheduled program for January 3 had been “pre-empted.” There was no explanation for this action, and we have yet to receive one. We have only the suspicion that we are being suspended for airing “dirty laundry” – which is not an FCC offense but a questionable station policy, considering that it is really the community’s laundry we’re talking about, and the community has a right to inspect it.
On Thursday, January 3, Jimmy and I and three supporters arrived at 3:30 to request that we be allowed to broadcast our program, and that we be given an explanation for our “pre-emption.” This time, we arrived to find a locked gate at the top entrance to the road which leads to the station. This gate is normally locked after 6pm and after 2 pm on weekends. I have a key to this gate, but a Princeville Security Guard denied us entry, and told us that the gate at the entrance to the station was also locked. Only specified people were to be allowed entry.
Police cars arrived, and we were told to move off Princeville property, which we did. Hale Mawae, however, was arrested shortly thereafter for walking along Hanalei Plantation Road, which is by all accounts a public right-of-way road. He was armed only with a video camera, which was confiscated and has yet to be returned. His arrest – which he did not resist - included an excessive amount of force, with three to four officers wrestling and pinning him to the ground. He suffered injuries and is facing charges for trespassing and resisting arrest.It became clear in the aftermath of Hale’s arrest that a staff person at KKCR had placed the call to police, apparently inflating the “threat” posed by our non-violent presence in the vicinity of KKCR. These kinds of calls, I should point out, tend to inflame police behavior.
The programmers brought in to host the program instead of Jimmy and I – Dave Gerow, Bill Rash, and John Gordon – spent the entire show discussing and taking calls about the current controversy. Bill Rash was heard to describe a “mob” trying to “storm the station.” Later in the broadcast, Bill Rash was heard threatening a caller to a fight outside the gates after the show. He was also heard to state that this particular community member had “no right to exist.” Another caller also challenged this particular community member to a fight “in a parking lot,” and was not met by any disclaimer or moderation by the programmers. A third caller aired his dislike of Jimmy and myself, which is fine, and mentioned that he felt we did not “deserve to use the name ‘Out of the Box’” for our program because of our departure from the spirit of original host Michael Van De Veer’s “vision” (also fine.) Dave Gerow and Bill Rash audibly and emphatically agreed with the caller’s assessment of their fellow programmers – a forbidden sign of disrespect according to KKCR protocol. To date, I have heard of no reprimand or consequences for these programmers.
Again, on Tuesday, January 8, on the “Kaua`i Soapbox” program, programmers spent the entire program discussing the current controversy with callers, and making false and confusing statements about the reasons for our suspensions. There has been no effort yet by management to clarify and correct this ongoing flood of rumors emanating from KKCR’s airwaves.
This raises an important question: is it only “dirty laundry” when you disagree with station policy?
Another video, this one by long time local videographer, media consultant and KCC Professor Edward Coll speaks the proverbial thousand words and is still posted online.
Mawae, also had a lot to say including describing another staff member, Dawn Jewell’s, actions much of which is confirmed by subsequent news and blog reports.
KKCR Closes "The Box!"
Aloha mai kakou, Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo's 1-3-08 set of their bi-monthly Thursday edition of "Out of the Box" from 4-5:30pm has been pre-empted by KKCR management in regards to their 12-20-07 show that is now in question by KKCR management because of on-air "dirty laundry" surrounding issues of systemic racism and prejudice at the station.
Having been a guest on both the 12-20 "Out of the Box" show now under question as well as a guest on Ka'iulani's 12-17 morning show, "Songs of Sovereignty" which is also in question. I can't help but reaffirm the belief in the issue of systemic prejudice and racism at KKCR. KKCR management and staff acted poorly upon these two separate shows raising this and other issues. I can validate with my own experience the system of prejudice the staff upholds as I have never felt welcome by the staff, having been ousted and made unwelcome as a guest voice on one radio show after the next, and in trying to become a potential volunteer at the studio on more than one occasion.
What makes the issue even more apparent was being a guest at KKCR where I was verbally and culturally attacked after being told to get out of the studio by Dawn Jewell on the Dec. 20th show. Jewell, who then followed me out to the parking lot to continue to her barrage of cultural attacks, engaging in conflict over the issues raised on-air of systemic racism at KKCR. She continued in defense of her own point of view and strongly acted in defense of the KKCR management who she was representing at the time and day of the "Out of the Box" show. Dawn Jewell, who is another member of the group who had a hand in the decision to terminate Ka`iulani via group staff e-mail, which added to the ongoing controversy of their country-club style politics and systemic prejudice against Ka`iulani.
Katy and Jimmy are to be "dealt" with upon the return of station manager, Gwen Palagi. This message coming from Donna Lewis as the voice of the staff, yet again. An interesting approach at pushing forward with their unconstitutional agenda of removing voices raising the issue of systemic prejudice and racism at KKCR, which has been strongly denied, ignored, and avoided at all cost.Avoidance to the point of shutting down the radio station and playing Hawaiian music from their digital music library in rotation for a period of more than 48 hours, two weeks in a row, during the normal airing period of "Songs of Sovereignty" to make up for the fact of being accused of systemic racism at KKCR against the Native Hawaiian community, and stating that this Hawaiian music rotation was their "gift of aloha." A gift of aloha that stemmed from the fact that they knew there would be a lot of listener's protesting the issue to see if Ka`iulani would be back on the air that following Monday morning.
Instead, playing Hawaiian music to make up for the severe lack of Native Hawaiian community volunteer presence at KKCR. Not only lack of Native Hawaiian community voice, but also a severe lack of Native Hawaiian music being played during normal weekly music rotations. A station which started during the early 90's when the vision and foundation of the station of Hawaiian activist, Uncle Butch Kekahu, was overthrown.
Overthrown by the same kind of self-governing board that has been allowed to perpetuate that self-privileged, country club style members only politics of bias prejudice. When truly KKCR was built with the effort to help educate people with the voice of Hawaiian Sovereignty through music, expression in voice, and in togetherness of the sovereign community Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike.
By continuing to avoid the issue and silencing the only voices brave enough to call out KKCR on-air, it clearly perpetuates the system that overthrew Uncle Butch Kekahu's vision and foundation of the station in the early 90's. Change can not be asked from the self-governing board who also put in place the majority of the staff currently in place upholding that system of in-house politics, it has to be changed by the willing voices of the sovereign community for change to happen now. Then we will say that "Songs of Sovereignty" host, Ka`iulani Edens-Huff, was just another brave voice who got a little too loud about the issues of prejudice, racism, social and cultural inequality at KKCR that she was dealing with internally and was silenced and made an example because sharing that message of oppression externally with others was too loud.
Because that is the truth...KKCR management is now labeling the racial issue as "dirty laundry" because of those on-air truths exposed at KKCR, and it is the same kind of in-house denial that supports and allows that system of prejudice to thrive and continue at KKCR...
E holo imua, e mau ka pono.In moving forward, we live righteously.
Hale Mawae
Eo Lono!
The incident and racism charges might have gone unnoticed but for Senior Kaua`i Correspondent Joan Conrow, who first reported on the daily-escalating revelations on December 26th and allowed for comments to corroborate all of Rose’s descriptions with Mawae, Trujillo and others confirming the story.
A complete list of all of Conrow’s blog entries and comments regarding KKCR are linked here.
Conrow wrote that Giarmin told her “We do have eyewitness accounts of last week's incident. The people were afraid Ka`iulani would blame them & retaliate - so they didn't want their names used. I told them I would be clear - the decision was the staff's. We also have at least 4 other incidents documented from the past several months.”
Of course no such witnesses were very produced and no one’s comments were sought by the KKCR Board’s “investigation”. Giarmin has not publicly made the claim again.
In Conrow’s blog Dec 31 blog she told the story of the second “pre-emption” of SOS.
And in the comments section Rose described in more detail the day when she, and KKCR co-founder Fred Dente accompanied Mawae- who was instructed by Edens to fill in for her Songs of Sovereignty program-.again went to the station.
This morning, Fred Dente, Hale Mawae and I arrived at the KKCR station at about 8:30 am to prepare for the "Songs of Sovereignty" program. Since the "termination" of Ka`iulani Huff is in dispute - in fact, it's been unclear since the station's original missive whether it's a "termination" or a "suspension" - Ka`iulani requested that Hale cover her slot until she returns from a vacation and meets with station management. Fred and I meant to accompany him for support.
To our dismay, the station was closed - no personnel on site and canned music playing - as it had been the week before when a group of us arrived to protest Ka'iulani's termination and the pattern of elitism and lack of community access to the station. We imagined that perhaps station management might arrive at 10:00 am - the start of normal office hours - so we waited away from the station grounds, at the gated entrance at Hanalei Plantation Road. To pass the time, we took video of each other talking about the problems at KKCR and the solutions we are trying to implement.
Alas, the only vehicles entering and leaving the area were those of people from the base yard near the station - no KKCR management, staff, volunteers or board members arrived. At around 10:00, a Princeville Security truck pulled up and the guard asked us what we were doing. When we told her we were waiting for the station to open so that Hale could go on the air, she mentioned that she understood that the station was closed today because "they thought there would be protests." After this revealing comment, she agreed to double check the station to see if anyone was there. She returned to let us know that the station was empty as far as she could tell.
Another interesting event occurred shortly before we left. We noticed a rental car enter the area and return after a few moments. The car pulled up to us and the couple inside asked us about KKCR being closed. They were filmmakers from Santa Barbara, they told us, and they had gone to the station to find Ka`iulani. They had heard that she would be a good source of information about traditional Hawaiian music and hula, which they were seeking for a documentary. They had heard about her termination but had hoped she would be back today. We helped them as best we could, promising to try to put them in touch with Ka'iu, and we all went our separate ways for the day.
We are saddened indeed that KKCR management has chosen to duck and seek cover by closing the station two weeks in a row to avoid an honest discussion about Ka'iulani's termination and other systemic problems at KKCR. We hope that community members will make their voices heard by calling and writing the station, and attending the upcoming Community Advisory Board meeting on January 23, at 7:00, at the Kapa`a Neighborhood Center.
In this time of renewed social movement on Kaua`i, an accountable community radio station is more important than ever!-Katy Rose
It should be noted that radio stations licensed by the FCC are required to keep the stations staffed and provide copies of many documents available to the public upon demand during “normal business hours”..
Although later this was allegedly reported to the FCC by part time Kaua`i resident Patrick Michaels - who also alleged many other things which were reported in the local newspaper and bantered and battered about on various Kaua`i web sites and blogs- it is unclear if there is a case pending before the FCC as Michaels said at the time
But after Mawae’s arrest the story hit big with a long piece in the local Kaua`i newspaper by Nathan Eagle.
And Eagle not only didn’t pull punches he took names and provided quotes that haunt KKCR’s staff and board to this day in a story that ridicules and refutes anything Imperato and the Board-with the exception of board member Marj Dente, Fred’s Wife and also a co-founder who voted no and said she “took exception to the third paragraph”- had to say in the letter to the prosecutor.
Because of it’s professional and factual nature and depth we will present the text in whole.http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/05/news/news02.txt
(note: Donna Giarmin is referred to as Donna Lewis- her maiden name- in this article)
KKCR station refutes racism claims
By Nathan Eagle - The Garden Island
Posted: Friday, Jan 04, 2008 - 11:07:50 pm HST
PRINCEVILLE — Several residents have banded to tackle alleged racism at KKCR after Kaua‘i’s community radio station fired a Hawaiian programmer last month and canned two talk show hosts this week.Protests late Thursday afternoon outside the Princeville station led to police arresting Anahola activist Hale Mawae, 24, for trespassing and resisting arrest.
Ka`iulani Edens-Huff, who hosted the popular but controversial “The Song of Sovereignty” program Monday mornings on 90.9 FM, was suspended “due to multiple violations of station policies and FCC laws,” KKCR Program Director Donna Lewis said yesterday.
“It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,” Lewis said.Huff, a former commercial radio DJ who has worked at KKCR since July 2006, said she was terminated for a tiff she had with another volunteer.
Noel Brooks hosts “Na Mele O Hawai`i” program that immediately precedes Huff’s segment. She claims he consistently ends late, preventing her program from starting at 9 a.m.
This happened on Dec. 17, Huff said, and “I threw a hissy fit in the studio.
“I told him I was tired of him acting unprofessional,” she said. “I unplugged his head set, tossed it aside and threw mine on the counter.”
The next day, she said, she came home to messages from friends asking why she was fired. Unaware of being terminated, she opened up her e-mail and found a letter from the program director sent the previous evening.
“We recognize your contributions to KKCR and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR,” Lewis states in the letter.
“Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off- and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately.
“It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment,” the letter continues.
Huff called the charges over-exaggerated and unfounded.“I acted like a naggy wife complaining about a dirty living room and I got fired,” she said.
“I’m really ashamed I had a hissy fit ... but expressing your anger is not violence.”
She responded to KKCR management in a Dec. 18 e-mail.“You have been trying to get rid of me since I started my sovereignty show,” Huff states.
“Do you really want to take me on? ... I’ve been waiting for you racists.”Huff, 45, of Kapa`a, said she plans to finalize details to retain an attorney in Honolulu next week. She claims the station violated its policies, her rights and FCC rules.KKCR failed to contact Mawae, who witnessed the incident, or ask Huff for her side of the story before deciding to end her DJ privileges, she said.
But an e-mail from Lewis posted on Joan Conrow’s kauaieclectic.blogspot.com says there were multiple eye witnesses whose names were withheld for fear of retaliation.
“Every Monday I ask myself, ‘Is this my last show?’” Huff said. “I’ve had death threats, been bullied, intimidated, made to feel uncomfortable. It’s like picking open a deep wound every Monday.”
Huff had received “multiple warnings” from Larry LaSota, station manager at the time, and Ken Jannelli, program director at the time, Lewis said yesterday.
KKCR volunteer Katy Rose said Huff had a few “run-ins” with station managers who were concerned about the commentary she interspersed in the program.Huff started working in radio in 1999. She said she was furloughed from KONG FM and left H. Hawaii Media after a dispute with management over her use of Hawaiian words and speaking pidgin on air.
Rose and Jimmy Trujillo host a community call-in program called “Out of the Box” on alternating Thursdays.On their Dec. 20 show, they announced Huff’s termination and opened up the lines “for people who found value in her programming,” Rose said.
The hosts abbreviated calls supporting KKCR and fished for listeners eager to spread untrue racism claims about the station, Lewis says in a police report submitted yesterday.
KKCR sent the duo an e-mail Tuesday, saying their program scheduled for Thursday had been pre-empted.“There are several issues regarding your 12-20 broadcast we’d like to discuss with you upon return of the general manager,” Lewis states in the letter. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to clarifying some critical issues with you. I’m attaching an e-copy of the Volunteer Handbook for your files ... It’s an important reference.”
In her police report, Lewis says the show violated KKCR’s “dirty laundry” policy and “perpetuated misinformation.”
“We felt listeners needed to have the benefit of knowing what is going on and participate in the conversation,” Rose said.KKCR Station Manager Gwen Palagi will return next week, Lewis said.Rose, Trujillo, Mawae and several concerned residents decided to protest the terminations Thursday at the station.
The plan, Rose said, was to ask to host their regularly scheduled show, be denied, set a time to discuss the matter with management and leave.But when they arrived, Lewis contacted police and asked for assistance.
Officers responded and explained to the group that while they had a right to express their opinion, they could do so only in a public right of way. The officers pointed out exactly where KKCR/Princeville’s property ends and where the right of way begins, a county news release issued yesterday says.
Following the explanation, the group complied and moved over to the right of way.Shortly afterward, Mawae returned to the entrance of KKCR/Princeville. Police repeatedly told Mawae that he had to leave or he would be arrested.
Mawae refused and was arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest, the release states. He was taken to police cellblock and booked.
He later posted $170 bail and was released.Mawae, Huff, Trujillo and Rose said they remain concerned about the bigger picture — the station’s overall structure and lack of ethnic diversity.KKCR’s nine volunteer board members and five paid staff members are white.
“No kanaka has ever applied for a staff position,” Lewis said. “Every Hawaiian who has ever applied to serve on the board has been unanimously approved. The station and board strongly encourage members of the Hawaiian community to get involved in the station on all levels — staff, volunteer, board member.”
Rose said she and others who are increasingly concerned about the lack of community control over KKCR have met to discuss changes.
“Individual incidents like these are indicative of deeper problems that can be fixed structurally so we don’t run into them again,” she said.Every volunteer at KKCR is required to comply with the same set of rules — regardless of race, wealth, political position or popularity, Lewis said.“As with other DJs who have had their DJ privileges suspended in the past for similar violations, (Huff) may reapply to the volunteer program after a waiting period (of 90 days),” she added.
KKCR is searching for a responsible Hawaiian DJ to host the ‘The Song of Sovereignty’ program, Lewis said.
On the station’s Web site, kkcr.org, the staff posted a message about their mission.“KKCR supports the preservation, perpetuation and celebration of the Hawaiian culture and encourages members of the Hawaiian community to get involved by becoming part of the KKCR ‘ohana,” it states. “The station actively seeks volunteers to enhance and diversify its Hawaiian programming, including social, political, musical and cultural affairs.”
The protests over the past few weeks resulted in the first time in the station’s history that it has locked its gates, which Princeville Police advised, Lewis said. KKCR launched in the mid-1990s.
“As I unlocked the gate to let DJs through, I mentioned how strange it felt to close the gate,” she said. “It was so rusty from disuse that I could hardly get it closed — I had to ask the security guard if I could borrow some WD-40. We prefer the open-door policy and look forward to resolving the security issues so we can return to our normal routine of serving our amazing community.”
There was also an article in the Honolulu Star Bulletin in late January telling the whole state what happened.
Needless to say, the article was not cited as part of any investigation and apparently was not seen by Imperato or the Board’s Personnel Committee Chair Palo Luckett who, it was said at the last board meeting, also had a hand in and reviewing whatever was reviewed in the preparation and writing of the letter.
The “documentary” that was done by Paik contained interviews with Rose, Edens and others and made it clear that the issue was that there was a persistent harassment of any free speech, especially that of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement.
Various letters to the editor, but more so the comments sections of three blogs- Conrow’s Kaua`i Eclectic, Poinography from Doug White and the Disappeared News’ Larry Geller - are packed full of incredible soul-baring examinations of race in Hawai`i and the white-privilege exercised by the staff board and most of the programmers.
One of the best pieces was one on what racism and white privilege is was written by Rose and posted at Juan Wilson’s Island Breath web site,
It was directed toward the dozens of white programmers, sponsors and others connected to KKCR who, in writing and on the air protested their innocence of “being a racist” despite their knee-jerk support for an all white institution that had yielded an almost all white, non-controversial programming format and station itself.
PNN urges all readers to follow the link to the essay and all the comments linked here including one of our comments on white-privilege, race bias vs. racism
Part 2 Precipitation of the Precipitation
The Dec and Jan events further exposed the literal theft of the station in it’s formative days as PNN has detailed in print over the last 13 years and in the hour-long “Parxist Conspiracy” television report on the subject done in 1999.
The theft occurred when then board members Richard Fernandez- an L.A. music business big cheese and still a board member, programmer and the titular “godfather” of the cabal- and John Scott, an L.A. Disc jockey who claimed to have “discovered” Tom Petty, obtained a blank-check from the treasurer “for paint” and then drained the account and contacted their lawyer to change the bylaws. They now say that the Board itself- not the “subscribing” public as originally was the case- would select the board and be the only real “members” of the Kekahu Foundation.
Doug White who writes the popular Poinography blog from Honolulu had actually written about it in his blog in Nov. 2006 asking what people knew after he read a letter to the editor in the Kaua`i newspaper from Dente that is a pretty good short synopsis and snapshot more than a year before the situation exploded.
KKCR direction disturbing
Nov. 16 on KKCR I was listening to Greg Palast speaking of rigged and stolen elections, and disenfranchised voters. In the ultimate hypocrisy, a most disturbing “election” took place in Princeville on Nov. 8. The Kekahu Foundation, the governing body of KKCR FM radio, held its 11th consecutive illegal election of the Board of Directors, in my opinion. In their version of democracy, nine people vote themselves and their friends onto the board in a revolving door of favoritism, cronyism, selfishness and backroom decision-making. Of the four slots filled on Nov. 8, two are buddies of officers of the corporation and one is a long-standing boardmember who recently said in a board meeting: “What has voting rights have to do with democracy?” The fourth was filled by my wife, Marj, who has become indispensable to the board, even though she is married to me.
Ever since the hostile takeover of the board in 1996, the foundation has become more and more commercialized, privatized and unaccountable to its approximately 750 subscribing members. Over the years, there have been several attempts to restore the voting rights to the general membership, all of which were denied. Those voting rights were established in all the original foundation documents, and in the intentions of all the founders. In the weak moments of our early growing pains, a selfish and arrogant group of people took over the board, illegally changing definitions in the bylaws to remove voting rights of the general membership and establishing themselves in sole control. One of them is still on the board. To this day, there has never been an annual general membership meeting or a vote by the subscribing members, who have been reduced to being only cash cows and cheerleaders for fund-raising.
If you want to have more of a voice in the direction of our alleged community radio station, please sign my petition, which will force the board to convene a special meeting of subscribing members. If we’re going to change our world, we’ve got to take back control of our institutions.
White exposed once again publicly the way the whole local community was not just negligently ignored but was actively suppressed.
And it was done through a program of automatic acceptance for most whites, especially well-connected ones, and the insistence of the performance of demeaning work as a pre-requisite to be given, not a talk program but a strictly music show, especially for local people and more so for non-whites.
Many call it similar to a well known process called “The Stockholm Syndrome” also known as the “Patty Hearst Syndrome” where, through a system of degradation one can be made to agree and identify with their captors.
Ka`iulani Edens-Huff is “white” to the eye and was professional and nice and so they gave her the “Songs of Sovereignty program” They certainly didn’t seek out the Kingdom of Atooi or the reinstated Government for SOS.
And it should be pointed out then neither Edens, nor Rose, nor Trujillo nor many- including most the most entrenched programmers and board/staff members- were made to do “office work” or other volunteer activity before getting on-air positions.
And despite dozens of requests over the years from professional journalists and many dozens more from articulate community activists, none were allowed on the air and only a hand selected few non-controversial north shore white “unknowns” such as the late Michael Van de Veer and Karlos deTreaux were allowed on the air for over 10 years- and their time was limited to an hour each a week, later expanded to an hour and a half.
And other than those two programs and now a couple-a-three weekend programs- none done by born and bred Kauaiians that’s the extent of local public affairs programming.
And apparently at least 750 people like it enough to subscribe and pay their now $40 a year, although Rose has recently insisted on there being a recently instituted $20 limited income subscription.
Part 3 Downpour
So all of a sudden Ka`iu was breaking the rules- she spoke!... on a MUSIC program!... and worse she was talking about Hawaiian sovereignty and- gasp- seemed to be for it!
It should be noted that it was even more the content of WHAT she was saying that was cited in “complaints” made to her by staff about SOS prior to the De. 17 incident.
Ka`iu says that last year, shortly after the “talk” began to take on an “all of these islands are Hawaiian land and all you real estate agents are trespassing” tone, then-station manager and current BOD member Larry LaSota (who had been hired as manager while on the board) came storming into the studio on numerous occasions with his hair on fire about the fact that not only that she was talking on a music program, but disparaging and demeaning her statements and demanding she never do it again.
This became a regular routine according to Edens and others familiar with KKCR. Eventually program director Ken Jannelli joined in the fun, bursting into the studio and screaming upon hearing objectionable speech.
And their benefactor and long time defender of the theft of the station Noel Brooks made three. Every Monday morning..
Brooks left his rubbish all over the pace, went ten minutes into her program and demeaned the Hawaiian culture saying no one wanted to hear her sovereignty music because- and Ka`iu emphatically repeats often that he told her this- Hawaiian music wouldn’t be anything without Hollywood.
Following the incidents other stories began to emerge about discrimination against others of color and even the disabled by LaSota and other staff. With disregard for their complaints by the board, LaSota actually refused to accommodate a programmer who is in a wheel chair and another who is also physically disabled by even opening the gate for them much less accommodating their disabilities in the studio.
These prior incidents are on top of the fact that friends, business supporters and cronies- pretty much any connected North shore haole- were actually solicited for Board positions and given programs for life by Fernandez and Scott (who is now safely back on the mainland) and, eventually, those Fernandez had solicited- most of whom just wanted to breathe the air of someone who worked for Bob Dylan as his road manager.
And local people and the whole activist community were literally made to clean the toilets to get a chance to be on the air (and only play music) until January when KKCR announced they would hire a janitorial service.
Introduction
In what can only be described at best as a cover-up, Kaua`i Community Radio station KKCR-FM’s governing Board of Directors (BOD) has issued a one page confusing letter to the Kaua`i Prosecutor Craig DeCosta apparently in place of a promised “investigation” of charges of racism, harassment and illegal suspensions/firings of programmers as well as other abuses reported last December and January.
In approving and issuing the letter KKCR’s BOD has disposed of their promised internal investigation of events- which included an incident of the beating by police of a young Kanaka Maoli (native Hawaiian) programmer at the behest of staff and board members- with a declination to “file charges”.
The letter, written and presented by BOD member Carl Imperato essentially says that even though they didn’t do it, if they did it was because they thought there was going to some kind of mob coming to do something, apparently unspeakable, citing an undefined “call to action”
Here is the letter:
August 9, 2008
Mr. Craig De Costs
Prosecuting Attorney
County of Kauai
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
Re: January 3, 2008 Arrest Near KKCR Facilities in Princeville
Aloha Mr. De Costa,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Kekahu Foundation, the organization that is responsible for the operation of radio station KKCR in Princeville.
On the afternoon of January 3, 2008, the Kauai Police Department responded to a request for KPD’s presence to ensure that KKCR’s facilities, which are located on private property, would not be threatened by any activities that might occur as a result of a “call to action” that was planned by some members of the public at KKCR’s facilities.
In the course of events that followed, one of the members of the public, Mr. Hale Mawae, was arrested. The Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors has no knowledge of the events surrounding Mr. Mawae’s arrest, and has no grounds to offer any opinion on that matter. We do, however, strongly disagree with any assertions that have been made to the effect that the Kekahu Foundation’s Board, management or staff had any hand in the events that transpired between Mr. Mawae and the KPD.
Nonetheless, the Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors does recognize that many of the parties who participated in response to the “call to action” may have believed that they were acting in pursuit of the public interest, and that misinformation and miscommunication may have contributed to the misunderstandings on the part of many parties. Therefore, we believe that it would be in the general interest of the entire community for an amicable resolution to be sought in regard to the events that occurred on January 3. To that end, the Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors wishes to inform you that the Board does not desire to pursue any legal actions to which the Kekahu Foundation might be entitled in connection with the events of January 3, 2008.
In stating this, we also want to emphasize that we are appreciative of all the assistance that the Kauai Police Department has provided to KKCR and the Kekahu Foundation, both on January 3, 2008 and over the course of KKCR’s existence.
The letter apparently denies any involvement by KKCR in calling the police rather than allow the regularly scheduled programmers in to discuss doing their program. Yet a press release from County, prepared after PNN’s request for information on the beating and arrest, says the it was at the behest of KKCR’s Donna Giarmin, although it doesn’t mention her by name. And not only does a video tape of Princeville security guard confirm this but so do Giarmin’s own written admissions.
Giarmin has refused to talk about the matter with anyone and is expected back from the “leave” she took after station manager Gwen Palagi came back from her leave after all the incidents had taken place.
Since the Board has apparently refused to investigate PNN has obliged with this documented account. We read through more than a hundred written documents, accounts, news articles and blogs and their comments sections, the most pertinent of which appear in a 68 page document that accompanies this investigation. Not included are dozens of emails that were sent privately to and from various individuals which PNN has obtained and has used in preparing this report but has chosen not to include in the document file at the request of those who provided them because they were originally sent as “private” communications, though many in the community have possession of them..
In addition to the documents this report is also based on detailed accounts from dozens of people intimately involved on both sides. Most have declined to be quoted or publicly identified all due to fear of losing their radio programs or positions on the Board or Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAB) or due to other relationships with people involved with the station. Every description and depiction described has been confirmed by multiple reliable sources.
Part 1 - Gathering Clouds
Though problems at KKCR go back to a theft of the station in the 1990’s shortly before the station went on the air, things boiled over in December of 2007.
Despite the BOD’s letter’s contentions documentation is conclusive in indicating that Giarmin, as acting Station Manager at the time, acted in concert with the true station manager Gwen Palagi, Staff member Dawn Jewell and Palagi’s business partner, Board Chair Harvey Cohen, as well as other board members and former and current staff to incite the events described below.
The ignition of the Dec. 17, 2007 incident was a witnessed racist attack on “Songs of Sovereignty” (SOS) producer Ka`iulani Edens-Huff by entrenched white programmer and former Board member Noel Brooks, who has had a history of anti-Hawaiian remarks, especially toward Edens whom he proceeded on the air every Monday morning.
After Edens and Brooks had a small shouting match in which Edens threw her personal headphones, the next Edens heard was an email from Giarmin suspending her by because, Brooks claimed, he was abused by Edens, unprovoked.
This cheery letter greeted Edens when she checked her email at the behest of others who knew before she did.
December 17, 2007
Aloha Ka`iulani,
I hope you're having a great holiday season. We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.
Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately.
It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment.
For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.
Mahalo for your contributions to KKCR during the past months. If you have any questions, please contact me.
aloha,donna
The witness was her program associate Hale Mawae, the same kanaka maoli who was beaten while video taping the later “incidents” of January 3, and has plead “sovereign” to the charges of trespassing and resisting arrest. At the time of the beating he was on the side of a public right of way road between the Princeville Police substation and the golf course where the gates to KKCR are located- a road which Princeville and apparently the Police claim is private property, although no signs appear anywhere and the public drives upon it daily.
Neither Mawae - who was in the studio during the Dec. 17 incident and has confirmed the story told here- nor Edens was asked anything about the incident before the termination or for any supposed investigation. Neither, PNN has confirmed, was anyone else mentioned in this piece questioned except perhaps some staff and/or board members
The incident led to the charges of racism not just from Ka`iulani and Hale but from many programmers and others associated with KKCR who had seen the exclusionary policies in action.
And it wasn’t just local people that were excluded but those who sought to use KKCR as the community’s free-speech soap-box. They have been and continue to be not only ignored but actively rejected by an advertising operation that promotes the Hollywood Music industry as PNN and others have detailed in print and television over the past 15 years.
KKCR public affairs programmers Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo heard about the incident and decided to do something about it. Three days later they spent their entire call-in program on the matter. And the white privilege and resulting clique-rule at what is widely known among locals as “Haole radio in Princeville” was exposed as never before.
Here’s how Rose describes that day and some subsequent events http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-getting-clear.html
On Thursday, December 20, Jimmy Trujillo and I hosted our regular call-in program. After explaining to the listeners that Ka`iulani had been terminated, we opened the phone lines to the community to discuss the issue. We scrupulously avoided name-calling and finger-pointing, but we did not shy away from raising the question of how racism played into the events. At one point, a staff member was invited into the studio by Jimmy to offer up station management’s position. (This caused some confusion in the studio, as I was unaware that the staff member had been invited and interpreted her presence as an inappropriate incursion; later I did apologize to her for my attempts to limit her access to the microphone.)
It has been stated since that we were “fishing” for callers who agreed with us. I think this refers to the fact that at one point I mentioned that a particular caller was trying to get through, and invited her to call when the line became open (for some reason, only one phone line into the studio was open, instead of the usual two or three.) But those who have never been in the studio should understand that we do not “screen” callers, and that we do not use a “delay.”
The staff member, Jewell was enraged, ranting on and off air against Edens, Rose and Trujillo and, although technically “invited” by Trujillo was on the air at her insistence after first reportedly contemplating pulling the plug, which was the apparent reason for the acquiescence of Trujillo to one who, as proven later, held the power to terminate their program.
Rose continues.
On Monday, December 24th, several people felt moved to go to KKCR to protest for the re-instatement of Ka`iulani to the airwaves. It was no secret that we planned to demonstrate. There was no indication that this demonstration was ever intended to cause harm to the station premises or people therein. Yet, when we arrived, we found the station closed and locked down, all regular programming pre-empted, no staff present, and the Kaua`i Police Department alerted to our presence. Under warnings of trespassing, we agreed to move to a public area, at the intersection of Hanalei Plantation Road and Kuhio Highway. We held a peaceful sign-holding protest raising the issue of institutionalized racism at KKCR. A video, now on YouTube, was made of the protest. Our message was clear: we were not accusing individuals of bigotry, but pointing to the structure of KKCR as inherently exclusive and unaccountable to the community.
Although Videographer Koohan “Camera” Paik produced a video of the demonstrations she has chosen to remove it from public perusal after it was posted on YouTube. It included Ka`iulani scathingly speaking about the events and the blatant racism she experienced at KKCR from staff and some programmers.
The station meanwhile was playing canned music all day as their “Christmas Gift” to the community according to their web site that day with no mention of the events going on outside or the reason for the “pre-emption”, causing other programmers to complain when they were locked out without notice or reason.
More from Rose:
The following Monday, three of us arrived at the grounds of KKCR again. This time, it was to fulfill a request by Ka`iulani that Hale Mawae sit in as a guest host for the “Songs of Sovereignty” program. Again, the station was locked and empty. After waiting in the hope that staff would arrive at 10 am – the start of usual business hours – we left.
The following day, Jimmy Trujillo and I received emails informing us that our scheduled program for January 3 had been “pre-empted.” There was no explanation for this action, and we have yet to receive one. We have only the suspicion that we are being suspended for airing “dirty laundry” – which is not an FCC offense but a questionable station policy, considering that it is really the community’s laundry we’re talking about, and the community has a right to inspect it.
On Thursday, January 3, Jimmy and I and three supporters arrived at 3:30 to request that we be allowed to broadcast our program, and that we be given an explanation for our “pre-emption.” This time, we arrived to find a locked gate at the top entrance to the road which leads to the station. This gate is normally locked after 6pm and after 2 pm on weekends. I have a key to this gate, but a Princeville Security Guard denied us entry, and told us that the gate at the entrance to the station was also locked. Only specified people were to be allowed entry.
Police cars arrived, and we were told to move off Princeville property, which we did. Hale Mawae, however, was arrested shortly thereafter for walking along Hanalei Plantation Road, which is by all accounts a public right-of-way road. He was armed only with a video camera, which was confiscated and has yet to be returned. His arrest – which he did not resist - included an excessive amount of force, with three to four officers wrestling and pinning him to the ground. He suffered injuries and is facing charges for trespassing and resisting arrest.It became clear in the aftermath of Hale’s arrest that a staff person at KKCR had placed the call to police, apparently inflating the “threat” posed by our non-violent presence in the vicinity of KKCR. These kinds of calls, I should point out, tend to inflame police behavior.
The programmers brought in to host the program instead of Jimmy and I – Dave Gerow, Bill Rash, and John Gordon – spent the entire show discussing and taking calls about the current controversy. Bill Rash was heard to describe a “mob” trying to “storm the station.” Later in the broadcast, Bill Rash was heard threatening a caller to a fight outside the gates after the show. He was also heard to state that this particular community member had “no right to exist.” Another caller also challenged this particular community member to a fight “in a parking lot,” and was not met by any disclaimer or moderation by the programmers. A third caller aired his dislike of Jimmy and myself, which is fine, and mentioned that he felt we did not “deserve to use the name ‘Out of the Box’” for our program because of our departure from the spirit of original host Michael Van De Veer’s “vision” (also fine.) Dave Gerow and Bill Rash audibly and emphatically agreed with the caller’s assessment of their fellow programmers – a forbidden sign of disrespect according to KKCR protocol. To date, I have heard of no reprimand or consequences for these programmers.
Again, on Tuesday, January 8, on the “Kaua`i Soapbox” program, programmers spent the entire program discussing the current controversy with callers, and making false and confusing statements about the reasons for our suspensions. There has been no effort yet by management to clarify and correct this ongoing flood of rumors emanating from KKCR’s airwaves.
This raises an important question: is it only “dirty laundry” when you disagree with station policy?
Another video, this one by long time local videographer, media consultant and KCC Professor Edward Coll speaks the proverbial thousand words and is still posted online.
Mawae, also had a lot to say including describing another staff member, Dawn Jewell’s, actions much of which is confirmed by subsequent news and blog reports.
KKCR Closes "The Box!"
Aloha mai kakou, Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo's 1-3-08 set of their bi-monthly Thursday edition of "Out of the Box" from 4-5:30pm has been pre-empted by KKCR management in regards to their 12-20-07 show that is now in question by KKCR management because of on-air "dirty laundry" surrounding issues of systemic racism and prejudice at the station.
Having been a guest on both the 12-20 "Out of the Box" show now under question as well as a guest on Ka'iulani's 12-17 morning show, "Songs of Sovereignty" which is also in question. I can't help but reaffirm the belief in the issue of systemic prejudice and racism at KKCR. KKCR management and staff acted poorly upon these two separate shows raising this and other issues. I can validate with my own experience the system of prejudice the staff upholds as I have never felt welcome by the staff, having been ousted and made unwelcome as a guest voice on one radio show after the next, and in trying to become a potential volunteer at the studio on more than one occasion.
What makes the issue even more apparent was being a guest at KKCR where I was verbally and culturally attacked after being told to get out of the studio by Dawn Jewell on the Dec. 20th show. Jewell, who then followed me out to the parking lot to continue to her barrage of cultural attacks, engaging in conflict over the issues raised on-air of systemic racism at KKCR. She continued in defense of her own point of view and strongly acted in defense of the KKCR management who she was representing at the time and day of the "Out of the Box" show. Dawn Jewell, who is another member of the group who had a hand in the decision to terminate Ka`iulani via group staff e-mail, which added to the ongoing controversy of their country-club style politics and systemic prejudice against Ka`iulani.
Katy and Jimmy are to be "dealt" with upon the return of station manager, Gwen Palagi. This message coming from Donna Lewis as the voice of the staff, yet again. An interesting approach at pushing forward with their unconstitutional agenda of removing voices raising the issue of systemic prejudice and racism at KKCR, which has been strongly denied, ignored, and avoided at all cost.Avoidance to the point of shutting down the radio station and playing Hawaiian music from their digital music library in rotation for a period of more than 48 hours, two weeks in a row, during the normal airing period of "Songs of Sovereignty" to make up for the fact of being accused of systemic racism at KKCR against the Native Hawaiian community, and stating that this Hawaiian music rotation was their "gift of aloha." A gift of aloha that stemmed from the fact that they knew there would be a lot of listener's protesting the issue to see if Ka`iulani would be back on the air that following Monday morning.
Instead, playing Hawaiian music to make up for the severe lack of Native Hawaiian community volunteer presence at KKCR. Not only lack of Native Hawaiian community voice, but also a severe lack of Native Hawaiian music being played during normal weekly music rotations. A station which started during the early 90's when the vision and foundation of the station of Hawaiian activist, Uncle Butch Kekahu, was overthrown.
Overthrown by the same kind of self-governing board that has been allowed to perpetuate that self-privileged, country club style members only politics of bias prejudice. When truly KKCR was built with the effort to help educate people with the voice of Hawaiian Sovereignty through music, expression in voice, and in togetherness of the sovereign community Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike.
By continuing to avoid the issue and silencing the only voices brave enough to call out KKCR on-air, it clearly perpetuates the system that overthrew Uncle Butch Kekahu's vision and foundation of the station in the early 90's. Change can not be asked from the self-governing board who also put in place the majority of the staff currently in place upholding that system of in-house politics, it has to be changed by the willing voices of the sovereign community for change to happen now. Then we will say that "Songs of Sovereignty" host, Ka`iulani Edens-Huff, was just another brave voice who got a little too loud about the issues of prejudice, racism, social and cultural inequality at KKCR that she was dealing with internally and was silenced and made an example because sharing that message of oppression externally with others was too loud.
Because that is the truth...KKCR management is now labeling the racial issue as "dirty laundry" because of those on-air truths exposed at KKCR, and it is the same kind of in-house denial that supports and allows that system of prejudice to thrive and continue at KKCR...
E holo imua, e mau ka pono.In moving forward, we live righteously.
Hale Mawae
Eo Lono!
The incident and racism charges might have gone unnoticed but for Senior Kaua`i Correspondent Joan Conrow, who first reported on the daily-escalating revelations on December 26th and allowed for comments to corroborate all of Rose’s descriptions with Mawae, Trujillo and others confirming the story.
A complete list of all of Conrow’s blog entries and comments regarding KKCR are linked here.
Conrow wrote that Giarmin told her “We do have eyewitness accounts of last week's incident. The people were afraid Ka`iulani would blame them & retaliate - so they didn't want their names used. I told them I would be clear - the decision was the staff's. We also have at least 4 other incidents documented from the past several months.”
Of course no such witnesses were very produced and no one’s comments were sought by the KKCR Board’s “investigation”. Giarmin has not publicly made the claim again.
In Conrow’s blog Dec 31 blog she told the story of the second “pre-emption” of SOS.
And in the comments section Rose described in more detail the day when she, and KKCR co-founder Fred Dente accompanied Mawae- who was instructed by Edens to fill in for her Songs of Sovereignty program-.again went to the station.
This morning, Fred Dente, Hale Mawae and I arrived at the KKCR station at about 8:30 am to prepare for the "Songs of Sovereignty" program. Since the "termination" of Ka`iulani Huff is in dispute - in fact, it's been unclear since the station's original missive whether it's a "termination" or a "suspension" - Ka`iulani requested that Hale cover her slot until she returns from a vacation and meets with station management. Fred and I meant to accompany him for support.
To our dismay, the station was closed - no personnel on site and canned music playing - as it had been the week before when a group of us arrived to protest Ka'iulani's termination and the pattern of elitism and lack of community access to the station. We imagined that perhaps station management might arrive at 10:00 am - the start of normal office hours - so we waited away from the station grounds, at the gated entrance at Hanalei Plantation Road. To pass the time, we took video of each other talking about the problems at KKCR and the solutions we are trying to implement.
Alas, the only vehicles entering and leaving the area were those of people from the base yard near the station - no KKCR management, staff, volunteers or board members arrived. At around 10:00, a Princeville Security truck pulled up and the guard asked us what we were doing. When we told her we were waiting for the station to open so that Hale could go on the air, she mentioned that she understood that the station was closed today because "they thought there would be protests." After this revealing comment, she agreed to double check the station to see if anyone was there. She returned to let us know that the station was empty as far as she could tell.
Another interesting event occurred shortly before we left. We noticed a rental car enter the area and return after a few moments. The car pulled up to us and the couple inside asked us about KKCR being closed. They were filmmakers from Santa Barbara, they told us, and they had gone to the station to find Ka`iulani. They had heard that she would be a good source of information about traditional Hawaiian music and hula, which they were seeking for a documentary. They had heard about her termination but had hoped she would be back today. We helped them as best we could, promising to try to put them in touch with Ka'iu, and we all went our separate ways for the day.
We are saddened indeed that KKCR management has chosen to duck and seek cover by closing the station two weeks in a row to avoid an honest discussion about Ka'iulani's termination and other systemic problems at KKCR. We hope that community members will make their voices heard by calling and writing the station, and attending the upcoming Community Advisory Board meeting on January 23, at 7:00, at the Kapa`a Neighborhood Center.
In this time of renewed social movement on Kaua`i, an accountable community radio station is more important than ever!-Katy Rose
It should be noted that radio stations licensed by the FCC are required to keep the stations staffed and provide copies of many documents available to the public upon demand during “normal business hours”..
Although later this was allegedly reported to the FCC by part time Kaua`i resident Patrick Michaels - who also alleged many other things which were reported in the local newspaper and bantered and battered about on various Kaua`i web sites and blogs- it is unclear if there is a case pending before the FCC as Michaels said at the time
But after Mawae’s arrest the story hit big with a long piece in the local Kaua`i newspaper by Nathan Eagle.
And Eagle not only didn’t pull punches he took names and provided quotes that haunt KKCR’s staff and board to this day in a story that ridicules and refutes anything Imperato and the Board-with the exception of board member Marj Dente, Fred’s Wife and also a co-founder who voted no and said she “took exception to the third paragraph”- had to say in the letter to the prosecutor.
Because of it’s professional and factual nature and depth we will present the text in whole.http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/05/news/news02.txt
(note: Donna Giarmin is referred to as Donna Lewis- her maiden name- in this article)
KKCR station refutes racism claims
By Nathan Eagle - The Garden Island
Posted: Friday, Jan 04, 2008 - 11:07:50 pm HST
PRINCEVILLE — Several residents have banded to tackle alleged racism at KKCR after Kaua‘i’s community radio station fired a Hawaiian programmer last month and canned two talk show hosts this week.Protests late Thursday afternoon outside the Princeville station led to police arresting Anahola activist Hale Mawae, 24, for trespassing and resisting arrest.
Ka`iulani Edens-Huff, who hosted the popular but controversial “The Song of Sovereignty” program Monday mornings on 90.9 FM, was suspended “due to multiple violations of station policies and FCC laws,” KKCR Program Director Donna Lewis said yesterday.
“It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,” Lewis said.Huff, a former commercial radio DJ who has worked at KKCR since July 2006, said she was terminated for a tiff she had with another volunteer.
Noel Brooks hosts “Na Mele O Hawai`i” program that immediately precedes Huff’s segment. She claims he consistently ends late, preventing her program from starting at 9 a.m.
This happened on Dec. 17, Huff said, and “I threw a hissy fit in the studio.
“I told him I was tired of him acting unprofessional,” she said. “I unplugged his head set, tossed it aside and threw mine on the counter.”
The next day, she said, she came home to messages from friends asking why she was fired. Unaware of being terminated, she opened up her e-mail and found a letter from the program director sent the previous evening.
“We recognize your contributions to KKCR and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR,” Lewis states in the letter.
“Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off- and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately.
“It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment,” the letter continues.
Huff called the charges over-exaggerated and unfounded.“I acted like a naggy wife complaining about a dirty living room and I got fired,” she said.
“I’m really ashamed I had a hissy fit ... but expressing your anger is not violence.”
She responded to KKCR management in a Dec. 18 e-mail.“You have been trying to get rid of me since I started my sovereignty show,” Huff states.
“Do you really want to take me on? ... I’ve been waiting for you racists.”Huff, 45, of Kapa`a, said she plans to finalize details to retain an attorney in Honolulu next week. She claims the station violated its policies, her rights and FCC rules.KKCR failed to contact Mawae, who witnessed the incident, or ask Huff for her side of the story before deciding to end her DJ privileges, she said.
But an e-mail from Lewis posted on Joan Conrow’s kauaieclectic.blogspot.com says there were multiple eye witnesses whose names were withheld for fear of retaliation.
“Every Monday I ask myself, ‘Is this my last show?’” Huff said. “I’ve had death threats, been bullied, intimidated, made to feel uncomfortable. It’s like picking open a deep wound every Monday.”
Huff had received “multiple warnings” from Larry LaSota, station manager at the time, and Ken Jannelli, program director at the time, Lewis said yesterday.
KKCR volunteer Katy Rose said Huff had a few “run-ins” with station managers who were concerned about the commentary she interspersed in the program.Huff started working in radio in 1999. She said she was furloughed from KONG FM and left H. Hawaii Media after a dispute with management over her use of Hawaiian words and speaking pidgin on air.
Rose and Jimmy Trujillo host a community call-in program called “Out of the Box” on alternating Thursdays.On their Dec. 20 show, they announced Huff’s termination and opened up the lines “for people who found value in her programming,” Rose said.
The hosts abbreviated calls supporting KKCR and fished for listeners eager to spread untrue racism claims about the station, Lewis says in a police report submitted yesterday.
KKCR sent the duo an e-mail Tuesday, saying their program scheduled for Thursday had been pre-empted.“There are several issues regarding your 12-20 broadcast we’d like to discuss with you upon return of the general manager,” Lewis states in the letter. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to clarifying some critical issues with you. I’m attaching an e-copy of the Volunteer Handbook for your files ... It’s an important reference.”
In her police report, Lewis says the show violated KKCR’s “dirty laundry” policy and “perpetuated misinformation.”
“We felt listeners needed to have the benefit of knowing what is going on and participate in the conversation,” Rose said.KKCR Station Manager Gwen Palagi will return next week, Lewis said.Rose, Trujillo, Mawae and several concerned residents decided to protest the terminations Thursday at the station.
The plan, Rose said, was to ask to host their regularly scheduled show, be denied, set a time to discuss the matter with management and leave.But when they arrived, Lewis contacted police and asked for assistance.
Officers responded and explained to the group that while they had a right to express their opinion, they could do so only in a public right of way. The officers pointed out exactly where KKCR/Princeville’s property ends and where the right of way begins, a county news release issued yesterday says.
Following the explanation, the group complied and moved over to the right of way.Shortly afterward, Mawae returned to the entrance of KKCR/Princeville. Police repeatedly told Mawae that he had to leave or he would be arrested.
Mawae refused and was arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest, the release states. He was taken to police cellblock and booked.
He later posted $170 bail and was released.Mawae, Huff, Trujillo and Rose said they remain concerned about the bigger picture — the station’s overall structure and lack of ethnic diversity.KKCR’s nine volunteer board members and five paid staff members are white.
“No kanaka has ever applied for a staff position,” Lewis said. “Every Hawaiian who has ever applied to serve on the board has been unanimously approved. The station and board strongly encourage members of the Hawaiian community to get involved in the station on all levels — staff, volunteer, board member.”
Rose said she and others who are increasingly concerned about the lack of community control over KKCR have met to discuss changes.
“Individual incidents like these are indicative of deeper problems that can be fixed structurally so we don’t run into them again,” she said.Every volunteer at KKCR is required to comply with the same set of rules — regardless of race, wealth, political position or popularity, Lewis said.“As with other DJs who have had their DJ privileges suspended in the past for similar violations, (Huff) may reapply to the volunteer program after a waiting period (of 90 days),” she added.
KKCR is searching for a responsible Hawaiian DJ to host the ‘The Song of Sovereignty’ program, Lewis said.
On the station’s Web site, kkcr.org, the staff posted a message about their mission.“KKCR supports the preservation, perpetuation and celebration of the Hawaiian culture and encourages members of the Hawaiian community to get involved by becoming part of the KKCR ‘ohana,” it states. “The station actively seeks volunteers to enhance and diversify its Hawaiian programming, including social, political, musical and cultural affairs.”
The protests over the past few weeks resulted in the first time in the station’s history that it has locked its gates, which Princeville Police advised, Lewis said. KKCR launched in the mid-1990s.
“As I unlocked the gate to let DJs through, I mentioned how strange it felt to close the gate,” she said. “It was so rusty from disuse that I could hardly get it closed — I had to ask the security guard if I could borrow some WD-40. We prefer the open-door policy and look forward to resolving the security issues so we can return to our normal routine of serving our amazing community.”
There was also an article in the Honolulu Star Bulletin in late January telling the whole state what happened.
Needless to say, the article was not cited as part of any investigation and apparently was not seen by Imperato or the Board’s Personnel Committee Chair Palo Luckett who, it was said at the last board meeting, also had a hand in and reviewing whatever was reviewed in the preparation and writing of the letter.
The “documentary” that was done by Paik contained interviews with Rose, Edens and others and made it clear that the issue was that there was a persistent harassment of any free speech, especially that of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement.
Various letters to the editor, but more so the comments sections of three blogs- Conrow’s Kaua`i Eclectic, Poinography from Doug White and the Disappeared News’ Larry Geller - are packed full of incredible soul-baring examinations of race in Hawai`i and the white-privilege exercised by the staff board and most of the programmers.
One of the best pieces was one on what racism and white privilege is was written by Rose and posted at Juan Wilson’s Island Breath web site,
It was directed toward the dozens of white programmers, sponsors and others connected to KKCR who, in writing and on the air protested their innocence of “being a racist” despite their knee-jerk support for an all white institution that had yielded an almost all white, non-controversial programming format and station itself.
PNN urges all readers to follow the link to the essay and all the comments linked here including one of our comments on white-privilege, race bias vs. racism
Part 2 Precipitation of the Precipitation
The Dec and Jan events further exposed the literal theft of the station in it’s formative days as PNN has detailed in print over the last 13 years and in the hour-long “Parxist Conspiracy” television report on the subject done in 1999.
The theft occurred when then board members Richard Fernandez- an L.A. music business big cheese and still a board member, programmer and the titular “godfather” of the cabal- and John Scott, an L.A. Disc jockey who claimed to have “discovered” Tom Petty, obtained a blank-check from the treasurer “for paint” and then drained the account and contacted their lawyer to change the bylaws. They now say that the Board itself- not the “subscribing” public as originally was the case- would select the board and be the only real “members” of the Kekahu Foundation.
Doug White who writes the popular Poinography blog from Honolulu had actually written about it in his blog in Nov. 2006 asking what people knew after he read a letter to the editor in the Kaua`i newspaper from Dente that is a pretty good short synopsis and snapshot more than a year before the situation exploded.
KKCR direction disturbing
Nov. 16 on KKCR I was listening to Greg Palast speaking of rigged and stolen elections, and disenfranchised voters. In the ultimate hypocrisy, a most disturbing “election” took place in Princeville on Nov. 8. The Kekahu Foundation, the governing body of KKCR FM radio, held its 11th consecutive illegal election of the Board of Directors, in my opinion. In their version of democracy, nine people vote themselves and their friends onto the board in a revolving door of favoritism, cronyism, selfishness and backroom decision-making. Of the four slots filled on Nov. 8, two are buddies of officers of the corporation and one is a long-standing boardmember who recently said in a board meeting: “What has voting rights have to do with democracy?” The fourth was filled by my wife, Marj, who has become indispensable to the board, even though she is married to me.
Ever since the hostile takeover of the board in 1996, the foundation has become more and more commercialized, privatized and unaccountable to its approximately 750 subscribing members. Over the years, there have been several attempts to restore the voting rights to the general membership, all of which were denied. Those voting rights were established in all the original foundation documents, and in the intentions of all the founders. In the weak moments of our early growing pains, a selfish and arrogant group of people took over the board, illegally changing definitions in the bylaws to remove voting rights of the general membership and establishing themselves in sole control. One of them is still on the board. To this day, there has never been an annual general membership meeting or a vote by the subscribing members, who have been reduced to being only cash cows and cheerleaders for fund-raising.
If you want to have more of a voice in the direction of our alleged community radio station, please sign my petition, which will force the board to convene a special meeting of subscribing members. If we’re going to change our world, we’ve got to take back control of our institutions.
White exposed once again publicly the way the whole local community was not just negligently ignored but was actively suppressed.
And it was done through a program of automatic acceptance for most whites, especially well-connected ones, and the insistence of the performance of demeaning work as a pre-requisite to be given, not a talk program but a strictly music show, especially for local people and more so for non-whites.
Many call it similar to a well known process called “The Stockholm Syndrome” also known as the “Patty Hearst Syndrome” where, through a system of degradation one can be made to agree and identify with their captors.
Ka`iulani Edens-Huff is “white” to the eye and was professional and nice and so they gave her the “Songs of Sovereignty program” They certainly didn’t seek out the Kingdom of Atooi or the reinstated Government for SOS.
And it should be pointed out then neither Edens, nor Rose, nor Trujillo nor many- including most the most entrenched programmers and board/staff members- were made to do “office work” or other volunteer activity before getting on-air positions.
And despite dozens of requests over the years from professional journalists and many dozens more from articulate community activists, none were allowed on the air and only a hand selected few non-controversial north shore white “unknowns” such as the late Michael Van de Veer and Karlos deTreaux were allowed on the air for over 10 years- and their time was limited to an hour each a week, later expanded to an hour and a half.
And other than those two programs and now a couple-a-three weekend programs- none done by born and bred Kauaiians that’s the extent of local public affairs programming.
And apparently at least 750 people like it enough to subscribe and pay their now $40 a year, although Rose has recently insisted on there being a recently instituted $20 limited income subscription.
Part 3 Downpour
So all of a sudden Ka`iu was breaking the rules- she spoke!... on a MUSIC program!... and worse she was talking about Hawaiian sovereignty and- gasp- seemed to be for it!
It should be noted that it was even more the content of WHAT she was saying that was cited in “complaints” made to her by staff about SOS prior to the De. 17 incident.
Ka`iu says that last year, shortly after the “talk” began to take on an “all of these islands are Hawaiian land and all you real estate agents are trespassing” tone, then-station manager and current BOD member Larry LaSota (who had been hired as manager while on the board) came storming into the studio on numerous occasions with his hair on fire about the fact that not only that she was talking on a music program, but disparaging and demeaning her statements and demanding she never do it again.
This became a regular routine according to Edens and others familiar with KKCR. Eventually program director Ken Jannelli joined in the fun, bursting into the studio and screaming upon hearing objectionable speech.
And their benefactor and long time defender of the theft of the station Noel Brooks made three. Every Monday morning..
Brooks left his rubbish all over the pace, went ten minutes into her program and demeaned the Hawaiian culture saying no one wanted to hear her sovereignty music because- and Ka`iu emphatically repeats often that he told her this- Hawaiian music wouldn’t be anything without Hollywood.
Following the incidents other stories began to emerge about discrimination against others of color and even the disabled by LaSota and other staff. With disregard for their complaints by the board, LaSota actually refused to accommodate a programmer who is in a wheel chair and another who is also physically disabled by even opening the gate for them much less accommodating their disabilities in the studio.
These prior incidents are on top of the fact that friends, business supporters and cronies- pretty much any connected North shore haole- were actually solicited for Board positions and given programs for life by Fernandez and Scott (who is now safely back on the mainland) and, eventually, those Fernandez had solicited- most of whom just wanted to breathe the air of someone who worked for Bob Dylan as his road manager.
And local people and the whole activist community were literally made to clean the toilets to get a chance to be on the air (and only play music) until January when KKCR announced they would hire a janitorial service.
Now new un-connected volunteers can spend their time answering the phones when the boss is “in a meeting” – which often meant they were hung over, especially when Palagi and Cohen were operating the bar all night every night at Princeville airport and advertising it on the air every chance they got.
The new 30-hour threshold after years of a “when we say so” policy of awarding programs to the subservient few, is now apparently in effect. But astonishingly enough not many - make that not any- locals would interminably stuff envelopes or trim the bushes until someone said “okay Samba- we’ll let you have a music program”.
And imagine that- when they put out a press release or announced on the air that they would now take dark skinned and other local people, nobody applied.
And if you were to read even recent statements from the board, programmers and staff– including in many of those private emails we have chosen not to include in the document file- especially those from Board member Sandy Broody who has made more on-air racist statements than anyone else (an accomplishment in and of itself)- you’d learn they can’t understand why local people are not flocking to their doors.
These seem to be the very people who think “haole” is a racist term, probably because they never heard it used to describe themselves unless the words “stupid f--kin’” preceded it.
Part 4- The Deluge... 40 days and 40 nights
The station was under siege. Rose and Trujillo’s and Edens programs were off the air. They community was outraged, except for a group of “I am not a racist” staff. programmers and advertisers left defending the institution despite it’s manifest use of white privilege in oppressing non-whites, not understanding that those “some of my best friends” statements weren’t helping.
Was the station going to back down and reinstate the KKCR 3 or would the station demand they adhere to some arbitrary and capricious unwritten made-up-on-the-spot rules as Conrow reported?
Palagi wouldn’t talk to the press and not even to Ka`iu, Jimmy and Katy. who were publicly asking for reinstatement and an apology to Ka`iu as a prerequisite to meeting.
The barbarians were at the gates but Palagi held firm- and she wanted them one-on-one, no witnesses. no tape recorders.
Palagi is notorious for her two-faced private meetings where often the single attendee was made to think they were at a different meeting when her version was later recounted.. We experienced this first hand in 2002 when, even after our 1999 program, we were recruited by deTreaux and trained by stiffer Dean Rogers on the equipment, did a demo and the last step was to meet with Palagi.
We went in expecting a time and date to start programming “the Parxist Conspiracy” on the radio but were met with ”Not you, not ever, get the f—k out”... after which she came out and said we threatened her.
Weeks went by without movement. Mediators at KEO were called in and blew it. Palagi stood firm- no Ka`iu, no Katy, no Jimmy, just week after week of apologists, Dave Gerow, deTreaux, Bill Rash and Sandy Broody airing the “sanitized for your protection” KKCR laundry every Tuesday and Thursday.
A list of 20 specific changes that needed to be made at KKCR was drawn up, widely distributed by email with input from and content agreed upon by about 20 people who were involved in trying to put the community back in community radio with open local public affairs programming for anyone, a member of the privileged-clique or otherwise.
Some called them conditions some called them demands.
There were 9 immediate and 11 long term changes listed:
Immediate
-Reinstatement of and apology to fired programmers Huff, Rose and Trujillo
-Recognition of an Independent Programmers Collective
-Full compliance with ADA and workplace laws.
-End to arbitrary and capricious management decision making processes -End to Board members on air and interfering and interacting with programmers
-End to all restrictions on and management interference with program content, speech and format for existing and future programs, including "airing dirty laundry" provisions, subject to FCC and legal requirements.
-A minimum of four hours of diversified local public affairs programming daily
-Cultural, ethnic and racial sensitivity training for all staff, board and volunteers
-End to the use of the demeaning commercial radio terms such as "DJs" rather than "programmers" to represent the changes in content and speech restrictions
-End to office volunteer work as a basis for awarding programs
Long term
-Election of all board members by membership
-Development of clear concise and transparent processes for programmer selection, staff recruitment and hiring and volunteer conduct.
-Reduced membership rates for the financially challenged.
-Development of procedures and technical capabilities for remote programming.
-Development of membership driven system for programming decision making
-Institution of genuine diversity outreach programs to all racial, cultural, ethnic and geographic groups.
-Minimum Hawaiian language proficiency requirements for board, staff, programmers and volunteers
-Elimination of financial dependence on "advertisers" (pay per mention) and advertising rate sheets
-Staff and board training regarding standards of non-commercial, listener-sponsored "Community Radio” stressing differences between community and commercial radio followed by compliance with recognized national standards
-An end to underwriting of specific programs and "rate per mention (advertisement)" sheets
-An end to content-related communication between underwriters and programmers
Everyone was “eyeball to eyeball”. KKCR’s staff and board seemed backed into a corner and were making wild statements further angering more and more people. Through letters and blogs the pressure built up to a point where victory actually seemed within reach for those who had fought to reclaim their free-speech outlet from the music industry and end domination by the all-white “settler” Princeville-clique of business owners and their minions and sycophants.
And then the central figures all blinked.
First Trujillo, then Edens, then even Rose decided getting back on the air and getting this behind them was the most important thing and poof they met with Gwen with no preconditions.
And as could be expected they were made to say they would not break the rules that never existed and they didn’t break, and to promise to never do again what they didn’t do to begin with.
The one thing they did get was a promise for a full investigation of the whole matter and situation at KKCR.
Part 5 - The Sun'll come out tomorrow
Although many keep insisting things are changing- or going to change- nothing on the list has been instituted except, we learned this week, a half rate for limited income subscribers.
As a matter of fact many things have gone from frying pan to fire.
No one on the staff or board was disciplined. There are still no written policies for personnel or programmers and Palagi continues to rule with an iron hand. As a matter of fact, in addition to it’s refusal to actually investigate the still all-white board has now re-iterated it’s all powerful self and rather than have any independent anything has directed staff to do whatever they want with polices, manuals and any other of the provisions they wish to deal with, however they want to deal with them
This document was approved at the same meeting the Imperato letter was approved and is chilling in it’s call from a clueless board for control by a still clueless staff.
Personnel Committee Recommendations
April 9,2008
Recommendations to Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors
1 The Personnel Committee will support the Station Manager in her efforts to revise the volunteer handbook by June 1, 2008 prioritizing the Grievance Procedure Policy, Delegation of Authority Policy and Drug Policy.
2 Review and update all job descriptions to ensure consistency with the strategic plan.
3 Review and update job expectations. Job expectations are those performance standards that will exist for every staff position. All job evaluations will be based on the standards
4 Annual job evaluation for Station Manager Position to be conducted by chairman of the Personnel Committee and Chairman of the KFBOD. Important to reiterate the commitment of the KFBOD to support the Station Manager and staff in all their efforts.
5 The Personnel Committee recognizes the need for an affirmative outreach program regarding the Board’s role in determining KKCR programming content. The nature and balance of KKCR’s programming are at the very heart of the Kekahu Foundation’s mission. It is therefore essential that the Board accept the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that KKCR’s programming mix supports the Kekahu Foundation’s strategic goals. Consequently, one of the objectives of the upcoming strategic planning process should be to re-examine the appropriate roles of the Board, the CAB, station management, and any other groups in ensuring that KKCR’s programming is aligned with the Kekahu Foundation’s goals.
Note that there is to be no public community input or even any mention of volunteers or programmers getting involved in anything regarding issues or management standards. . And note the lack of any specifics- it seems to say to staff that “the next time you screw up this bad in hiding what we are doing, you’d better have your arbitrary and capricious rules in writing”.
The last paragraph is a particularly notable mish-mush from a Board and Personnel Committee that remains in denial and perpetuates the wall around themselves.
The programming committee idea- especially an independent one, seems to be dead.
And another nail in the coffin of free speech community radio was delivered to many at KKCR just last week.
Here’s the letter from Station Manager Palagi
Aloha Comrades (sic),
Dove has resumed the responsibility of coordinating volunteer activities, including training and communications. He is also overseeing equipment maintenance. So, if you cannot do a show, contact Dove to let him know who is covering for you or to get help covering the shift. Or, if a piece of equipment is malfunctioning, let Dove know. If you are in an emergency situation that is impeding your ability (sic) to broadcast, please contact Dean. Please only call Dean if it is truly an emergency.
Donna has returned to health (hooray) and will be taking on the role of systems administrator. That means she will be working on keeping our computer systems updated and functioning and will be handling website content. If you have material or ideas for the website, contact Donna. Email her at donna@kkcr.org.
If you have underwriting questions, contact Dawn. She is here Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
If you have music questions, contact Ken. He is here on Mondays and Thursdays.
To reiterate, if you have equipment or program issues, contact Dove. He is here Monday through Thursday and during the Teen Show on Saturdays.
For emergencies, contact Dean.
For anything else or for any of the above if you cannot reach the listed contact person, call me. My schedule changes, but if you cannot reach me at the station, you can always call me on my cell at XXX-XXXX.
Regarding programming, while we research the possibility of establishing a program committee, any decisions that need to be made will be made by the staff collectively.
Mahalo,Gwen
All your favorite perpetrators are back and- hooray- Donna Giarmin is back from her reported “nervous breakdown” or whatever it was and so are all your favorite defenders of the realm from Dawn Jewel and Dove Little- who was quite vocal among the “I don’t have a racist bone in my body” crowd- to Ken Jannelli, who had been an instigator of the precipitating events directed at Edens when he was among those who would storm into the studio with racist remarks.
And the staff may talk about putting together a programming committee to rubber stamp any arbitrary and capricious orders we may issue.
The board is even more of a joke than before. Harvey Cohen, Gwen’s business partner and head of the board has left but not to worry- he’s been replaced with another white north shore haole guy.
All though the episode the party line has been that “we wanted local people to participate but none of them would- where are they all?” or comments to that effect. Well after driving away anyone who came by that didn’t suck up to staff and schmooze the board now we hear they’re going to do outreach- which consists of people going on the air and saying they’d like to have more diversity.
At this point the experiences of the local community have been so bad and word has gotten around so well that the only way they are going to get any local people in there is to drag them in kicking and screaming and beg them to participate with programming.
As for the board- same smell. With two exceptions in over 15 years they have never accepted anyone for the board who they didn’t personally recruit, other than the two who were persistent for many years and through many openings, sucking up to board members along the way.
If they really wanted to get local people involved on the board it is painfully apparent they need to actively persistently and genuinely apologize to the local community and personally ask- over and over until they succeed.
But, as if to illustrate that point a prominent member of the local community with non-profit and even radio experience- Jimmy Torio- has announced publicly on both his radio program (from which he is retiring after 10 years on KQNG, commercial radio) and a letter in the newspaper as well as in dozens of email and conversations that he would consent to serve on the board.... if asked, for all the reasons stated here.
But the current opening on the board is up for grabs because, according to all members of the BOD and CAB we have spoken to this in the last few weeks, Jimmy “can apply” if he wants to but he has not been approached by anyone on the Board, despite the fact that that is how every board member but two has found their way into a governance position.
Not only that but they have apparently started a bogus whispering campaign that Jimmy has done something awful and will be arrested for it any time now. Despite the fact that we heard it from 6 people closely associated with KKCR none will tell us the source or even the content of the anonymous unsubstantiated claim.
Torio has aired “the KKCR issue” unbarred on his program and is a known free-speech advocate and is known for a no-tibia kind of persona. He has also said he supports and recognized the validity of many of many of the charges and issues for change.
Jimmy’s no dope- we’ve known Torio for 35 years. He knows he’d be a token and won’t be the icebreaker if he’s not wanted. It’s not a coincidence he had a program- one far more probing, provocative and “controversial” than anything on KKCR and done it on commercial radio .
It should be no wonder no one will ask him- they don’t want him.
One local dissident offered this explanation: “He’s may not be enough of a ‘coconut’”- local slang for “brown on the outside, white on the inside.”
But some claim that there is hope especially those of the CAB which has been pushing to get back the vote for the so-called “members” who pay the money but actually are not members of anything when they pay their $40.
The original by-laws defined members as those that pay a yearly subscription and then vote for the board of Directors and on by-law changes . But Fernandez and Scott got their lawyer to rewrite them to make the only official “members” those that are “members” of the Board, disenfranchising the real members and taking away their ability to vote the BOD out, becoming a self perpetuation insular organization.
Even to this day, right on the front page of the web site- KKCR calls those who pay their money “members” And now they have announced that soon one lucky member will win a big contest and become a real member- a member of the Board of Directors.
Actually the CAB has for almost 10 years worked to get the board to “give it up” and return to Democracy. And every year the board has yawned and adjourned.
But one of the CAB members Marj Dente finally got a position on the Board after 10 years of lobbying and this year, not three as the original compromise said but one position will be given to a person elected by the “subscribing” members due to her efforts
And guess what?- restrictions may apply
The current board members have just had to be a legal resident of Kaua`i- a requirement of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant KKCR operates with- but that’s it. No other requirements.
All but two of the board members since the takeover have been hand selected by the board at the time of their appointment and some have even lived and worked on the mainland while maintaining a residence and residency here. One even had to leave the Board when it was revealed they didn’t actually maintain residency in Hawai`i (which, according to local election law only means you “intend” to make Hawai`i your residence).
The new “elected” member must however, must be a “member”- by which they mean a “subscribing member” which previously only gave you the right to give money- and according to their web site be one for six months to both vote and, according to sources, run.
It’s been reported at BOD and CAB meetings that there may be more requirements but, as usual, nothing is in writing and could even be decided by the board between now and November when the grand prize is awarded to one lucky subscriber.
Racism? What racism? Free Speech- you got it- we allow everyone to join the backbiting world of getting and keeping a musical vanity program. Change? We’re doing it – can’t you see... check back in another 10 years and we’ll give you an answer.
Hey- we’re going to get some rules and maybe write them down someday- we’re working on it as we speak so shut up and sit down.
Thank you massah.
Many think it’s hopeless- even if members became “members” all the people who are members now actually support the 95%-music, vanity-radio format. Those who don’t like the situation just don’t give them money.
Those who are members now obviously like it the way it is. So do the sponsors who are little more than advertisers who can’t have a “call to action” in their advertisement if they want to call them underwriting messages (no one at KKCR apparently ever “got it” even when it was extensively explained to them last December the only rule the FCC has that mentions a “call to action” is one regarding advertising on non-commercial licensed stations saying you can say “we have shoes at our store” but can’t say “come down to our store and buy shoes” )
But in Dec. Lewis stated that it was the reason for not only the suspensions of Trujillo and Rose but why she called the cops- because she was afraid of another “call to action”.
And insanely enough Imperato’s letter still mentions this “call to action” that Giarmin, Jewell, Palagi, Jannelli and LaSota said jeopardized KKCR’s license, saying no one could call for anything- whether to come to church or protest the Superferry.- an absolutely insane notion for employees and managers of a “free speech” community radio station.
But that may be the least of what they “don’t get”
The KKCR membership drive is in full force and even Rose has stated she hopes to see 200 new subscribers. And every single person we spoke to in this investigation wants to see the stations fundraising and membership drive succeed.
We on the other hand can’t see why on earth anyone would encourage this kind of behavior by giving them money. If anything we’d like to see 200 people call in and pledge not to renew their subscriptions unless and until the station immediately addresses the reforms listed above and the long term goals are well on heir way to being the Kekahu foundation’s norms.
The next CAB meeting is this Wed. Don’t bother to be there- .I doubt Butchie would even if he could.
The preceding is a presentation of Parx News Net c 2008 All rights reserved
PNN INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: KKCR- A STUDY IN BROWN AND WHITE... THE DOCUMENTS
PNN INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: KKCR- A STUDY IN BROWN AND WHITE... THE DOCUMENTS
http://www.kkcr.org/
Board info
http://www.kkcr.org/kekahu.htm
Current front page blurb:
Become a member. Make a tax-deductible donation to KKCR and become a member of the only community radio station on Kauai. And for the first time, your membership will entitle you to vote in the November Election for KKCR’s Board of Directors. (You must be a member for at least 6 months to be eligible to vote, so now is the time to make sure your membership is current). Listen to KKCR for more details or call 826-7774 for more information. Click here
http://www.kauai.gov/Portals/0/Mayor/PIO/NR01-04-08.pdf
Man arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest
PRINCEVILLE – A 24-year-old Anahola man was arrested in Princeville yesterday afternoon for trespassing and resisting arrest.
After posting bail of $170, Hale Mawae was released from police cellblock.
According to police, Mawae was among a group of people who had congregated outside radio station KKCR at around 4 pm yesterday reportedly in protest of the termination of two KKCR talk show hosts.
A manager from KKCR contacted police and asked for assistance. Officers responded and explained to the group that while they had a right to express their opinion, they could do so only in a public right of way. The officers pointed out exactly where KKCR/Princeville’s property ends and where the right of way begins.
Following the explanation, the group complied and moved over to the right of way.
Shortly afterward, Mawae returned to the entrance of KKCR/Princeville. Police repeatedly told Mawae that he had to leave or he would be arrested. Mawae refused and was arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest.
Mawae was then taken to police cellblock and booked.
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/05/news/news02.txt
KKCR station refutes racism claims
By Nathan Eagle - The Garden Island
Posted: Friday, Jan 04, 2008 - 11:07:50 pm HST
PRINCEVILLE — Several residents have banded to tackle alleged racism at KKCR after Kaua‘i’s community radio station fired a Hawaiian programmer last month and canned two talk show hosts this week.Protests late Thursday afternoon outside the Princeville station led to police arresting Anahola activist Hale Mawae, 24, for trespassing and resisting arrest.
Ka‘iulani Edens-Huff, who hosted the popular but controversial “The Song of Sovereignty” program Monday mornings on 90.9 FM, was suspended “due to multiple violations of station policies and FCC laws,” KKCR Program Director Donna Lewis said yesterday.“It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,” Lewis said.Huff, a former commercial radio DJ who has worked at KKCR since July 2006, said she was terminated for a tiff she had with another volunteer.Noel Brooks hosts “Na Mele O Hawai‘i” program that immediately precedes Huff’s segment. She claims he consistently ends late, preventing her program from starting at 9 a.m.This happened on Dec. 17, Huff said, and “I threw a hissy fit in the studio.“I told him I was tired of him acting unprofessional,” she said. “I unplugged his head set, tossed it aside and threw mine on the counter.”The next day, she said, she came home to messages from friends asking why she was fired. Unaware of being terminated, she opened up her e-mail and found a letter from the program director sent the previous evening.“We recognize your contributions to KKCR and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR,” Lewis states in the letter. “Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off- and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately.“It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment,” the letter continues.Huff called the charges over-exaggerated and unfounded.“I acted like a naggy wife complaining about a dirty living room and I got fired,” she said. “I’m really ashamed I had a hissy fit ... but expressing your anger is not violence.”She responded to KKCR management in a Dec. 18 e-mail.“You have been trying to get rid of me since I started my sovereignty show,” Huff states. “Do you really want to take me on? ... I’ve been waiting for you racists.”Huff, 45, of Kapa‘a, said she plans to finalize details to retain an attorney in Honolulu next week. She claims the station violated its policies, her rights and FCC rules.KKCR failed to contact Mawae, who witnessed the incident, or ask Huff for her side of the story before deciding to end her DJ privileges, she said.But an e-mail from Lewis posted on Joan Conrow’s kauaieclectic.blogspot.com says there were multiple eye witnesses whose names were withheld for fear of retaliation.“Every Monday I ask myself, ‘Is this my last show?’” Huff said. “I’ve had death threats, been bullied, intimidated, made to feel uncomfortable. It’s like picking open a deep wound every Monday.”Huff had received “multiple warnings” from Larry LaSota, station manager at the time, and Ken Jannelli, program director at the time, Lewis said yesterday.KKCR volunteer Katy Rose said Huff had a few “run-ins” with station managers who were concerned about the commentary she interspersed in the program.Huff started working in radio in 1999. She said she was furloughed from KONG FM and left H. Hawaii Media after a dispute with management over her use of Hawaiian words and speaking pidgin on air.Rose and Jimmy Trujillo host a community call-in program called “Out of the Box” on alternating Thursdays.On their Dec. 20 show, they announced Huff’s termination and opened up the lines “for people who found value in her programming,” Rose said.The hosts abbreviated calls supporting KKCR and fished for listeners eager to spread untrue racism claims about the station, Lewis says in a police report submitted yesterday.KKCR sent the duo an e-mail Tuesday, saying their program scheduled for Thursday had been pre-empted.“There are several issues regarding your 12-20 broadcast we’d like to discuss with you upon return of the general manager,” Lewis states in the letter. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to clarifying some critical issues with you. I’m attaching an e-copy of the Volunteer Handbook for your files ... It’s an important reference.”In her police report, Lewis says the show violated KKCR’s “dirty laundry” policy and “perpetuated misinformation.”“We felt listeners needed to have the benefit of knowing what is going on and participate in the conversation,” Rose said.KKCR Station Manager Gwen Palagi will return next week, Lewis said.Rose, Trujillo, Mawae and several concerned residents decided to protest the terminations Thursday at the station.The plan, Rose said, was to ask to host their regularly scheduled show, be denied, set a time to discuss the matter with management and leave.But when they arrived, Lewis contacted police and asked for assistance.Officers responded and explained to the group that while they had a right to express their opinion, they could do so only in a public right of way. The officers pointed out exactly where KKCR/Princeville’s property ends and where the right of way begins, a county news release issued yesterday says.Following the explanation, the group complied and moved over to the right of way.Shortly afterward, Mawae returned to the entrance of KKCR/Princeville. Police repeatedly told Mawae that he had to leave or he would be arrested.Mawae refused and was arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest, the release states. He was taken to police cellblock and booked.He later posted $170 bail and was released.Mawae, Huff, Trujillo and Rose said they remain concerned about the bigger picture — the station’s overall structure and lack of ethnic diversity.KKCR’s nine volunteer board members and five paid staff members are white.“No kanaka has ever applied for a staff position,” Lewis said. “Every Hawaiian who has ever applied to serve on the board has been unanimously approved. The station and board strongly encourage members of the Hawaiian community to get involved in the station on all levels — staff, volunteer, board member.”Rose said she and others who are increasingly concerned about the lack of community control over KKCR have met to discuss changes.“Individual incidents like these are indicative of deeper problems that can be fixed structurally so we don’t run into them again,” she said.Every volunteer at KKCR is required to comply with the same set of rules — regardless of race, wealth, political position or popularity, Lewis said.“As with other DJs who have had their DJ privileges suspended in the past for similar violations, (Huff) may reapply to the volunteer program after a waiting period (of 90 days),” she added.KKCR is searching for a responsible Hawaiian DJ to host the ‘The Song of Sovereignty’ program, Lewis said.On the station’s Web site, kkcr.org, the staff posted a message about their mission.“KKCR supports the preservation, perpetuation and celebration of the Hawaiian culture and encourages members of the Hawaiian community to get involved by becoming part of the KKCR ‘ohana,” it states. “The station actively seeks volunteers to enhance and diversify its Hawaiian programming, including social, political, musical and cultural affairs.”The protests over the past few weeks resulted in the first time in the station’s history that it has locked its gates, which Princeville Police advised, Lewis said. KKCR launched in the mid-1990s.“As I unlocked the gate to let DJs through, I mentioned how strange it felt to close the gate,” she said. “It was so rusty from disuse that I could hardly get it closed — I had to ask the security guard if I could borrow some WD-40. We prefer the open-door policy and look forward to resolving the security issues so we can return to our normal routine of serving our amazing community.”To see a video of the protest, visit Mawae’s Web site at bebo.com/hmawae2004.
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http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/news02.txt
Resident seeks probe into KKCR
by Amanda C. Gregg - THE GARDEN ISLAND
Posted: Monday, Jan 07, 2008 - 11:14:48 pm HST
List e-mailed to FCCFollowing a slew of allegations slighting the practices at KKCR, a Kaua‘i community radio station, one resident has forwarded a list of what he believes are broadcasting violations to the higher ups at the Federal Communications Commission.
Among the concerns, sent via e-mail by Patrick Michaels, are accusations that the station overstepped its rights when it locked its doors Jan. 3.A video posted on YouTube of the protest and gating of KKCR has furthered the controversy of the issue in online discussions; however, both sides remain split on whether KKCR was within its rights to lock its doors for security reasons that day, or if the rights of community members were infringed upon.Michaels, a New Yorker and part-time Kaua‘i resident who says he has a background in broadcasting, claims the station put itself at risk by preventing the public from accessing it during business hours.Michaels says that infraction alone could result in the station becoming vulnerable to being purchased should the FCC not take away its broadcasting license outright.“They weren’t closed for business but weren’t available to the public,” Michaels said. “That’s against FCC guidelines.”Michaels stressed that he didn’t file an actual complaint with the FCC but that on Jan. 3 he e-mailed a request for review of KKCR’s broadcast license.In the e-mail, Michaels asks the FCC to “initiate a review of the license for that station, focused on FCC compliance.”Michaels also states in the e-mail that KKCR violated FCC regulations by consistently failing to announce its call letters at the top of the hour. Included in his message is a link to the YouTube video that shows the station locked during business hours.But KKCR Program Director Donna Lewis said the station was well within its rights during the Jan. 3 “lockdown,” as she called it, which followed the Dec. 17 termination of Ka‘iulani Edens-Huff’s DJ privileges.Huff, a former volunteer, hosted “The Song of Sovereignty” radio program on Monday mornings.Lewis said the closure was done with the intention of protecting the station’s FCC license.“Our fundamental duties include to, one, protect the safety and security of volunteers and two, to protect our FCC license by preventing unauthorized access to airwaves and enforcing station policies and FCC laws,” she said.Lewis added that protecting the FCC license meant keeping people out of the station, noting, “we did receive threats that people were going to go on the air. We are a commercial-free station. We’re not allowed to do a call to action.”Palagi, who said she was off island during the protest, said Huff wasn’t fired, but that her privileges were terminated for “90 days,” noting Huff can “reapply” after that time has passed.Palagi also said she is open to talks with Huff and that she has plans to speak with volunteers Jimmy Trujillo and Katy Rose this week. Both had been seeking on-air community input regarding Huff’s departure from the station.In the meantime, Palagi said KKCR employees will continue to do what is required to be in compliance with FCC regulations.Should the FCC find KKCR is out of compliance, “The station will comply 100 percent with all requests,” Palagi said.
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http://starbulletin.com/2008/01/28/news/story06.html
Radio station on Kauai rapped for suspensions
KKCR tries to fend off allegations of racism lobbed by a deejay kicked off the air
By Tom Finnegantfinnegan@starbulletin.com
PRINCEVILLE, Kauai » Allegations of racism continue to surround Kauai community radio station KKCR after the suspension of three disc jockeys last month.
The controversy has prompted protests, an arrest and numerous angry calls for the past few weeks to the station's popular call-in political talk show "Out of the Box." It started with the suspension in December of deejay Kaiulani Edens-Huff, a Hawaiian sovereignty activist.
Edens-Huff was booted from her volunteer on-air job after getting into an on-air verbal altercation with fellow deejay Noel Brooks.
She says Brooks has repeatedly kept her show from starting on time and had made numerous culturally insensitive remarks about Hawaii.
"This guy was disrespectful to me for two years, and I had it," she added.
Further, she said, no one from the station ever called her to hear her side of the argument; and she said she was suspended via e-mail without a follow-up phone call.
The situation escalated when two fellow deejays, Jimmy Trujillo and Katy Rose, discussed Edens-Huff's suspension and allegations of institutional racism at KKCR on their "Out of the Box" radio show in late December.
They, too, were suspended.
When their supporters turned up at the station for impromptu protests on two occasions, they were met first with locked gates and then with police officers. On Jan. 3, during one of the protests, Hale Mawae, 24, of Anahola, was arrested outside the gate and charged with trespassing and resisting arrest.
KKCR Station Manager Gwen Palagi agreed that not all is perfect at the station.
"We acknowledge that improvements can be made," she said. "They can always be made."
However, Palagi said, Edens-Huff's suspension had nothing to do with race. And there was no reason to hear her side of the story because her argument with Brooks was broadcast and recorded, she said.
Brooks, when reached for comment, said last week that he would stand on his record of support for the station and the Hawaiian culture. A 10-year volunteer at KKCR both as a deejay and as a member of the board of directors, Brooks said his mission is to support the station as it protects and preserves the Hawaiian language and culture.
Edens-Huff said last week that her true problem is not with Brooks, but with the station itself.
"I have nothing personal against anyone at KKCR," she said, "but institutional racism does exist at that station."
She said that every week when she came in to do her "Songs of Sovereignty" show, she knew by the "hostility" she received that her ideas were not welcome. She often played music and had discussions that denounced the state and county governments as unlawful, she added.
Palagi said the station has always prided itself on listening to all members of the community.
Both sides agree that a recent decision to allow paid members of the radio station to select members of an oversight board is a step in the right direction. About 50 people showed up at Kapaa Neighborhood Center last week for the community advisory board meeting.
The allegations of racism and "growing pains" at the station were the main topics of conversation, Trujillo said.
Trujillo said the station needs to make a better effort of allowing all community members a chance to feel they are a part of the radio station. Right now, he added, only a few voices are being heard on KKCR.
Palagi's comments, on air and off, "indicate that there is a willingness to change," Trujillo added.
Palagi said recently that she hopes the public will consider the station's work during the past 10 years and not just the problems of the past month.
"I really hope that people know us better than that," Palagi said. "We are a community. We are a community radio station."
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http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/11/opinion/edit02.txt
Letters Jan 11, 2008
The gates of KKCRThere are two gates to pass through upon approaching KKCR. One is at the intersection with Hanalei Plantation Road. That one is generally open until about 6 p.m. It is usually locked after about 2 p.m. on weekends. That is Princeville’s gate. It was highly unusual for it to be locked at 3:30 p.m., on a weekday, as it was on Jan. 3.The second gate is at the station grounds. This gate is always open, but has been closed at least twice in the past three weeks — once on the morning of Dec. 24, when the entire station was closed and canned music was playing, and again on Jan. 3, when only “approved” people were allowed in. It is this gate which is in question, not the Princeville gate.Next: Ka‘iulani is not the only programmer who has had disputes and arguments with other programmers. She is not the only “hot head,” but her treatment has been different than that of others. (One notorious hot head, now deceased, has actually attained sainthood status.) Many feel that instead of termination, all factors should have been weighed carefully, including the other programmer’s role in the dispute and the overall value of Ka‘iulani’s program to an under-served segment of the community, and a process of dispute resolution should have been employed.Instead, her termination has become a flashpoint for the frustrations of the community about long-standing problems at KKCR. Unfortunately, instead of confronting these problems head on and working toward solutions, some have defensively back-tracked to justify her termination with many unfounded and unsubstantiated rumors.Yet, it’s not too late for that dispute resolution — let’s hope it happens quickly.Katy Rose, From the Web
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http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/08/opinion/edit01.txt
Tues Jan 8 letters.
Heart of the matterIn regards to the article “KKCR station refutes racism claim,” A1, Jan. 5:“‘It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,’ (KKCR Program Director Donna) Lewis said.”The article included the above quote from a woman in denial.Mahalo Nathan Eagle for covering this story. What is really unfortunate is that the incidents that led to Hale’s arrest could’ve been prevented if Lewis had been professional in her management of the whole affair.Consistently, from the majority of folks informed of the issues at KKCR, most would agree that this was not handled properly and the community would’ve been better served by dealing with the issues at hand, face to face, with respectful dialogue and discussion of the facts. Instead impersonal and vague e-mails were the communication tools of choice employed by Lewis.The failure of KKCR management to deal with the issues in a timely and professional manner have brought increased scrutiny and raised suspicions and hard feelings in the community. Silence, avoidance and denial are not effective management tools to be used when dealing with controversial community issues.James TrujilloKapa‘a
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http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/03/28/opinion/edit01.txt
letters for Friday March 28
Jimmy Torio signs offThere comes a time when one becomes complacent then all of a sudden you begin to feel this urge to drop what you’re doing and do something else.That time has come for me.It’s been a great ride and experience for me and I want to express my deep appreciation to the staff at KONG Radio and to my many listening audience who tunes in to KONG every day. Their support and patience has allowed me to grow into the radio person I am today after nearly 10 years. They are certainly the best family one could ever have if you’re pursuing a career in radio for sure.I have been both lucky and fortunate to learn from the best professor you would want to teach you in radio. I made a commitment to KONG when I first started that I would do the best I could in the business without compromising my personal values, the station’s reputation, and the people’s understanding and I feel I have kept the promise. Learning to become a radio personality is a commitment and one needs to understand this early on when first starting.Our island is in a constant evolution facing a gamut of socio-economic problems and radio plays a major part in the mix and I will miss this part. I’ve said some crazy things over the years on KONG Radio that most “radio hosts” would not get away with but I have, and I really appreciated that. The KONG Radio group has always allowed me to be my own person and speak in a way local folks would claim “truth, justice, and the Hawaiian way.” I’d like to think those who listened agreed with me on many of the issues I talked about over the last nine years. You can’t work in an environment like I have as a radio host over the years if you allow your beliefs to be compromised. It takes courage and requires a sense of toughness to remain successful.Now is the time to close a chapter and begin a new one and take on new challenges. As it stands now, my e-mail constituents are telling me not to quit and I won’t. I am presently exploring other possibilities and one being joining KKCR community radio.I’m trained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a community builder/planner and because of this I have been blessed to offer some independent consulting in a small way so I will be concentrating on expanding my interest in this area. It’s depressing to witness the sufferings our local communities are experiencing and I feel the need to help other leaders to better organize themselves to become stronger and have their voices heard as well.A couple months ago my daughter Ipo asked me to join her team on her charter school administration to raise funds for their facilities building project and I agreed. I will be concentrating on grant writing and public donations looking to raise funds necessary to build a permanent school site in Anahola and this has been my priority lately, taking all of my time as well. There are only so many hours in a day requiring me to set my priorities and direction if I am expected to deliver any kind of success.So there you have it, folks. My time has come and I must say “goodbye” to a great radio station, great staff, and wonderful listening audience who remains faithful to KONG Radio.Thanks for the memories.Aloha and God bless you all.Jimmy TorioAnahola
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http://www.bebo.com/BlogView.jsp?MemberId=2400702044&BlogId=5350189972
Hale’s blog
KKCR Closes "The Box!"
Aloha mai kakou, Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo's 1-3-08 set of their bi-monthly Thursday edition of "Out of the Box" from 4-5:30pm has been pre-empted by KKCR management in regards to their 12-20-07 show that is now in question by KKCR management because of on-air "dirty laundry" surrounding issues of systemic racism and prejudice at the station.Having been a guest on both the 12-20 "Out of the Box" show now under question as well as a guest on Ka'iulani's 12-17 morning show, "Songs of Sovereignty" which is also in question. I can't help but reaffirm the belief in the issue of systemic prejudice and racism at KKCR. KKCR management and staff acted poorly upon these two seperate shows raising this and other issues. I can validate with my own experience the system of prejudice the staff upholds as I have never felt welcome by the staff, having been ousted and made unwelcome as a guest voice on one radio show after the next, and in trying to become a potential volunteer at the studio on more than one occasion.What makes the issue even more apparent was being a guest at KKCR where I was verbally and culturally attacked after being told to get out of the studio by Dawn Jewell on the Dec. 20th show. Jewell, who then followed me out to the parking lot to continue to her barrage of cultural attacks, engaging in conflict over the issues raised on-air of systemic racism at KKCR. She continued in defense of her own point of view and strongly acted in defense of the KKCR management who she was representing at the time and day of the "Out of the Box" show. Dawn Jewell, who is another member of the group who had a hand in the decision to terminate Ka'iulani via group staff e-mail, which added to the ongoing controversy of their country-club style politics and systemic prejudice against Ka'iulani.Katy and Jimmy are to be "dealt" with upon the return of station manager, Gwen Palagi. This message coming from Donna Lewis as the voice of the staff, yet again. An interesting approach at pushing forward with their unconstitutional agenda of removing voices raising the issue of systemic prejudice and racism at KKCR, which has been strongly denied, ignored, and avoided at all cost.Avoidance to the point of shutting down the radio staion and playing Hawaiian music from their digital music library in rotation for a period of more than 48 hours, two weeks in a row, during the normal airing period of "Songs of Sovereignty" to make up for the fact of being accused of systemic racism at KKCR against the Native Hawaiian community, and stating that this Hawaiian music rotation was their "gift of aloha." A gift of aloha that stemmed from the fact that they knew there would be a lot of listener's protesting the issue to see if Ka'iulani would be back on the air that following Monday morning.Instead, playing Hawaiian music to make up for the severe lack of Native Hawaiian community volunteer presence at KKCR. Not only lack of Native Hawaiian community voice, but also a severe lack of Native Hawaiian music being played during normal weekly music rotations. A station which started during the early 90's when the vision and foundation of the station of Hawaiian activist, Uncle Butch Kekahu, was overthrown.Overthrown by the same kind of self-governing board that has been allowed to perpetuate that self-privileged, country club style members only politics of bias prejudice. When truly KKCR was built with the effort to help educate people with the voice of Hawaiian Sovereignty through music, expression in voice, and in togetherness of the sovereign community Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike.By continuing to avoid the issue and silencing the only voices brave enough to call out KKCR on-air, it clearly perpetuates the system that overthrew Uncle Butch Kekahu's vision and foundation of the station in the early 90's. Change can not be asked from the self-governing board who also put in place the majority of the staff currently in place upholding that system of in-house politics, it has to be changed by the willing voices of the sovereign community for change to happen now. Then we will say that "Songs of Sovereignty" host, Ka'iulani Edens-Huff, was just another brave voice who got a little too loud about the issues of prejudice, racism, social and cultural inequality at KKCR that she was dealing with internally and was silenced and made an example because sharing that message of oppression externally with others was too loud. Because that is the truth.The video of the first KKCR protest will be up and running again on Youtube, as well as on my blog site(http://bebo.com/hmawae2004). I also plan to post this email as a blog concerning this ongoing issue with KKCR until the issue is resolved and we are moving forward with positive change.We also ask that people continue to write e-mails to the Garden Island editorial staff(www.kauaiworld.com), and call into KKCR(808-826-7771 or 808-826-7774 or toll free at 866-275-1112) to leave messages in support of Katy, Jimmy, and Ka'iulani in the wrongful decision of continuing to censor "controversial programmers" in acting with an unconstitutional KKCR volunteer policy that upholds and validates their use of systemic prejudice and racism.KKCR management is now labeling the racial issue as "dirty laundry" because of those on-air truths exposed at KKCR, and it is the same kind of in-house denial that supports and allows that system of prejudice to thrive and continue at KKCR.This moves forward as an open petition to also have Hawaiian musicians and other conscious Native Hawaiian artists help to educate and build awareness that KKCR has used their digital library of "Hawaiian musicians and artists" of canned "Hawaiian" music to silence members of the community of Kaua'i over this holiday season. This kind of systemic radio shut down in response to community protest and outcry, the first in KKCR's history. We want to let those musicians who were used by KKCR over the two, two day period of controversy to help us in stopping that silence by using their true voice and musical inspiration in addressing and making aware the issue of systemic racism and prejudice at KKCR. Any Native Hawaiian musicians or other conscious artists that you currently know in your circles who support systemic change at KKCR, please have them contact me via email or telephone to add their names to the growing list of supporters for change.We will be interviewing those musicians as well as getting the petition out and signed to help stop systemic prejudice at KKCR and return our community radio station to the vision and foundation Uncle Butch Kekahu laid years ago before it was overturned.E holo imua, e mau ka pono.In moving forward, we live righteously.Hale MawaeEo Lono!
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Joan
http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/search?q=KKCR
http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2007/12/musings-superferry-stats-kkcr-spats.html
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Musings: Superferry Stats, KKCR Spats
Woke to a dark, cool, wet morning, but Koko and I braved the elements and took a short walk anyway, as the eastern sky offered up streaks of pink beneath the gray. I could tell the surf was up because I could hear its roar while lying in bed, which is not usually the case, then later discovered there’s a rare high surf advisory for the east side because of the brisk trades. Great Superferry weather, if you’re Dramamine double-dosed.Brad Parsons, that inveterate Superferry sleuth, went out to log the Christmas Day traffic and it was pretty darn dismal: just 18 cars and 55 people got off the ferry at Maui, and 48 cars and two motorcycles boarded for the return trip to Oahu. Gee, you’d think the holidays would be popular travel times, given the Superferry’s supposed purpose of uniting Hawaii’s `ohana. Brad also reports: “Very little security anywhere in the harbor. Another observer went up to the gate and talked with those offloading in their cars. They told him it was a ‘rough’ ride.”Speaking of rough rides, KKCR is back on the air with its regular programming this morning. Yesterday’s post generated a number of comments, and while readers are free to voice their personal opinions (within reason: I don't like slashing and trashing), I don’t want to get into whether Ka`iulani was right or wrong, since I have no first-hand knowledge of the incident.What is of greater concern to me is how the situation was handled, and the larger issue of our community radio station’s lack of ethnic diversity as reflected in its Board of Directors, paid staff and volunteer disc jockeys.First, some background:Ka`iulani forwarded to an LA Times reporter and me an email that KKCR staff member Donna Lewis had sent her on Dec. 17 stating: “I hope you're having a great holiday season.“We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.“Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. “It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment. [The headphones reportedly were Ka`iulani's, and not the station's.]“For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.”Donna then sent me an email on Dec. 19 stating that “there is a no-tolerance policy against violent / abusive behavior - whether directed against other volunteers, visitors, or station equipment.”I replied that it seemed from Ka`iulani’s email and another circulated by Hale Mawae, who was in the studio, that there was a difference of opinion about whether the incident constituted abuse and it seemed only fair to hear both sides of the story before terminating Ka`iu. Donna replied: “We do have eyewitness accounts of last week's incident. The people were afraid Ka`iulani would blame them & retaliate - so they didn't want their names used. I told them I would be clear - the decision was the staff's. We also have at least 4 other incidents documented from the past several months.”This left me wondering, if the station has a “no-tolerance policy,” why wasn’t any action taken against any of the four alleged previous incidents?Her email also stated: “If she chooses, Ka`iulani can reapply to become a volunteer after a waiting period.”Again, I was left wondering why this information wasn’t provided to Ka`iulani. The email sent to her spoke only of termination, with no information about reinstatement.In response to a statement on the station’s website — “Anyone interested should contact KKCR to learn more about volunteer training and station policies, including codes of conduct and federal FCC guidelines.” — I have contacted Donna and asked her to provide me with a copy of the station’s policy for terminating/suspending and reinstating volunteer DJs.I’ll be curious to see what the policy is, and whether it was followed in this case. One reason for having, and following, policies is to counter assertions that actions are taken in an arbitrary, capricious manner that could be founded in racism, favoritism, etc.In the meantime, I think it’s important not to get too caught up in the personalities of those involved and instead look at the larger picture. Is KKCR adequately representing the full community? Are allegations of racism legitimate? Is the station making efforts to encourage participation by a broad range of ethnic groups? Was Ka`iulani axed because of her show's controversial content?I like and appreciate KKCR and listen to it often. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved, or that its critics should be shut out of discussions about the station’s management and policies.If KKCR truly is an `ohana, as it so often portrays itself, let’s strive to make it a healthy family, and not a dysfunctional one.
Posted by Joan at 9:50 AM
Anonymous said...
mahalo for the kkcr update. while management would like to brush aside the surrounding controversies with HR issues and allegations of improprieties and racism the fact that staff and board folks are silent about the charges says something. hard to defend the accusations when silence and denial are the response from 'our community' radio.we'll see from management's response to allegations how accurate the charges are. so far the wagons are circled and the silence is deafening.
December 27, 2007 11:17 AM
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2007/12/musings-kaboom.html
Monday, December 31, 2007
Musings: Ka-Boom
....
...Well, it’s the time when “Songs of Sovereignty” usually airs on KKCR, and I just got a report from Andy Parx that Hale Mawai went to the station to host Ka`iulani’s show only to find — you guessed it — the management pulled the same stunt as last week: locking the doors and playing canned Hawaiian music.OK, now we’re moving into the realm of real chicken shit bizarro behavior. I mean, really, what is the station management afraid of? And why should we, the listening public, be again deprived of the regular programming? Btw, I never did get a response to my polite request for a copy of the station’s policy on suspending/terminating volunteer programmers. However, a board member did fill me in on a few other policies, including all interview shows must be pre-approved by management, and neither programmers nor guests can make any disparaging remarks on air about the board, management, other volunteers or station policies.So that effectively stymies any on-air discussion about problems at the station. And if a programmer does get kicked off his or her show, there’s no grievance procedure for appealing the dismissal.As I said, the air was filled with sound this morning, but at my house, anyway, it won’t be what’s being broadcast on KKCR. I’d rather listen to the birds and the occasional KA-BOOM of a homemade cannon — a sound that will become much more common as the clock edges toward midnight and all hell breaks loose with firecrackers and rockets going off in my neighborhood.
comments
Anonymous said...
Hi Joan,Thanks for asking me to comment on today's "non-events" at KKCR. Coincidently, moments before opening your email, I was reading about the community uprising in the 1990's to take back KPFA, the station I was reared on growing up in the Bay Area. The similarities, such as "gag rules" and station shut-downs, are saddening.This morning, Fred Dente, Hale Mawae and I arrived at the KKCR station at about 8:30 am to prepare for the "Songs of Sovereignty" program. Since the "termination" of Ka'iulani Huff is in dispute - in fact, it's been unclear since the station's original missive whether it's a "termination" or a "suspension" - Ka'iulani requested that Hale cover her slot until she returns from a vacation and meets with station management. Fred and I meant to accompany him for support.To our dismay, the station was closed - no personnel on site and canned music playing - as it had been the week before when a group of us arrived to protest Ka'iulani's termination and the pattern of elitism and lack of community access to the station. We imagined that perhaps station management might arrive at 10:00 am - the start of normal office hours - so we waited away from the station grounds, at the gated entrance at Hanalei Plantaion Road. To pass the time, we took video of eachother talking about the problems at KKCR and the solutions we are trying to implement.Alas, the only vehicles entering and leaving the area were those of people from the base yard near the station - no KKCR management, staff, volunteers or board members arrived. At around 10:00, a Princeville Security truck pulled up and the guard asked us what we were doing. When we told her we were waiting for the station to open so that Hale could go on the air, she mentioned that she understood that the station was closed today because "they thought there would be protests." After this revealing comment, she agreed to double check the station to see if anyone was there. She returned to let us know that the station was empty as far as she could tell.Another interesting event occurred shortly before we left. We noticed a rental car enter the area and return after a few moments. The car pulled up to us and the couple inside asked us about KKCR being closed. They were filmmakers from Santa Barbara, they told us, and they had gone to the station to find Ka'iulani. They had heard that she would be a good source of information about traditional Hawaiian music and hula, which they were seeking for a documentary. They had heard about her termination but had hoped she would be back today. We helped them as best we could, promising to try to put them in touch with Ka'iu, and we all went our seperate ways for the day.We are saddened indeed that KKCR management has chosen to duck and seek cover by closing the station two weeks in a row to avoid an honest discussion about Ka'iulani's termination and other systemic problems at KKCR. We hope that community members will make their voices heard by calling and writing the station, and attending the upcoming Community Advisory Board meeting on January 23, at 7:00, at the Kapa'a Neighborhood Center.In this time of renewed social movement on Kaua'i, an accountable community radio station is more important than ever!-Katy Rose
jonathan said...
It is disheartening to witness this recent series of events at what some are beginning to call KGCR - "Kaua`i Gated Community Radio". This is not the best way for KKCR to enter our second decade.One can only hope that at some point (soon!), this trend will not only be be checked, but vigorously reversed. In the end, the communities of Kaua`i and the station will all greatly benefit. Hopefully, we can come together to address and resolve these three separate issues in a rapid, fair and akamai way.1) what did or didn't happen between volunteers on 'that monday morning' a couple weeks back.2) what is or isn't a responsible and just "community relations" policy and process at KKCR we can all live with.3) what more KKCR can do to physically embody it's mission statement to the communities of Kaua`i in a social environment that fosters maximum cultural diversity.I am convinced everyone on Kaua`i desires excellence in radio at our community station. We just have different understandings what this should look like, and that is OK.Frictions seems to arise when there is a lack of trust. Misunderstandings can more easily occur from poor communication. Additionally since everyone is human, there will always be errors in judgement... followed by a finger-pointing fest, and lotts of digging on on several fronts. I suspect that in this situation (like most others) there are several truths to the story and many people are 'right'... just in different ways. Let's move past this standoff.Rather than focusing on the problems, we will all be better served to focus on solutions, particularly because several are at hand that can be quickly and easily implemented to fix this flap, should we simply agree to do so. If we can move past the conflicting and focus on the fixing, KKCR will find itself on a much stronger foundation to serve Kaua`i and beyond as a community owned and operated non-commercial media resource. Then we can have different kind finger-pointing fest where we all take credit for helping to get it right. I'll bring the lemonade.Ha'ole Makahiki Hou and a Happy New Year to all.jonathan jay
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-rustling-rats.html
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Musings: Rustling Rats
I smell a rat with the news that KKCR has “pre-empted” — to use the words of station staffer Donna Lewis — the show hosted on alternate Thursday afternoons by Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo.“There are several issues regarding your 12-20 broadcast we'd like to discuss with you upon return of the General Manager,” Lewis wrote in an email to the two.Aside from her use of the word aloha to open and close the message — I mean, how much aloha are you feeling when you’re canceling someone's show and stifling their freedom of speech? — I find it odd that the email was sent out yesterday, a full 11 days after the show.If station staff had problems with the show, which focused on the termination/suspension (it’s still unclear which it is) of "Songs of Sovereignty" host Ka`iulani Huff, why didn’t they say something sooner? They certainly were aware of it, as staff member Dawn Jewell came into the studio and demanded that she be allowed to read on air a statement from the station management.Perhaps the pre-emption stems not so much from the show, but from what happened after the show: Katy (I’m not sure about Jimmy) went to the station on the following two Mondays to support the reinstatement of “Songs of Sovereignty,” only to find the place locked up tight.Or perhaps the station’s staff is afraid of what might happen on tomorrow’s show; you know, that people might actually talk about the issues related to the station itself.Either way, the pre-emption is a major power play, a clear reminder, to use the words of a CS&N song (I don’t think Neil Young was with them yet): “Step outta line, the man come, and take you away.” Or at least cut off your microphone.There’s a disclaimer that’s played on the station that goes something like this: the views expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the station’s management, board or underwriters. Perhaps, in the interest of honesty, it should be changed to: the views expressed must reflect those of the station’s management. It’s unclear what the board and underwriters think about the little power plays that are going on. Do they know or do they care? (Ooops, now we’re moving into KONG lingo.) Hale Mawae, who was on both of the “controversial” shows in question, goes into more depth about all this on on his own blog.
MauiBrad said...
Joan,This KKCR thing is turning into some real b**l s**t. I can't believe the actions of KKCR and now county officials per the following from Andy. Man, this should be priority #1 there right now. From PNN/Andy, re: Mawae’s arrest "showing him being restrained in a puddle by five police officers while screaming 'I’m not resisting' as Rose and the videographer came upon the scene. Rose also reported there were two eye witnesses to the apprehension itself, Trujillo and another programmer." And, "Ed Coll’s analysis of the KKCR 'Volunteer Handbook'...I see no section titled "Station Policies" in the volunteer handbook. Does a policy manual exist? If so where? Is the "dirty laundry" language in the handbook under the subsection "Programming" really in the KKCR policy manual?...If anyone knows of a KKCR policy manual that the KKCR volunteer handbook is alleged to provide "information about" I would love to see it. As a founding member, original program committee member, and former CAB member I have never seen any policy manual. Does one really exist? -- Edward Coll"This whole situation is becoming outrageous. I hope you all create a community revolt on this.Aloha, Brad
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-kkcr-snaps-and-lifting-veil.html
Friday, January 4, 2008
Musings: KKCR Snaps and Lifting the Veil: Part II
Felt the ocean calling me this morning, so I went, and got there while the moon, nearing new, was still silver, and Venus a sparkling gem. The sun struggled to rise, turning the inside of gray clouds first pink, then gold, before it gave up entirely and everything — sky, sea, clouds — went back to gray, with white shafts descending into water warmer than the air.I always enjoy watching people interact with Koko, who exudes energetic joy. When she approaches them unbidden, or they successfully coax her to them, they invariably smile with delight and satisfaction: “She likes me!” It’s a different story with dogs. “They’re friendly,” people always say as their pets mug Koko. Yeah, maybe, but when Koko’s got her tail between her legs or is being chased by a big mutt, she’s not having fun. My favorite was the woman who called out, as her four Dobermans swarmed little Koko, “now play nice!”That same admonition certainly applied at KKCR yesterday, when five police officers wrestled Hale Mawae to the ground, in the mud, as he repeatedly yelled: “I’m not resisting!” Hale, who suffered scratches and a sprained wrist in the encounter, was arrested for trespassing, resisting arrest and obstructing government operations while walking down Hanalei Plantation Road — armed with a video camera — toward the gate that leads to KKCR. Hale was with programmers Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo and two others; all were prevented by Princeville Security and Kauai police from entering the gate, which was once again locked, even though it was regular business hours. A press release from Kauai County offers this account, “According to police, Mawae was among a group of people who had congregated outside radio station KKCR at around 4 pm yesterday reportedly in protest of the termination of two KKCR talk show hosts. A manager from KKCR contacted police and asked for assistance.”The release states that Hale returned to the gate after police had directed the group to move to a public right of way; Katy says Hale went back to look for Jimmy, who had stayed to negotiate with police.Meanwhile, another free for all was occurring on the air, when the “Out of the Box” program — whose regular hosts, Jimmy and Katy, were pre-empted pending a sit down with station manager Gwen Palagi (see the Rustling Rats post for more details) — aired with two stand-in programmers, Bill Rash and Dave Gerow.The upheaval at the station was the main topic of discussion, but things went downhill fast after Andy Parx called in and voiced his opinion. That prompted another caller — a station underwriter — to denigrate Andy on-air and say he’d like three minutes with Andy in any parking lot on Kauai. Andy called again, complaining about the caller’s threat, and host Bill Rash got into an altercation with him that ended with Bill essentially challenging Andy to a fight at the station gate. That gate sure is seeing a lot of action. Earlier in the show, Dave had said a mob was trying to swarm it to force their way on-air.
In Business 4 Good Campaign said...
ahem...something that just issued from FCC, that is entirely germaine to this dialogue. Good thing some folks are not in the soup here, to bring some order to the KKCR Chaos, eh?FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: December 18, 2007 Mary Diamond (202) 418-2388FCC Adopts Localism Proposals to Ensure Programming is Responsive to Needs of Local Communities Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (the “Commission”) today took measures to help ensure that broadcast stations offer programming responsive to the needs and interests of the communities that they are licensed to serve. The Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (the “Report”) adopted today sets forth proposals to increase local programming content and diversity in communities across America. In its review of these issues, the Commission accrued over 83,000 written comments and heard the testimony of 500 panelists offered during the six field hearings on localism conducted throughout the country. The Report makes tentative conclusions regarding the following proposals, for which it seeks comment:• Qualified LPTV stations should be granted Class A status, which requires them to provide 3 hours per week of locally-produced programming; • Licensees should establish permanent advisory boards (including representatives of underserved community segments) in each station community of license with which to consult periodically on community needs and issues; and• Commission adoption of renewal application processing guidelines that will ensure that all broadcasters provide some locally-oriented programmingThe Report also states that the Commission will: • Better educate members of the public as to the obligations of broadcasters and the Commission’s procedures so that viewers and listeners can become more actively involved in ensuring that stations offer locally oriented programming; and.• Investigate other ways to assist prospective radio licensees to identify suitable available commercial FM spectrum in the communities in which they wish to broadcast, including authorizing the development of software to do so. The Report notes that, as temporary trustees of the public’s airwaves, broadcasters are obligated to operate their stations to serve the public interest, including their airing of programming responsive to the needs and issues of their station communities of license. The actions and proposals contained in the Report are intended to ensure that the nations’ broadcasters will meet this responsibility. Action by the Commission December 18, 2007, by Report and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 07-218). Chairman Martin and Commissioner Tate, with Commissioners Copps and Adelstein concurring and dissenting in part, and Commissioner McDowell approving and concurring in part. Separate statements issued by Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell.
January 6, 2008 6:35 PM
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-kkcr-outed-and-lifting-veil.html
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Musings: KKCR Outed and Lifting the Veil: Part III
The strife at KKCR that I’ve been writing about for weeks is finally being dragged into the cold, bright spotlight of commercial radio and print media. Jimmy Torio hosted disgruntled KKCR programmers on his KQNG radio show yesterday morning, and today The Garden Island picked up the story. It’s good to see the issue getting broader coverage. However, I was surprised to read KKCR staff member Donna Lewis discussing as yet unproven details of programmer Ka`iulani Huff’s suspension — even as the station manager, who was on vacation while all the action was going down, is attempting to schedule a meeting with Ka`iulani to discuss the issue. Donna also delivered a little slap to Ka`iu with her comment that the station is seeking a “responsible Hawaiian DJ” to host the “Songs of Sovereignty” show that Ka`iu founded. If volunteer programmers are required to act professionally, certainly paid staff should be held to the same standards. It doesn’t seem to me that Donna should be making digs at programmers or discussing personnel issues in emails and print, especially when they’re still unresolved.I also found it ironic that Donna, who in locking the gate and calling police to keep out suspended programmers also prevented the general public from accessing its own community radio station, was quoted as saying: “We prefer the open-door policy and look forward to resolving the security issues so we can return to our normal routine of serving our amazing community.” If the station management prefers the “open door policy,” it shouldn’t be locking gates, period. Because in reality, there are no “security issues” at the station, just the management’s fear....
Anonymous said...
"It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,” donna lewis said.a quote from a women in denial. what is really unfortunate is that the incidents that led to hale's arrest could've have been prevented if ms lewis had been professional in her management of the whole affair. consistently, from the majority of folks informed of the issues at KKCR, most would agree that this was not handled properly and the community would've been better served by dealing with the issues at hand face to face with respectful dialogue and discussion of the facts. instead impersonal and vague e.mails were the communication tools of choice employed by ms.lewis. the failure of KKCR management to deal with the issues in a timely and professional manner have brought increased scrutiny, raised suspicions and hard feelings in the community. silence, avoidance and denial are not effective management tools to be used when dealing with controversial community issues. auwemahalo joan for keeping this issue f&c. peace,......jimmy t
this is the meat of the matter. culled from the e.mail chatter----- Original Message ----- From: Ed Coll To: coll@kauai.net Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 1:14 PMSubject: Full spectrum dominance - stomp the most disenfranchised first and the rest will fall into lineAloha disenfranchised voices,Pardon the rant but KKCR's calling the police on Katy, Jimmy, Hale and Ulu (and me) by claiming a "protest" was occurring and todays GI "KKCR refutes racism claims" framing the issue as racism is missing the bigger dysfunction that is KKCR. At KKCR the overarching issue is not race but full spectrum censorship. Nevertheless the actions of KKCR and the response by activists are being played out in terms of a racism framework. While it is true that racism is more than evident at KKCR the fact is KKCR will censor anyone of any race that says something they don't like and makes the KKCR board look bad. The real problem is an anti-democratic authoritarian regime that took power by removing member voting rights and conferring those rights to themselves (and yes they were white) in a coup. KKRC was an infant of participatory democracy (members vote for the board) kidnapped by the forerunners of those now in power appointed through the incestuous board appointment process. The incestuous board appointment process led to inbreeding and KKCR got progressively whiter and whiter as the cabal exercised standardless discretion in place of membership voting rights appointing people like themselves to replace them. Like the children of missionaries who benefit from the ill gotten gains of their parents the current board feels a sense of entitlement and will exercise power against anyone who disagrees with their world view. As Joan wrote in her bolg "Step out of line the man comes and takes you away" (and not only metaphorically as Hale can attest). The native Hawaiians are under the most stress (cultural obliteration), fight back, and therefore become easy targets as they step out of line. But as the recent experience of Jimmy and Katy indicate the current non-democratic regime will censor any voice that disagrees with them. Jimmy's carefully detailed description of how he became a KKCR programmer on KQNG (and his questioning of that process) is the way all programmers get their "jobs" at KKCR. Board and staff consolidate and perpetuate their power by using standardless discretion to appoint friends or acquaintances to board, management, and volunteer positions. As this undemocratic process advances without community control it gets whiter and whiter (a historical legacy of the original coup). The whiteness is an artifact that is very visible but the underlying anti-democratic process is more obscure. No board is perfect and mistakes were made (like picking the wrong Hawaiian to be a token, or allowing programmers whom they though shared their world view to get on air before the programmer's views were fully vetted for alignment with KKCR doctrine. And then there were three dissenting voices Ka`iulani, Jimmy and Katy so the board booted them all. Now there is crisis. And the crisis is being defined in terms of racism, but racism is just a mask hiding the anti-democratic authoritarian regime's control over who has access to community radio. It's the Dole Republic 6.0.All the demands for structural readjustment in the list Group has developed are good but when you are eating a meal take small pieces and start with the most flavorful. Reinstate a membership elected board is by far the most tasty morsel on the plate. If that cannot be achieved nothing but intercine incrementalism of the two step backward - one step forward variety will obtain.If Board will not yield to this sole, and reasonable, demand (and I mean total reinstatement of original member voting rights, no compromises) change from the root will not happen. If Board yields then new board can enact the other much needed changes on the list. If Board fail to yield on this demand they will have to exit the field of dialog. Experience has shown KKCR will not speak of these things because their position is indefensible in a debate. That's why the alleged "dirty laundry" policy, which nobody has seen, exists in the first place. "Say anything you want as long as it is not about KKCR's totalitrian ways." I was struck with the Irony of the scab replacements for Katy and Jimmy on "Out of the Box" defending KKCR (and threatening the mild-mannered Mr. Parx) while Hale was being pushed into the mud by 5 police at the gates of KKCR. Without member voting rights the goal of reinstating the disenfranchised voices will allow those voices of dissent to be heard but the "dirty laundry" prohibition will prevent any discussion of the real problem which is a totalitarian oligarchy which seized control from the community's radio station in a bloodless coup by hijacking community members right to elect the board. I believe none of the three disenfranchised programmers will concede to this demand not to air dirty laundry for a censored voice is an ineffective voice. Finally I think KKCR may have filed a false policy report as there was no protest only two volunteer programmers (Katy and Jimmy) attempting to do their program and two Hawaiians (Hale and Ulu) bearing witness to what happened. KKCR is not "community radio" but "gated community radio" that for all intents and purposes is propagandizing the community with their world view absent any community input from a private compound inaccessible to the community. KKCR Board and management are pruning dissenting voices from the tree of speech. Unflinching focus on a single demand Reinstate a membership elected board forces the oppressor to address an issue for which they have no defense except silence the last refuge on a tyrant. Many demands allows oppressor to respond by picking, choosing, and negotiating (endlessly) from the list of sub-issues until all the air escapes from the baloon. This has been their tactic for yers that have led us to our current crisis. The fact that Board go ballistic over this one issue but will not address it in open dialog with the community or CAB tells me it should be the focal point for action. Thanks for letting me express my Manao.Ea`-- Edward Coll
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/kkcr-update-complaint-filed-with-fcc.html
Saturday, January 5, 2008
KKCR Update: Complaint Filed with FCC
Today I received an email from Patrick Michaels, who wrote about the action he has taken following the recent spate of events at KKCR that saw three programmers being taken off the air and the gates to the station locked on at least four occasions.This is what the email said, and all of the words that follow in this post are his:For the five years I've been back and forth to Kauai, from NY, where I come from a long family line of broadcasting professionals, I've often wondered about the 'community standards' claim of KKCR. This last, arbitrary approach, foisted on the community by the largely white, organic, and inclusive folks, headed by folks like 'Ann of Avalon' [Ann West] etc, pushed a major button for me.So, without further adieu, I simply exercised my citizen's and community members rights, and requested, of the five commissioners of the FCC, that an investigation be launched into the business practices, the management approaches, and the wholesale disregard for FCC rules, that KKCR represents.Now, let's see how many folks stay on the air, when a simple matter like a time and station check gets missed, which I understand from observation and listening, is considered an infringement on FREE speech and expression, by most of the 'players' at KKCR's amateur, volunteer group.I've been professionally and personally shunned by the core group, mostly due to, in my view, having crossed paths, unfavorably with Ms. Anne of Avalon, who's power behind the scenes, and on microphone, are typical of the 'non community' focus approach. In fact, that person, among others, has a lock on the pursestrings of KKCR, and the direction of programming, whether it's admitted or not.Hope that KKCR has their license suspended, and a core group of professionals, can reinstate what was stolen, from the original group that formed that entity in 1994.I've sent the same information to Dove and Ken at KKCR. I'm no secret to them, as I was among the community activists that turned them in for FCC violations, which prompted the on air folks to grumble about freedom of expression, and some of them to be 'bridled'. I'm no fan of the management or Lady Anne of Avalon, since it's a shame that one group can dictate what 'community standards' represent. One reason I'm sure that Larry [LaSota] didn't last as GM, is that the organic tribe diluted his intentions, step by step.btw, I'm a long time broadcasting professional, going back to being on air at the ripe age of 11 in NY Metro area.
40 comments
w/ Michaels
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-opening-doors.html
Monday, January 7, 2008
Musings: Opening Doors
Stars! I saw them because they were out, and so was I, this nippy, clear morning, along with Venus, gleaming. The moon, new tomorrow, was nowhere to be seen, but Waialeale, and all the other mountains, showed face, and mist clung damply to the hollows in the pastures.On my way to the beach yesterday afternoon I picked up an old uncle, hitchhiking, and we got to talking about the fine, sunny weather. “But don’t ever complain about the rain,” he said. “Rain is what keeps us alive. Always be thankful for it, and praise it.” Amen.Last night, after listening to Willie Judah’s reggae show on KKCR, a couple of programmers came on and started praising the station, describing it as a gem, saying it does so much good for people.That’s all true. It is an asset to the island, and a lot of folks, me included, do appreciate it and want to keep it alive. I’m sure those who work at the station and have shows take special pride and pleasure in it, and that’s to be expected — indeed, encouraged.However, the inherent value of KKCR is not at the issue here. It’s about ways to make KKCR better, more inclusive, more reflective of and responsive to the broader community. In short, how can we open doors a little wider?In response to a post on Disappeared Newsabout claims of racism at the station, blogger Doug White posted this comment: “The latest Garden Island News story points out that there is presently no Native Hawaiian presence on the board, but the KKCR bylaws provide no method for dissidents to assume seats on the board except, according to the article, for applicants to win approval from the sitting board members. How likely is that? Well, we won't know until a dissident applies and is (or is not) seated, and remember, even if dissidents were to apply and be seated, it would take several years for the dissidents to become a majority on the board.”So I did some checking around and found that Michael Locey, son of Auntie Angeline and part-Hawaiian, was an applicant in 2005 and completely rejected, even though he is very well known in the community and could have been an excellent connection with the Hawaiian community.Musician Cindy Combs, who is also part Hawaiian was a Board member in the early 2000s but resigned. Tek Nickerson, Native American and very experienced in nonprofits, applied to the Board in 2006 and was not voted in.Steve Thatcher, former chair of the Citizens’ Advisory Board, whom some might consider a dissident voice because he favors more community outreach and membership voting, applied in 2006 and was voted down. Steve did get elected in 2007 but received the one-year unexpired term of Robin Savage, rather than a three-year term. It’s clear that one reason why the Board has been reluctant to allow station members to elect Board members is that they do not want dissidents of any ethnicity to serve. That's why even the Board's most recent action to allow the members to elect three Board members will be done on a trial basis only. If you want to know more, check out the article I wrote at Kauai People.Amid talk of racism, I think it’s important to make the distinction between racism and racial prejudice. Katy Rose does a really good job of explaining the difference in an essay posted at Island Breath. It also provides background on what happened to prompt the racism charges against KKCR.As she notes, and I agree, it’s important to look beyond individuals and at the institution. Still, individuals — whether it was staff members working autonomously or at the direction of the Board — did make the decision to lock the gates, a move that could bring down the station.Ed Coll posted a well-done video, "KKCR Gated Community Radio," that he made of the Jan. 3 encounter with police on the road to the radio station that ended up with Hale Mawae on the ground in handcuffs. Coll notes: “It is in the old school cinéma vérité (direct cinema) tradition. Audio starts about 30 seconds in. Total time 8min 30 sec.”The video does a good job of showing that the alleged threat to the station’s security was greatly exaggerated. It also raises questions about whether cops can legally stop someone from walking on Hanalei Plantation Road, which is owned by Princeville Corp., but a public right of way, with no private property signs posted. The scene of the cops restraining Hale is extremely troubling. Fortunately, no taser was used. Note to self: find out if Kauai cops have tasers.You might also want to check out some of the comments posted by Patrick Michaels on earlier KKCR posts, as he's provided some interesting information.
Anonymous said...
from Andy ParxCharlie,People conflate racISM with race bias. I can dislike you because you are Filipino, Japanese or Haole. That is race bias. But when there is a privileged race that oppresses a under or non-privileged race and uses that privilege to perpetuate their privilege to the detriment of the others, that is racISM. I used to be confused when people said “oh, she can’t be a racist- she’s black”. But I was conflating the terminology of race bias with racism. Race bias is illegal. But racism isn’t and is much more insidious. It has to be judged by the fruits of it. If someone hates people who are bald that is different than living in a society where hairy people get all the jobs and routinely oppress bald people who earn less money, go to worse schools and live in a worse places and are viewed as suspicious by the cops because they are bald. The former have a bias against bald people. the latter would be practicing hairISM.To say, like Dave Gerow said on KKCR last Thursday, “there’s not a racist bone in anyone’s body at KKCR” misses the point and confuses the definitions. I don’t doubt that Dave personally doesn’t dislike Hawaiians or Jews or blacks. But he does perpetuate a system at KKCR where being white is a privilege and that has routinely been used to silence the voice of at least one specific Hawaiian activist because of her speech and her daring to oppose that white privileged power structure that routinely- whether on the conscious part of any individual or not- oppresses Hawaiians by denying them access to the air. That is an “ism” just like “cronyism” but when judged by the visible and indisputable fruits- that brown people are routinely denied access by privileged withes- that is racism by definition.The old term of “institutionalized” racism is redundant and used to deny responsibility by those practicing racism by perpetuating and participating in it. Racism is an act by a privileged class of people of one color to maintain that privilege whether they do it out of hate or ignorance. One practices it by being a member of that class and more so by defending it as “only” institutional. But on that level it is a personal decision whether or not to recognize all this and continue to participate instead of thinking because one has no race bias one can’t possibly practice racismSo denying it exists is worse than the racism itself. It’s the old “I can’t be a racist- some of my best friends are...” Maybe you don’t know how that feels to an oppressed non-privileged person. Maybe I don’t either because I’m a privileged haole. But I do know it means something to those who see it from that position.Something to consider about race and “isms”....
January 7, 2008 1:53 PM
Lots of racism comments
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-getting-clear.html
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Musings: Getting Clear
Clarity, it seems, is starting to slowly emerge in the KKCR dispute. The Garden Island reported today that programmer Kaiulani Huff wasn’t terminated from the station, but just put on 90 days suspension, at which time she can “reapply.”That’s certainly a different message than the one originally sent to Kaiulani, but since it comes from station manager Gwen Palagi, who was on vacation when all the recent turmoil began, it seems official, and is good news to those of us who like to have her back on the air. In the meantime, it does seem the recent events may be motivating folks to get more involved in working for significant changes at the station, including better community outreach. One oft-cited method of improving participation is moving the station out of Princeville to a more centralized, ethnically diverse location.However, according to a memo from board member Sandy Brodie, such a relocation could take up to three years and would require a new FCC application approval. In light of that, Brodie recommended the Board seek a long-term lease at the existing facility and work to improve reception through a microwave link system. No mention was made of using remote broadcast systems to allow programmers to participate elsewhere around the island, an idea that has been advocated by some for a number of years, without success.
From Katy Rose:Can those who keep repeating this idea that three of us programmers "stepped out of line" PLEASE be specific about what we did, EXACTLY? The vagueness is rather maddening.For example, Jimmy and I have NOT been told why our program was pre-empted. Is it because we broke the "dirty laundry" code( NOT an FCC violation, by the way)? That's funny, because in the week since we were "pre-empted" I have heard two call-in shows on KKCR discussing exactly the same issue we opened up on the program we hosted on Dec. 20, but the hosts of those shows are okay because they support management's actions. It's even more bizarre when you consider that the hosts of those programs participated in the generation of much misinformation about recent events, as well as airing verbal threats and disrespect for other programmers and community members.It is also being said that Ka'iulani has a "history" of FCC violations. Evidence, please. None of the current backloaded accusations against Ka'iulani have anything to do with the reasons given for her termination in the email she originally received. She can't be fired twice, for all this other unproven stuff now "after the fact" in order to justify her original firing, which is now being called a suspension, by the way.I am disappointed by the lack of grounding in the facts of the case here. It seems designed to avoid an honest examination of the structural issues many of us are raising.
Anonymous said...
Out of the Washing Machine, On To the Clothesline!KKCR’s “Dirty Laundry” Policy Selectively EnforcedBy Katy Rose Since December 17, a series of events have shook Kaua’i’s community radio station, KKCR, to the core.What are well-known and undisputed at this point are the following facts:Ka’iulani Edens Huff was terminated from her volunteer programming position as the host of her self-created program, “Songs of Sovereignty.”Jimmy Trujillo and I were “pre-empted” from our regular bi-weekly programming duties as the hosts of the “Out of the Box” program.Behind these undisputed facts are a myriad of unanswered questions which have lately been complicated by rumors, innuendos and even threats of violence.Everyone knows that there are many sides to any story, but in an effort to add some clarity to the situation, I would like to share my perspective on events, and solicit some answers from KKCR management.(I have already gone into great detail in earlier writings about the question of racism at KKCR, and feel no need to expound on that again here.)On December 18, Ka’iulani opened her inbox and was informed by the following email that her programming privileges had been terminated:December 17, 2007Aloha Ka`iulani,I hope you're having a great holiday season. We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment.For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.Mahalo for your contributions to KKCR during the past months. If you have any questions, please contact me.aloha,donnaOne point of clarification needed here is that the headphones in question were Ka’iulani’s own, and that they were never thrown at a person. Another point is that no “attack” took place that morning. A verbal dispute occurred, and certainly not the first one in KKCR history. The question is why was Ka’iulani singled out in this dispute? Was it not a mutual disagreement? To what standard is the other programmer involved being held? And given the value of the Songs of Sovereignty program to an under-served sector of our community, wouldn’t it have been prudent to seek some form of conflict resolution before termination became an option?When these questions were raised by the many concerned citizens who flooded the station with emails and phone calls in the days after Ka’iu’s termination, the explanation for the termination changed. Suddenly, Ka’iulani had a “file” full of complaints against her, a history of FCC violations, and a reputation as a violent and threatening presence in the station building. None of these claims have been verified with any evidence, yet this became the dominant rhetoric employed to explain the station’s actions against her, and throughout the coming weeks, this rather slanderous view would be repeated on the air and left unchallenged by the station. (Ka’iulani does not dispute a “slip-up” on the air that morning, immediately retracting it with an apology. The history of FCC actions in such situations suggests a certain leniency for occasional “slip-ups” on live non-commercial radio, so, while not terrific, this was not a serious threat to the station. Nevertheless, this was never originally offered as a reason for her termination.)On Thursday, December 20, Jimmy Trujillo and I hosted our regular call-in program. After explaining to the listeners that Ka’iulani had been terminated, we opened the phone lines to the community to discuss the issue. We scrupulously avoided name-calling and finger-pointing, but we did not shy away from raising the question of how racism played into the events. At one point, a staff member was invited into the studio by Jimmy to offer up station management’s position. (This caused some confusion in the studio, as I was unaware that the staff member had been invited and interpreted her presence as an inappropriate incursion; later I did apologize to her for my attempts to limit her access to the microphone.) It has been stated since that we were “fishing” for callers who agreed with us. I think this refers to the fact that at one point I mentioned that a particular caller was trying to get through, and invited her to call when the line became open (for some reason, only one phone line into the studio was open, instead of the usual two or three.) But those who have never been in the studio should understand that we do not “screen” callers, and that we do not use a “delay.” On Monday, December 24th, several people felt moved to go to KKCR to protest for the re-instatement of Ka’iulani to the airwaves. It was no secret that we planned to demonstrate. There was no indication that this demonstration was ever intended to cause harm to the station premises or people therein. Yet, when we arrived, we found the station closed and locked down, all regular programming pre-empted, no staff present, and the Kaua’i Police Department alerted to our presence. Under warnings of trespassing, we agreed to move to a public area, at the intersection of Hanalei Plantation Road and Kuhio Highway. We held a peaceful sign-holding protest raising the issue of institutionalized racism at KKCR. A video, now on YouTube, was made of the protest. Our message was clear: we were not accusing individuals of bigotry, but pointing to the structure of KKCR as inherently exclusive and unaccountable to the community.The following Monday, three of us arrived at the grounds of KKCR again. This time, it was to fulfill a request by Ka’iulani that Hale Mawae sit in as a guest host for the “Songs of Sovereignty” program. Again, the station was locked and empty. After waiting in the hope that staff would arrive at 10 am – the start of usual business hours – we left.The following day, Jimmy Trujillo and I received emails informing us that our scheduled program for January 3 had been “pre-empted.” There was no explanation for this action, and we have yet to receive one. We have only the suspicion that we are being suspended for airing “dirty laundry” – which is not an FCC offense but a questionable station policy, considering that it is really the community’s laundry we’re talking about, and the community has a right to inspect it.On Thursday, January 3, Jimmy and I and three supporters arrived at 3:30 to request that we be allowed to broadcast our program, and that we be given an explanation for our “pre-emption.” This time, we arrived to find a locked gate at the top entrance to the road which leads to the station. This gate is normally locked after 6pm and after 2 pm on weekends. I have a key to this gate, but a Princeville Security Guard denied us entry, and told us that the gate at the entrance to the station was also locked. Only specified people were to be allowed entry.Police cars arrived, and we were told to move off Princeville property, which we did. Hale Mawae, however, was arrested shortly thereafter for walking along Hanalei Plantation Road, which is by all accounts a public right-of-way road. He was armed only with a video camera, which was confiscated and has yet to be returned. His arrest – which he did not resist - included an excessive amount of force, with three to four officers wrestling and pinning him to the ground. He suffered injuries and is facing charges for trespassing and resisting arrest.It became clear in the aftermath of Hale’s arrest that a staff person at KKCR had placed the call to police, apparently inflating the “threat” posed by our non-violent presence in the vicinity of KKCR. These kinds of calls, I should point out, tend to inflame police behavior. The programmers brought in to host the program instead of Jimmy and I – Dave Gerow, Bill Rash, and John Gordon – spent the entire show discussing and taking calls about the current controversy. Bill Rash was heard to describe a “mob” trying to “storm the station.” Later in the broadcast, Bill Rash was heard threatening a caller to a fight outside the gates after the show. He was also heard to state that this particular community member had “no right to exist.” Another caller also challenged this particular community member to a fight “in a parking lot,” and was not met by any disclaimer or moderation by the programmers. A third caller aired his dislike of Jimmy and myself, which is fine, and mentioned that he felt we did not “deserve to use the name ‘Out of the Box’” for our program because of our departure from the spirit of original host Michael Van De Veer’s “vision” (also fine.) Dave Gerow and Bill Rash audibly and emphatically agreed with the caller’s assessment of their fellow programmers – a forbidden sign of disrespect according to KKCR protocol. To date, I have heard of no reprimand or consequences for these programmers.Again, on Tuesday, January 8, on the “Kaua’i Soapbox” program, programmers spent the entire program discussing the current controversy with callers, and making false and confusing statements about the reasons for our suspensions. There has been no effort yet by management to clarify and correct this ongoing flood of rumors emanating from KKCR’s airwaves.This raises an important question: is it only “dirty laundry” when you disagree with station policy?
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-scuttlebutt.html
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Musings: Scuttlebutt
Speaking of volatility, the personnel issues at KKCR seem no closer to closure. Yesterday, station manager Gwen Palagi refused a request from ousted programmers Jimmy Trujillo and Katy Rose to meet with them publicly and have the session video taped or recorded. Now why would she be opposed to getting the meeting on the record?In an email sent to the two, Gwen wrote the meeting would be about “The subject matter of your Out of the Box show broadcast on 12/20, in which both of you were co-hosts. Before station management takes action regarding your DJ privileges, a meeting is scheduled to discuss the policy and to hear your reasons for violating it.”That made me wonder why such a process was not followed before Kaiulani Huff was taken off her “Songs of Sovereignty Show.” Instead, she received an email from staff member Donna Lewis informing her that her station privileges had been terminated, period. When Gwen returned from vacation, she told The Garden Island that Kaiulani had been suspended and could reapply in 90 days. However, it wasn’t clear whether that meant she could just become a volunteer again or actually get her program back.Besides the lack of clarity in what is really going on, including whether programmers have been suspended or terminated and exactly what they did wrong, I’m concerned about the station’s inconsistency in dealing with these matters. I still have received no reply to my emails seeking copies of the station policies regarding termination and suspension, although such information should be public.And there’s been no indication of any disciplinary action being taken against other call-in hosts who discussed the issue on air, ostensibly violating the same ban against broadcasting the station's “dirty laundry” that got Jimmy and Katy in trouble. Nor have I heard any word about whether the host who threatened a caller got in any trouble.Station management does not seem to understand that when such issues are not dealt with in a transparent, consistent manner, it more easily gives rise to claims that some programmers are being singled out for punitive treatment.At any rate, the whole fiasco does seem to be something that station listeners, at least, are interested in discussing. Despite the “dirty laundry” ban, it’s been the hot topic on KKCR call-in programs for the past three weeks.I noticed Katy Rose posted a comment on the Getting Clear post that attempts to clear up some of the dis/misinformation that has been circulating about what really went down.Meanwhile, Patrick Michaels, who says he alerted FCC to possible violations at the station, told me yesterday that the agency’s enforcement arm is investigating — though not at his behest — the lock-outs that occurred on at least three occasions. He says an enforcement agent told him that's a clear a violation of the station’s license that could result in a fine, or even the loss of its broadcasting license.Moving on to other matters, I’ll try to post Part VI of Lifting the Veil later today. My neighbor Andy, who I also ran into this morning, tells me he’s been overwhelmed by all the information. It has been a lot, and not everyone is interested in all the details. But hang in there. I’ll do a summary next week that pulls it all together.An update: just checked my yahoo mail account and the Superferry numbers for yesterday are a whopping 29 vehicles got off the boat on Maui and 33 vehicles took the return trip to Oahu. Now this is looking dismal, for HSF, anyway.
Anonymous said...
KKCR has apparently taken action against Jimmy and Katy too by not allowing them on last week or todayThe whole "call to action" nonsense is indicative of how out of touch they are with what non-commercial radio actually is since it shows that apparently they can’t tell the difference between commercial radio as they have blurred the line so much they must assume everything on the air at KKCR is commercial speech and they must toe some kind of line they have apparently leaped over whole hog as evidenced by the way they allow programmers to self and otherwise promote commercial activity.Now it makes sense as to how they could have so little sense.
It is also worth noting that the complaint on access was apparently filed by someone unknown to any of those involved exposing corruption, hypocrisy and racism at KKCR. As the facts revel themselves it is becoming outrageously self evident to rational, reasonable people that something is severely wrong with the management of the station.The Board of Directors meeting in Princeville on Jan 16 should be a humdinger if people show up and demand an explanation of some of the more bizarre assertions and action the staff has made on the Board’s behalf. Hope you can all come- oops- was that a call to action? One more question- is a policy against “airing dirty laundry” simply a way to silence and squelch whistleblowers?By the way, here's a link to the "The FCC and Free Speech " page at their web site- http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/freespeech.htmlAndy Parx
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-slow-down-pay-attention.html
Monday, January 14, 2008
Musings: Slow Down, Pay Attention
Moving on to some reader comments, Laura Christine asked: "Is it true that you applied to host a news show on KKCR and were turned away?" First, thanks, Laura, for your kind words about the Veil series. I’ll post part VI today. My experiences with trying to get a show on KKCR have been thus:Not long after the station got on the air, a friend invited me to check out the studio, and I did, and recorded a station ID. The woman who was running things at that time, Mary, said I didn't have a good radio voice.A year or so later, I asked about doing a news show, but was told I'd need to write a grant to get funding to pay for it, so didn't pursue it.About four years ago, when I heard the late Michael Vandeveer was looking for a co-host, I called and asked what it would take to get on the air. He said I could start by coming down and cleaning the toilets and emptying trash. Then he said he didn’t like to work with middle-aged women, anyway, because they're too bossy, so I didn’t pursue it.Finally, last year, when I heard Ann West was giving up her show, I called station manager Larry LaSota and said I’d like to put my name in the hat. He said that was fine, but first I’d need to do 30 hours of volunteer service and there were several people already in line for shows ahead of me. So again I didn’t pursue it.Another reader, anonymous, wrote: “Joan I also find it very interesting that several posts have disappeared from the site... some say they've been removed some have just disappeared entirely. I'm hoping that they have not been removed just because you disagree with their content. Please educate us on how and why some posts are removed.”Thanks for asking. I have removed two comments. One was my own, because I’d made an error and I I wanted to correct it. The other contained the personal email of the KKCR board chairman, and I didn’t think it was appropriate to post that.As for other comments “disappearing,” I can’t be certain of that, as I don’t track comments on the site, I just review copies of the comments that Blogger sends to me via email. However, I believe persons with Blogger (and perhaps Google) accounts can delete their own comments, so that may have happened.I welcome all points of view and will not remove a comment, even if I disagree with the content.Mahalo to everyone for reading and adding your comments. I enjoy and appreciate the interaction.
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-rat-patrol.html
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Musings: Rat Patrol
They woke Koko and me up several times in the night, and once I got to thinking about the problems at KKCR and couldn’t easily fall back to sleep. I don’t want to be thinking about anything at 2 a.m., much less our troubled community radio station.There’s a board meeting tonight that promises to be lively, although I’ve got an interview and won’t be able to attend. And anyway, I’m not convinced the problems are solvable. The Board, which is self-elected, has no incentive to change, and those who are most entrenched at the station have either adopted the “circle the wagons” approach to criticism, the old “head in the sand” tact of total denial or a hybrid of the two.Still, I do commend the station’s paid staff for taking questions about the station during last Thursday’s call-in show, although reportedly the first part, which I didn’t hear, consisted of the kind of staged queries that got Hillary Clinton in trouble. I did mange to get on the air at the very end and asked about the station’s termination and reinstatement policies.Apparently, they have none. Station manager Gwen Palagi acknowledged that the brouhaha had exposed several operational flaws at the station, including the lack of human resources policies. She said she is trying to rectify that situation, which is great.However, in the absence of any clear policy, actions taken to suspend Kaiulani, Jimmy and Katy can only be viewed as arbitrary and capricious, and cannot be reasonably defended. Gwen said she was open to suggestions on how to deal with human resources, since it’s not her forte, so I’ll give her one: Put those three back on the air immediately, with an apology, and change the schedule so Kaiulani doesn’t follow Noel Brooks. It's a simple act that could go a long way toward healing hurt feelings and washing the egg off the station's face.
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-clones-and-squealers.html
Friday, January 18, 2008
Musings: Clones and Squealers
However, it seems there was a bit of movement toward reform at the KKCR board meeting the other day. Station manager Gwen Palagi announced the staff is going to seek grants to acquire remote-broadcasting equipment and pursue a remote broadcasting relationship with Storybook Theatre in Hanapepe. This will allow people to do programs without having to come into the Princeville station. She also plans to create a human resources task force to review its volunteer policies, engage in more comprehensive community outreach, issue a “report to the listeners” on station business monthly, and initiate a mediation process regarding the suspended programmers.Those are all positive steps in the right direction, and a hat tip to Katy Rose for the report. Board member Marj Dente called in on a talk show yesterday and said about 60 people came to the meeting — four times the number that has ever shown up before — and most of the 16 who spoke expressed support for the station, but also concerns. I was surprised to hear Marj say KKCR has just 700 to 800 members, which is defined by those who give money to the station, myself among them. While that’s fairly good for one organization on Kauai, it’s still a fraction of the island’s population, and my bet is most of the members have North Shore zip codes, myself not among them.Overall, I think the recent unrest has been a good wake up call for the station, because I often pick up this dreamy tone of unreality over the air when programmers wax on about how KKCR is this big ohana that represents the entire island. With 700 or 800 members, it obviously doesn’t
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-stormy-weather.html
Monday, January 28, 2008
Musings: Stormy Weather
The moon, just a hair more than half full, guided Koko and me on our nippy 5 a.m. walk this morning, but brisk winds soon blew in thick, gray clouds that made for a wet, chilly dawn.Those same strong winds have also whipped up the seas, prompting Hawaii Superferry to cancel voyages yesterday and today, and tomorrow’s service — to use the word loosely — is also in doubt. So that means anyone who took the boat to Maui on Saturday is stranded on the Valley Island. Do you suppose that unreliability might have anything to do with the vessel’s steadily dwindling passenger load?I keep wondering when all those gung ho Oahu residents are going to put their money and barf bags where their mouths are; after all, they were the ones clamoring for a service RIGHT NOW that they’re obviously not using.Meanwhile, the Star-Bulletin, apparently operating under the premise of better stale than never, today picked up the KKCR institutional racism story. It’s fascinating to see little bits of the story, which are slightly different each time, come out in the press. For instance, this one has station manager Gwen Palagi saying there was no reason to hear suspended programmer Kaiulani Huff’s side of the story because her argument with fellow programmer Noel Brooks was broadcast and recorded.Huh? What about the charge that she was abusing station equipment by throwing headphones? That couldn’t possibly have been recorded. And Gwen, I know you admitted human relations are not your forte, but each person should have a chance to tell his or her side of the story in a personnel dispute.Jimmy Trujillo, who was also suspended, along with Katy Rose, for discussing the situation on air, noted in the article that “only a few voices are being heard on KKCR.”And gee, they just happen to be white, middle-aged male voices. But no, there’s no institutional racism at the station.The article concludes with Gwen repeating the fiction of KKCR as "a community. We are a community radio station."She still doesn’t seem to get the real problem here, which is that KKCR does not fully represent the cultural and ethnic diversity of this island. It is entirely staffed by white people, and white people make up the overwhelming preponderance of its programmers.This is not to say that those individuals are racists. But anyone with any sense of island culture knows that local people are not going to participate in any numbers in an organization they perceive as being predominantly haole — and North Shore haole at that.That’s the reality here. Call it good or bad or whatevahs, it’s still the reality.And until the KKCR board, staff and overly defensive programmers get that into their noggins and take steps to change it — and those steps are actively recruiting locals and making them feel welcome so they bring in some of their friends and so on — it ain’t gonna be a community radio station.Or at least not a radio station that moves beyond the haole community in any significant way.
Posted by Joan at 9:08 AM
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http://homepage.mac.com/juanwilson/islandbreath/2008Year/15-justice_law/0815-03KKCRracism.html
Examining The Question of Racism at KKCR
by Katy Rose on 6 January 2008On December 18, 2007, Ka’iulani Edens Huff, the popular and outspoken host of the “Songs of Sovereignty” program on KKCR (Kaua’i Community Radio) was informed by email that her programming privileges had been “terminated” due to a complaint by another programmer with whom she had had a dispute the previous day.The news spread fast. In fact, Ka’iulani herself learned of it from a third party who had heard a rumor about it. (This breach of confidentiality is but one unseemly aspect of this affair.) Supporters of Ka’iulani and the Hawaiian sovereignty movement immediately flooded the station with emails and phone calls insisting on a proper dispute resolution process instead of the silencing of an important voice from the air. Those who sent emails received a form letter reply from a staff person which stated in part:“KKCR supports the perpetuation and celebration of Hawaiian culture. However, there is a no-tolerance policy against violent / abusive behavior - whether directed against other volunteers, visitors, or station equipment. We have a code of behavior that's required of every DJ - regardless of their race, wealth, religion, political inclination, etc. We're committed to providing a safe environment for every volunteer & visitor who comes to KKCR. It's not about a person or personality - it's about self-discipline and respectful behavior - off the air and on the air.”Ka’iulani’s actions during the dispute with the other programmer, who is a white man, began to be characterized as “violent,” “threatening” and “abusive.” (A witness in the studio at the time of the dispute described a verbal dispute which, though loud in volume and high in emotion, was not “violent.” ) While the white programmer has not been heard from, according to Ka’iulani the flare up of emotions was related to persistent signs of disrespect from him toward herself, her people and her culture. Unfortunately, when people of color resist oppression in our society they are almost always labeled “violent” and “threatening, ” so the use of this rhetoric in Ka’iulani’s case has done nothing but increase suspicion about the motives for her termination.Supporters of station management’s actions have denied that Ka’iulani’s termination was indicative of racism at KKCR, and have insisted that she is simply being held to the same standards as anyone else who volunteers at the station. However, if examined contextually, both positions prove untenable.First of all, it is important to define “racism.” Racism is different from racial prejudice. “Prejudice” is an individual matter; racism is institutional in that it involves one racial group having the power to carry out systematic oppression through the institutions in our society. Individual attitudes and behaviors can reinforce systematic oppression, to be sure. But it is equally true that individuals who would never consider themselves “racist” or who would never say an impolite word to anyone can support systemic racism through tacit acceptance of race-based privileges. It is silly to call the anger and resistance of people of color, or their distrust of white people, “racism” because these reactions do not have any material effect on the privileged position of white people in our society. Even in Hawai’i, where people of color are well-represented in government and civil service, the majority of social privilege and wealth is in the hands of people of European descent. It’s also important to remember that, although this discussion is about racism specifically, there are complex intersections of various forms of oppression always in play: classism, sexism, heterosexism, colonialism, and ableism, to name a few.One of the simplest ways to identify racism is not by peering into another individual’s heart but by observing the material results of structural decisions. For example, statistics demonstrate that people of color in the United States are less wealthy, less healthy and more likely to be imprisoned than white people. Unless one believes that this is the result of some kind of inherent “inferiority,” it is difficult to deny that in the United States there is an identifiable institutionalized racism. But even as racism plays itself out on the macro scale, we can identify micro scales in our own community institutions. KKCR provides a good example of institutionalized racism. Because it is located on Kaua’i, it is immediately suspect that all of its board members and staff and the majority of its volunteers are white. This is vastly out of proportion with the demographics of the community as a whole. We are faced with a choice: are there no people of color involved because they are inherently inferior, or are they not involved as a result of structural decisions? Here are just a couple of factors which may be partly responsible for the under-representation of people of color at KKCR:The station is located on the north shore, in Princeville. This is a remote location for most of the island’s population, and is also the “whitest” area on Kaua’i.The Board of Directors, which is all white, is self-electing, leading to the perpetuation of elections of board members who are known to existing members and similar in class, educational and racial background.Luckily, there are simple, if not easy, solutions to the above conditions. The station can be moved to a major population center on the island, such as Kapaa or Lihue, and become instantly more accessible to a large segment of the community. This is a long-term goal advocated by many in the community. In the short-term, remote broadcasting facilities can be employed to grant greater access to the airwaves to people on all sides of the island. A listener-elected board, such as those which exist at community-controlled radio stations like KPFA in Berkeley, would increase the potential for a more diverse board of directors. Institutionalized racism has a way of self-perpetuating. One of the challenges to making change is that many individuals involved in organizations with this problem become very defensive when confronted with it. They may fear that their jobs or positions are being challenged and threatened if they are part of the privileged group. They may feel that they are being personally accused of racism, and so their pride is hurt. One of the most common reactions is denial of the problem entirely. But actually, analyzing racism in its institutionalized form isn’t about assigning individual blame. It does hold a mirror up to each of us, and it can be frightening to take a look in that mirror. But more importantly, it allows us to focus on concrete solutions, which is liberating to everyone involved.There are many wonderful resources available to people who are sincerely looking for a way to dismantle racism in society. Here are a few recommendations:“White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack,” Peggy McIntosh:http://www.nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivilege.pdfThe Heart of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism and White Privilege, Robert JensenUprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice, Paul KivelIt is my hope that we can work together to build a community radio station which honors the vision of Uncle Butch Kekahu, preserves a medium for information and discussion of Hawaiian sovereignty, and reflects the racially and culturally diverse community in which we are so fortunate to live.To get more involved in solving the problems facing our community radio station, please come to the next KKCR Community Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday, January 23 at 7:00pm, at the Kapaa Neighborhood Center..
http://homepage.mac.com/juanwilson/islandbreath/2008Year/15-justice_law/0815-05KKCRdirtylaundry.html
A “Dirty Laundry” Policy Selectively Enforcedby Katy Rose on 9 January 2008Since December 17, a series of events have shook Kaua’i’s community radio station, KKCR, to the core.What are well-known and undisputed at this point are the following facts:Ka’iulani Edens Huff was terminated from her volunteer programming position as the host of her self-created program, “Songs of Sovereignty.”Jimmy Trujillo and I were “pre-empted” from our regular bi-weekly programming duties as the hosts of the “Out of the Box” program.Behind these undisputed facts are a myriad of unanswered questions which have lately been complicated by rumors, innuendos and even threats of violence.Everyone knows that there are many sides to any story, but in an effort to add some clarity to the situation, I would like to share my perspective on events, and solicit some answers from KKCR management.(I have already gone into great detail in earlier writings about the question of racism at KKCR, and feel no need to expound on that again here.)On December 18, Ka’iulani opened her inbox and was informed by the following email that her programming privileges had been terminated:
December 17, 2007Aloha Ka`iulani,I hope you're having a great holiday season. We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment.For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.Mahalo for your contributions to KKCR during the past months. If you have any questions, please contact me.aloha,donna
One point of clarification needed here is that the headphones in question were Ka’iulani’s own, and that they were never thrown at a person. Another point is that no “attack” took place that morning. A verbal dispute occurred, and certainly not the first one in KKCR history. The question is why was Ka’iulani singled out in this dispute? Was it not a mutual disagreement? To what standard is the other programmer involved being held? And given the value of the Songs of Sovereignty program to an under-served sector of our community, wouldn’t it have been prudent to seek some form of conflict resolution before termination became an option?When these questions were raised by the many concerned citizens who flooded the station with emails and phone calls in the days after Ka’iu’s termination, the explanation for the termination changed. Suddenly, Ka’iulani had a “file” full of complaints against her, a history of FCC violations, and a reputation as a violent and threatening presence in the station building. None of these claims have been verified with any evidence, yet this became the dominant rhetoric employed to explain the station’s actions against her, and throughout the coming weeks, this rather slanderous view would be repeated on the air and left unchallenged by the station. (Ka’iulani does not dispute a “slip-up” on the air that morning, immediately retracting it with an apology. The history of FCC actions in such situations suggests a certain leniency for occasional “slip-ups” on live non-commercial radio, so, while not terrific, this was not a serious threat to the station. Nevertheless, this was never originally offered as a reason for her termination.)On Thursday, December 20, Jimmy Trujillo and I hosted our regular call-in program. After explaining to the listeners that Ka’iulani had been terminated, we opened the phone lines to the community to discuss the issue. We scrupulously avoided name-calling and finger-pointing, but we did not shy away from raising the question of how racism played into the events. At one point, a staff member was invited into the studio by Jimmy to offer up station management’s position. (This caused some confusion in the studio, as I was unaware that the staff member had been invited and interpreted her presence as an inappropriate incursion; later I did apologize to her for my attempts to limit her access to the microphone.) It has been stated since that we were “fishing” for callers who agreed with us. I think this refers to the fact that at one point I mentioned that a particular caller was trying to get through, and invited her to call when the line became open (for some reason, only one phone line into the studio was open, instead of the usual two or three.) But those who have never been in the studio should understand that we do not “screen” callers, and that we do not use a “delay.” On Monday, December 24th, several people felt moved to go to KKCR to protest for the re-instatement of Ka’iulani to the airwaves. It was no secret that we planned to demonstrate. There was no indication that this demonstration was ever intended to cause harm to the station premises or people therein. Yet, when we arrived, we found the station closed and locked down, all regular programming pre-empted, no staff present, and the Kaua’i Police Department alerted to our presence. Under warnings of trespassing, we agreed to move to a public area, at the intersection of Hanalei Plantation Road and Kuhio Highway. We held a peaceful sign-holding protest raising the issue of institutionalized racism at KKCR. A video, now on YouTube, was made of the protest. Our message was clear: we were not accusing individuals of bigotry, but pointing to the structure of KKCR as inherently exclusive and unaccountable to the community.The following Monday, three of us arrived at the grounds of KKCR again. This time, it was to fulfill a request by Ka’iulani that Hale Mawae sit in as a guest host for the “Songs of Sovereignty” program. Again, the station was locked and empty. After waiting in the hope that staff would arrive at 10 am – the start of usual business hours – we left.The following day, Jimmy Trujillo and I received emails informing us that our scheduled program for January 3 had been “pre-empted.” There was no explanation for this action, and we have yet to receive one. We have only the suspicion that we are being suspended for airing “dirty laundry” – which is not an FCC offense but a questionable station policy, considering that it is really the community’s laundry we’re talking about, and the community has a right to inspect it.On Thursday, January 3, Jimmy and I and three supporters arrived at 3:30 to request that we be allowed to broadcast our program, and that we be given an explanation for our “pre-emption.” This time, we arrived to find a locked gate at the top entrance to the road which leads to the station. This gate is normally locked after 6pm and after 2 pm on weekends. I have a key to this gate, but a Princeville Security Guard denied us entry, and told us that the gate at the entrance to the station was also locked. Only specified people were to be allowed entry.Police cars arrived, and we were told to move off Princeville property, which we did. Hale Mawae, however, was arrested shortly thereafter for walking along Hanalei Plantation Road, which is by all accounts a public right-of-way road. He was armed only with a video camera, which was confiscated and has yet to be returned. His arrest – which he did not resist - included an excessive amount of force, with three to four officers wrestling and pinning him to the ground. He suffered injuries and is facing charges for trespassing and resisting arrest.It became clear in the aftermath of Hale’s arrest that a staff person at KKCR had placed the call to police, apparently inflating the “threat” posed by our non-violent presence in the vicinity of KKCR. These kinds of calls, I should point out, tend to inflame police behavior. The programmers brought in to host the program instead of Jimmy and I – Dave Gerow, Bill Rash, and John Gordon – spent the entire show discussing and taking calls about the current controversy. Bill Rash was heard to describe a “mob” trying to “storm the station.” Later in the broadcast, Bill Rash was heard threatening a caller to a fight outside the gates after the show. He was also heard to state that this particular community member had “no right to exist.” Another caller also challenged this particular community member to a fight “in a parking lot,” and was not met by any disclaimer or moderation by the programmers. A third caller aired his dislike of Jimmy and myself, which is fine, and mentioned that he felt we did not “deserve to use the name ‘Out of the Box’” for our program because of our departure from the spirit of original host Michael Van De Veer’s “vision” (also fine.) Dave Gerow and Bill Rash audibly and emphatically agreed with the caller’s assessment of their fellow programmers – a forbidden sign of disrespect according to KKCR protocol. To date, I have heard of no reprimand or consequences for these programmers.Again, on Tuesday, January 8, on the “Kaua’i Soapbox” program, programmers spent the entire program discussing the current controversy with callers, and making false and confusing statements about the reasons for our suspensions. There has been no effort yet by management to clarify and correct this ongoing flood of rumors emanating from KKCR’s airwaves.This raises an important question: is it only “dirty laundry” when you disagree with station policy?
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Dissappeared News
KKCR--setting the record straight
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-setting-record-straight.html
KKCR--setting the record straight Don't miss the graphic at the top of this article by Katy Rose on the Island Breath website: Katy Rose gives her account of events Out of the Washing Machine, On To the Clothesline!
99 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ must-read-essay-on-kkcr-racism.html
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more by Larry Geller Katy Rose has posted a ... a beginning. It seems that KKCR needs to listen. As a radio station, perhaps they are more used ...
107 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more
by Larry Geller
Katy Rose has posted a remarkable essay on the Island Breath Kauai website. Please click on over and check it out. I won't dare to excerpt even a word of it. It's too good.
I describe it as "remarkable" because it's seldom that I see discussions relating a particular incident to larger issues of institutional racism (part of institutional violence) in Hawaii. Mostly there are attack letters when a person of color speaks out, or if there is an altercation of some kind that gets into the newspapers.
Katy includes a link to the classic Peggy McIntosh article, White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, which ought to be basic reading in Hawaii schools. I won't give you a link to it because I'd rather you go via Katy's article.
We may feel that because people from so many backgrounds and ethnicities live here that we don't need to understand racism or discrimination. We surely do. Especially since the conditions around the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian government are still with us today—the matter didn't end a hundred years ago. This means that oppression continues.
Back in North America, there is "diversity training" which often includes a handout of the Peggy McIntosh article, and of course, much more. There are books, workshops, trainings and plenty of community discussion. I attended a session run by leaders of the Oakland Men's Project one day in Oregon. It was an eye opener for me, and I thought I knew the subject. No, we don't instinctively know how other people feel. We are subject to the prejudices of the communities in which we each were brought up. The knapsack idea is a good one.
We can start by listening. It's actually a small start, not sufficient, but perhaps a beginning. It seems that KKCR needs to listen. As a radio station, perhaps they are more used to speaking, but here's a case where regardless of who is right or wrong, listening, getting together, holding discussions, working things out, would be a good thing to try.
It may be hard for them to understand, but the responsibility is on KKCR, regardless of the merits of the issues, to open their gates instead of locking them, to get some snacks on the table and start by just listening. In my humble opinion. Of course, it should go on from there.
Enough from me, please read the article. I do have more to say on institutional violence, but that's for another day.
Technorati Tags: Hawaii, Kauai, KKCR
Permalink posted by Larry @ 1/06/2008 02:22:00 PM
Comments:
mahalo larry for linking this up. i have met many courageous women but none so articulate and insightful than ms rose. her work with the KKCR 'community' is more than provocative and progressive. it is a hard message to hear and a hard conversation to have but if we can 'listen to understand and not to react' we may learn some valuable and important stuff. it is a shame that KKCR has banned her from it's airways.
# posted by Anonymous : 1:23 AM HST
I have never met Katy Rose but I am impressed by her writing and wish I could have heard her on the radio. We need to hear and read more. And from others, too. Over here on Oahu there are plenty of folks ready to stomp on messages like hers. We have a long way to go.
# posted by Larry : 7:44 AM HST
from Andy Parx (posted at Kaua`i Eclectic originally)Charlie,People conflate racISM with race bias. I can dislike you because you are Filipino, Japanese or Haole. That is race bias. But when there is a privileged race that oppresses a under or non-privileged race and uses that privilege to perpetuate their privilege to the detriment of the others, that is racISM. I used to be confused when people said “oh, she can’t be a racist- she’s black”. But I was conflating the terminology of race bias with racism. Race bias is illegal. But racism isn’t and is much more insidious. It has to be judged by the fruits of it. If someone hates people who are bald that is different than living in a society where hairy people get all the jobs and routinely oppress bald people who earn less money, go to worse schools and live in a worse places and are viewed as suspicious by the cops because they are bald. The former have a bias against bald people. the latter would be practicing hairISM.To say, like Dave Gerow said on KKCR last Thursday, “there’s not a racist bone in anyone’s body at KKCR” misses the point and confuses the definitions. I don’t doubt that Dave personally doesn’t dislike Hawaiians or Jews or blacks. But he does perpetuate a system at KKCR where being white is a privilege and that has routinely been used to silence the voice of at least one specific Hawaiian activist because of her speech and her daring to oppose that white privileged power structure that routinely- whether on the conscious part of any individual or not- oppresses Hawaiians by denying them access to the air. That is an “ism” just like “cronyism” but when judged by the visible and indisputable fruits- that brown people are routinely denied access by privileged withes- that is racism by definition.The old term of “institutionalized” racism is redundant and used to deny responsibility by those practicing racism by perpetuating and participating in it. Racism is an act by a privileged class of people of one color to maintain that privilege whether they do it out of hate or ignorance. One practices it by being a member of that class and more so by defending it as “only” institutional. But on that level it is a personal decision whether or not to recognize all this and continue to participate instead of thinking because one has no race bias one can’t possibly practice racismSo denying it exists is worse than the racism itself. It’s the old “I can’t be a racist- some of my best friends are...” Maybe you don’t know how that feels to an oppressed non-privileged person. Maybe I don’t either because I’m a privileged haole. But I do know it means something to those who see it from that position.Something to consider about race and “isms”....
# posted by Anonymous : 2:00 PM HST
Form Andy Parx (potsed originally at Joan conrow's Kauai Eclectic blog(People conflate racISM with race bias. I can dislike you because you are Filipino, Japanese or Haole. That is race bias. But when there is a privileged race that oppresses a under or non-privileged race and uses that privilege to perpetuate their privilege to the detriment of the others, that is racISM. I used to be confused when people said “oh, she can’t be a racist- she’s black”. But I was conflating the terminology of race bias with racism. Race bias is illegal. But racism isn’t and is much more insidious. It has to be judged by the fruits of it. If someone hates people who are bald that is different than living in a society where hairy people get all the jobs and routinely oppress bald people who earn less money, go to worse schools and live in a worse places and are viewed as suspicious by the cops because they are bald. The former have a bias against bald people. the latter would be practicing hairISM.To say, like Dave Gerow said on KKCR last Thursday, “there’s not a racist bone in anyone’s body at KKCR” misses the point and confuses the definitions. I don’t doubt that Dave personally doesn’t dislike Hawaiians or Jews or blacks. But he does perpetuate a system at KKCR where being white is a privilege and that has routinely been used to silence the voice of at least one specific Hawaiian activist because of her speech and her daring to oppose that white privileged power structure that routinely- whether on the conscious part of any individual or not- oppresses Hawaiians by denying them access to the air. That is an “ism” just like “cronyism” but when judged by the visible and indisputable fruits- that brown people are routinely denied access by privileged withes- that is racism by definition.The old term of “institutionalized” racism is redundant and used to deny responsibility by those practicing racism by perpetuating and participating in it. Racism is an act by a privileged class of people of one color to maintain that privilege whether they do it out of hate or ignorance. One practices it by being a member of that class and more so by defending it as “only” institutional. But on that level it is a personal decision whether or not to recognize all this and continue to participate instead of thinking because one has no race bias one can’t possibly practice racismSo denying it exists is worse than the racism itself. It’s the old “I can’t be a racist- some of my best friends are...” Maybe you don’t know how that feels to an oppressed non-privileged person. Maybe I don’t either because I’m a privileged haole. But I do know it means something to those who see it from that position.Something to consider about race and “isms”....
# posted by Anonymous : 2:02 PM HST
what makes this so hard to grapple with is there many elements interelated and independant from each other but since KKCR is on a small rock the incestuous relationships there at the station have created a mutated form of diversity the hip-goisie have created to make them feel inclusive. then there are the deep seated historical conflicts within the original developers. not to be overlooked is the host culture's exploitation by the station(gifts of aloha, my ass!)we want responsible kanaka who no like talk, shaddup and play music. oh yeah and there's a sovereignty movement in the background of this privileged people's pissing match. throw andy parx into the mix and VOLATILITY is what you come up with. glad somebody played the race card to incite the riot!
# posted by Anonymous : 9:00 PM HST
From Katy Rose:Thanks for the words of encouragement here.Bringing up the problem of racism at KKCR has been like poking a hornet's nest with a stick.The white people are claiming it's not true (except for some of us of course.) Most everyone else is nodding in agreement!Lately, I've reflected on how exhausting it is to challenge racism. And I've thought about how people of color have to live with this every day. As a privileged white person, I get to CHOOSE when to take on the issue of racism.The difference there makes me more committed than ever to standing up against injustice. If I don't do it, I'm part of the problem.
# posted by Anonymous : 5:32 AM HST
after listening to today's call in show it apears that there are many who feel that there are different standards and definintions being expressed: 'racism', 'priviledged','cmmunity radio'. how do we agree on these definitions and the standards? who sets them up and who follows them? is it the dominant culture at KKCR, the norhtshore? or is it the people running the programs/shows? is it fair to say that KKCR is not diverse? is there a value to being diverse and if there is how is it expressed at kauai's gated community radio station. would changing the location of the station yield positive results reagrding access to broader community support. island breath.org has another fine kkcr piece by jonathan jay. it proposes to the reader some alternatives and suggestions to challenge the resistance against change at kkcr. another activist calling out the kkcr supporters to hui up and kokua mr jay should be commended for his solution oriented contribution.
# posted by Anonymous : 1:19 AM HST
I don't think there's any shortcut to this, no "official" list of definitions.Back in North America the discussions have gone on for some time and there are countless books, essays, articles on the subject. At the same time, those are the result of umpteen hours of community talks, workshops, discussions, and often difficult or ugly confrontations.It's part of privilege to want these issues to go away quickly, and let things continue as they were.
# posted by Larry : 7:39 AM HST
'It is silly to call the anger and resistance of people of color, or their distrust of white people, “racism” because these reactions do not have any material effect on the privileged position of white people in our society.'While I appreciate the link to the very thoughtful essay, the statement above is factually incorrect. Ask any white kid what it is like to attend a Hawaii public school dominated by angry, mistrustful Hawaiians. The "racial bias" among students in our schools (passed down from parents and others in the community) is indistinguishable from plain ol' racism. It affects the white kids' learning environment, their prospects for the future, and in the worst cases, their immediate physical safety. You may not care, and that may not fit your agenda, but those are the facts. Those white kids have nowhere else to go, and they are most definitely systematically oppressed. Small surprise, they also learn to hate.
# posted by Observer : 11:42 AM HST
It's not a great answer to your comment, but perhaps the white kids are not aware of the recent history of Hawaii and why some other kids might be angry and mistrustful.Or that the white kids have a far better chance to land good jobs later in their career and live longer, healthier lives. They will probably live in more expensive homes and could possibly send their own kids to private school.If they knew, although they are kids and understanding probably comes later, they might at least determine to right the wrongs when they grow up and are able to work at that.There's a whole new branch of discussion under whether oppressors can be said to be oppressed when those they systematically oppress react to the oppression!
# posted by Larry : 11:56 AM HST
From Katy Rose:As a white graduate of a predominantly African-American public school in the 1970's, I disagree with the above analysis.Yes, indeed, many of my school mates were biased against me because of my skin color and what it represented to them. Yes, indeed, I was often quite uncomfortable socially. However, though school might have been a trial for me, I still got to be white in a white-privilege-based society. I am awfully thankful that I went to that school. It taught me to respect the history of African Americans and the struggles the community faces today. It did not teach me to "hate," it taught me to understand, to question, to be compassionate, to seek social justice for oppressed people.There are small pockets in the US where white people sometimes find themselves in the minority and unwelcome. It should teach us, on those rare occasions when we enter those situations, to understand what it's like for people who are in hostile environments most of the time.
# posted by Anonymous : 12:05 PM HST
I didn't mean to offer an analysis. I was making a factual correction. Racial hostility by non-whites can absolutely have a material effect on the "privileged" social position of whites, with Hawaii's schools being an excellent example of same. Those kids I mentioned earlier would howl to see themselves called "privileged." Just ask them what they have experienced, they don't mince words at that age. I'm don't want to dismiss the past, but your logic can be used to justify some monumental ugliness far into the future. There are "small pockets" where whites are not a majority? Well, California, New Mexico and Hawaii now have non-white majorities, and Texas will very soon. Others states will soon follow. What does it imply for the future if we make excuses for actions and prejudices we know to be wrong just because they were perpetrated by non-whites?Why would we want to do that?
# posted by Observer : 5:41 PM HST
"why would we want to do that?"this is a good question yet i don't believe anyone is advocating for that(making excuses or justifying racial ugliness and predjudices). we can not look into the future with hope if we can not look at the actions of the past and deal with them in the present. understanding our biases and confronting our own 'stuff' as victimz or perps in the cage of oppresion, understanding how privilege works and contributes to the ism scism trip. if we do not engage now to educate and enlighten ourselves in learning how to relate to one and other on a base,humane level with respect, dignity and compassion, our future does indeed look grim. still yet, we can make progress when we are willing to listen to the voice that cries foul and stop the action on the field. to play on, when a person asks for a review or calls into question a suspicous move or action, would be considered offensive and poor sportmanship. in deconstructing oppression the oppressed regains parity or acheives a fairgame with the oppressor. clearly we haven't gotten there yet. class issues, race, religious and cultural biases are still prevelant. statistics would prove that the playing field is not level. a level playing filed wont just happen but takes work, excruciating work. ALL parties must come together and be willing to work on the issues at hand to level the field. resistance to change is indicative of the challenges that lay ahead, for KKCR, Hawaii and society at large. new models for CONFLICT RESOLUTION must be found for the micro and macro issues of the day.
# posted by Anonymous : 11:52 PM HST
Post a Comment
KKCR update
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-update.html
KKCR update by Larry Geller First, a very polished and professionally produced video posted ... , there's an article from today's Garden Island, on the web, KKCR station refutes racism claims. Instead of quoting ... might take note.
109 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Comments:
A while back I did a post about the governance of KKCR and it yielded some interesting comments.The latest Garden Island News story points out that there is presently no Native Hawaiian presence on the board, but the KKCR bylaws provide no method for dissidents to assume seats on the board except, according to the article, for applicants to win approval from the sitting board members. How likely is that? Well, we won't know until a dissident applies and is (or is not) seated, and remember, even if dissidents were to apply and be seated, it would take several years for the dissidents to become a majority on the board.Not that this cumbersome, minimally-democratic process is an entirely unusual type of corporate board governance, by the way...
# posted by Doug : 12:38 PM HST
KKCR's statement that:"KKCR is searching for a responsible Hawaiian DJ to host the ‘The Song of Sovereignty’ program, Lewis said."totally cracked me up. So what? This group of nonHawaiians is going to pass judgement on who is a "responsible Hawaiian"?Kinda like the old "Uncle Tom" responsible blacks.That Ka'iulani would be hesitant about repercussions for saying on air, that this is not the United States but Ka La Nui Hawai'i just goes to show the extreme censorship that the KKCR board is practicing.I am thankful that when Everett Dowling tried to gag the Maui Community TV, Akaku, they were able to continue as a free and open station -- and I mean open to everyone. You can just walk in off the street and they'll help you record a 3 minute statement on whatever is on your mind. They make a big deal of not censoring any topic or opinion. I hope that the Board of KKCR will wake up, take a look at the Akaku standards and policies and open up their process in order to be a real voice of the whole community...not just the sanitized, white-bread, privileged, newcomer community.
# posted by Karen Chun : 1:30 PM HST
karen rox! this is the nail on the head kine stuff. mahalo karen for hitting this one out of the park!peace
# posted by Anonymous : 8:41 PM HST
KKCR - crisis and opportunity
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-crisis-and-opportunity.html
KKCR - crisis and opportunity by Larry Geller There's a great comment over at KauaiEclectic ... we have an opportunity here. You've seen that before, and I think there's a lot of wisdom in it. KKCR ... comment does (read it to see).
111 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Crisis at KKCR?
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ crisis-at-kkcr.html
Crisis at KKCR? by Larry Geller KKCR, the community radio station on Kauai, ... on Hawaii Public Radio (it's now a TV program, carried on public access TV, e.g., Olelo on Oahu). KKCR ...
112 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Crisis at KKCR?
by Larry Geller
KKCR, the community radio station on Kauai, was the first to broadcast Democracy Now! in the entire state of Hawaii, if I understand correctly. It was the example many of us used in the (unsuccessful) effort to bring the program to Oahu on Hawaii Public Radio (it's now a TV program, carried on public access TV, e.g., Olelo on Oahu).
KKCR has recently started a repeater on Oahu at 104.7, although reception is spotty. It's given KTUH a bit of competition as Hawaii's "only" alternative station.
Now a controversy is brewing, starting with a popular producer being locked out, and another program "pre-empted." It appears the station was also closed during regular business hours while playing canned music, which would appear to be a major violation of FCC rules, as I understand them (I'm no expert). If I understand the rules correctly, there must be someone present to provide access to station logs at any time during normal business hours. That may sound technical, but stations are very familiar with the rules that govern their daily operations. It means that the public can't be locked out. Again, I'm no expert.
It would be a pity if a rift is created between KKCR and its loyal listener base. I saw this happen before when Pacifica Foundation went berserk and interfered with its fiercely independent local station producers, staff and management, and even threatened to sell off WBAI in New York because of the value of the station's license and frequency spot on the crowded New York FM dial. The result was a massive revolt and confrontation.
In the end, Pacifica stations have listener-controlled boards. That's right, listeners elect the management of the stations. Imagine, for a moment, that listeners elected the Hawaii Public Radio board. Would the programming be the same or different? Who knows, but you see what I mean. Some radio stations pollute your brain with endless commercials, others take your money but you have no say in the programming, and there are a few where, if you contribute as a member, you get to vote.
So KKCR is in the lockout stage. I hope they understand that their listeners, formidable enough to stave off even a Superferry, must persevere in the end. The best thing to do is to avoid a Pacifica-style confrontation, if it comes to that.
Sitting here on Oahu I have no idea how Kauai listeners feel. Who is right or wrong is not something I can or should say. I do know the value of non-commercial radio, and would hate to lose KKCR for that reason. We could use a KKCR of our own on Oahu.
To follow this ongoing situation, you need to dig into the comments on Joan Conrow's KauaiEclectic website. The article is here. Go down to the comments. Add your own if you feel strongly on this, one way or the other.
For sure, KKCR will be reading along. May they get the message.
Technorati Tags: Hawaii, Kauai, KKCR, Pacifica Foundation, WBAI, public radio
Permalink posted by Larry @ 1/02/2008 10:12:00 AM
Comments:
what a shame if the crisis at kkcr continues to escalate. the decision to 'punish' katy and jimmy for allowing the dialogue to roll on air is telling. no clear outcomes presenting as of yet. the decision to 'terminate' ka'iulani's volunteer privileges is only the tip of the iceberg. valid concerns and charges of sytemic and institutional racism have not been addressed. denial and silence have not been helpful in furthering the dialogue. apologies and acknowlegment of mistakes are in order
# posted by kapahi youth : 12:15 AM HST
howdy the program director has put out a public statement and addressed why Ka'iulani was dismissed. it had nothing to do with racism, but conduct in the studio. please read official statement below.December 17, 2007Aloha Ka`iulani,I hope you're having a great holiday season.We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment.For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.Mahalo for your contributions to KKCR during the past months. If you have any questions, please contact me.aloha,donna (program director)
# posted by Anonymous : 8:47 AM HST
[Quote];Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment..........................It appears of Program Director, Donna Lewis' attempt to cover her "assets". After hearing the various versions of the actions of the KKCR staff, programmers, and volunteers, the deplorable actions of Dawn Jewell, Dave Gerow, and Bill Rash, racist and violent behaviour (on and off the air)constitutes dismissal. their actions contradicts what Donna Lewis expresses in her letter. It demonstrates how hypocritical and disrespectful the staff is and shows how inept and manipulative they are. They are not fooling anyone as those actions are all too typical of some people from the USA. I think the word for that type of mentality is related to manifest destiny.
# posted by Tane : 3:09 AM HST
indeed, you are correct. Simple rules of FCC access state that a non commercial station MUST, during regular business hours, make their license and logs accessible to a member of the community. SEe my notes on Joan's blog
--------------------------
http://poinography.com/?p=3532
11/25/2006
Anybody have insight into KKCR?
Filed under: HI Media, Neighbor Islands — Doug @ 9:36 am
I noticed a letter to the Garden Isle News editors today that alleges an ongoing pattern of “illegal” elections of board members for the community radio station KKCR.
In the weak moments of our early growing pains, a selfish and arrogant group of people took over the board, illegally changing definitions in the bylaws to remove voting rights of the general membership and establishing themselves in sole control. One of them is still on the board. To this day, there has never been an annual general membership meeting or a vote by the subscribing members, who have been reduced to being only cash cows and cheerleaders for fund-raising.
Anyone know the history of this? Out of curiosity, I am listening to the streaming audio from the station right now, and it seems to run HPR-style programming. Certainly nothing I’d refer to as “commercialized.” However, I’m wondering if this letter is an early warning of another Akaku-style power grab of a community media asset.
6 Comments »
As one who supported the establishment of KKCR from afar (while living on the USA mainland) through my deep friendship with Butch Kekahu (for whom our governing Board was named), and as one who served as a member on that Board, and as one who is a programmer at KKCR, let me put this issue to rest.
Every organization, especially a non-profit such as the Kekahu Foundation and KKCR, will have its dissidents. Those who would like things run THEIR way, instead of following established protocols and procedures. There are no “illegal” elections of Kekahu Foundation board members — the established by-laws are followed (and are posted on kkcr.org for all to see). All Board meetings are announced well in advance (on-air at KKCR; in local newspapers) and the public is welcome to attend (which seems to be the case at every meeting).
As for members being “cash cows and cheerleaders for fund-raising”, this is how public radio works — no commercials, paid short underwriting messages from business supporters once per hour, and the pledge drives (for KKCR, held each Spring, each Fall). Because KKCR streams online (kkcr.org), we are blessed to have a worldwide audience of supportive listeners who gladly open their wallets — just to keep KKCR broadcasting.
KKCR is a community radio station — broadcasting a diverse mix of music and talk, celebrating the community of Kaua`i which it serves. All of this is done with just one full-time and 5 part-time paid staffers, plus a crew of over 70 volunteers who do everything from broadcast to emptying the trash…without complaint, I might add!
DOUG: Thanks for the comment. Do you have anything to add about his allegation of the by-laws being changed to move away from a more open style of governance?
Comment by Auntie Maria — 11/25/2006 @ 11:25 am
did you get my post? hope you don’t modify the content of my reply. please let me know. mahalo, Mickey sussman www.AnaholaStringedInstruments.com
DOUG: Yes, I got your comment. It sits in a queue until I have a chance to approve them in the evenings, that’s all.
Comment by Mickey Sussman — 1/8/2007 @ 10:26 am
aloha, glad you caught Fred Dente’s article in the Garden Island newspaper. Having lived on Kauai a bit longer than Maria, 35 years to be exact, being a founding member, and being very close to the entire Kekahu family, 2 of my 3 daughters were taught at Anahola PreSchool by Rebecca Kekahu, Butch’s mother, i feel compelled to respond to Maria’s post. Firstly, no one person is authorized to put any issue “to rest”, regardless of which set of by laws are followed. This issue is considered by many not a matter of “dissidents wanting to run the station their way” but rather a simple matter of voting rights for the subscribing members of Kauai Community Radio. Again, considered my many, in the non profit industry, to be the defining quailfication of a community radio station. Most non profits have an annual meting at the members elect the Board of Directors. KKCR is not a private non profit organization. it is a public trust non profit, which is funded largely by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It is mandated by this CPB to have a Community Advisory Board in order to qualify for its large share of public funding it recieves annually. The CAB is mandated to review the programming and policies of KKCR to ensure it is meeting its responsibility of serving the educational and cultural needs of the entire community . Voting rights for subscribing members has been identified by the CAB as the single most important issue KKCR faces to follow its mission statement. This determination has been made at the request of members of all segments of out culturally diverse communities, which , again, are mandated to be served by KKCR. Its original Articles of Incorporation provide for an annual meeting at which all subscribing members have the opportunity to vote for the Board of Directors of the Kekahu Foundation, which hires management and makes major policy decisions for KKCR. KKCR has never had an annual membership meeting, largely because theoriginal by laws were changed, without the consent of the membership, by a group of people who removed voting rights from the membership and installed themselves as “the board”. This is not an allegation, it is a fact. To this day the Board of Directors of the Kekahu Foundation is elected by itself. Secondly as far as by laws being “posted” on the web site, board meetings being publically “announced” and “open” to the public, these were all recommendations of the CAB that after many years, and the “election” of new board members , were finally adopted. Although KKCR is truely a blessing for the island of Kauai, it remains ripe with conflict of interest. The reference to “cash cows” refers to the fact that subscribing members have “simply put” little or no input as to decisions on the direction KKCR is going, this is not the way public radio works. i.e. boardcasting on Oahu or more live broadcasting of events on Kauai and station location if the station looses its leasewhich seems emenent. Many would like to see a more central location or perhaps a more central “satelite” location, providing easier access for more of the island population. Voting is the American way. i refer you to the post on KKCR’s web site forum for a complete discussion of this issue by the CAB. Personally, i thought we settled this issue 200 years ago. Generally speaking , things work better when everyone participates in the discussion, thats how we find solutions we can all live with. “celebrating” is not the same as participating, no matter how great the music is, there is no excuse for denying voting rights to the membership. And lasty, i find it disturbing, and an indication of how things really are at KKCR, that Maria sees the issue of democracy at KKCR as a complaint…. mahalo for your post Doug. you are welcome to attend a meeting of the CAB as well as a Kekahu Board meeting to see for yourself how business is conducted at KKCR. mahalo, Mickey Sussman, Vice President of KKCR Community Advisory Board.
Comment by Mickey Sussman — 1/8/2007 @ 4:55 pm
thanks for the quick reply doug. this whole issue of voting rights for KKCR’s mambership is very important. please let me know if you need any more information, i can put you in touch with founding incorporator Fred Dente , who wrote the article and his wife Marj, who is currently a Kekahu Board member. Also i forgot to mention the importance of this issue of voting rights was documented in a community survey undertaken by the CAB at the request of the Kekehu Board. Over two-thirds of those who responded stated they want the membership to directly elect the Board. At the next Kekahu Board meeting a motion will again be brought up to form a commettee to research a plan for including the members in the election of Board members that is fair and we can all live with. You are most welcome to attend. i can emeil you with the date. The meeting was supposed to be tomorrow, wed. the 10th, but was postponed by the president Harvey Cohen….. mahalo again, Mickey Sussman CAB vice-president.
Comment by mickey sussman — 1/9/2007 @ 6:52 am
The Kekahu Board of Directors meeting has been rescheduled for Feb. 7th at 7 pm at the Polynesia Cafe at the north end of Kapaa. At this meeting a motion is expected to be made to act on the Community Advisory Board’s recommendation to re-establish voting rights for the subscribing members of KKCR, Kauai Community Radio. Those interested in restoration of voting rights are encouraged to attend. The meeting is open to the public. Mahalo, Mickey Sussman Vice President Community Advisory Board KKCR,Kauai Community Radio
Comment by Mickey Sussman — 1/31/2007 @ 8:11 pm
Hi Doug, I’d like to comment on the Kekahu Foundation/KKCR membership voting rights controversy. First, I’d like to tell you that, as we speak, the foundation’s governance committee is reviewing and researching whether to change the bylaws to include voting rights for the membership, which existed in our founding documents. My signature is on those founding documents as the original secretary of the non-profit corporation.I’ve included the governance committee update at the end of my comments. Tonight, the committee will be having it’s second meeting to move the process along. After several failed attempts over the years to restore democracy, I feel pretty good about the energy and the vibe on the committee this time around. I hope to report to you soon that we were successful in our efforts to bring democracy back to KKCR, and sunshine back into the Kekahu Foundation boardroom.You stated that you were wondering if my 11/25/06 letter to the Garden Island “…is an early warning of another Akaku-style power grab of a community media asset.” Actually, the power grab already happened in late ‘95 and early ‘96. For 11 years, some of us have been trying to restore the democratic process to what has turned into an oligarchy of 9 board members electing themselves and their friends and making ALL the governance decisions for the 750+ paying members. Those decisions, some of which have been very unpopular, concern the future and direction of the foundation and the radio station. As a volunteer powered, membership driven community asset, the paying membership should be allowed to vote for it’s own destiny, especially since it was originally and legally set up that way. If we had set up the foundation as a board driven organization, the case for voting rights would be harder for us to demonstrate.The comments on your website by �Auntie Maria� on 11/25/06, do nothing but to demonstrate her total ignorance of the facts and the history about this issue. Or, maybe her comments come from avoidance and a defensiveness to protect the status quo of the private club to which she belonged, the self electing Board of Directors? By dismissing me as a �dissident� and by saying �…let me put this issue to rest.�, she places herself with the group who argue against democratic principles and those who want to sweep the ugly history of a very hostile takeover, and it’s ramifications, under the rug. Just like the holocaust denials and the denials of U.S colonial occupations of Hawai`i, Puerto Rico, The Philipines, Native American lands, Iraq, etc, etc…, they say, �that was then, this is now.� And, �don’t remind us of all that, it’s negative and destructive�, and �it’s good for the country and the community�. Those who suffer from the takings are just �collateral damage�. Ashas been shown countless times throughout history, to avoid and refuse to address mistakes and crimes of the past has always come back to haunt us. At least, there has been a tremendous amount of wasted energy and resources spent to reinvent the wheel, because of some people’s lack of concern, or of an attention span beyond the present moment, or because of some hidden reason not to have full disclosure.I plan to write and publish an extensive history of our community radio station, but right now the history is still unfolding. I do want to let you and your readers know that there are many of us who are putting in hundreds of volunteer hours working hard to bring democracy to our institutions that have gone astray. I believe that American democracy is in crisis, and where better to start than our own backyards!
Malama Pono, FredDente.
Press Release March 15, 2007To: Friends of Kaua`i Community Radio
On Tuesday, March 6, 2007, the first meeting of the Kekahu Foundation Governance Committee was held at Cafe Coco, in Wailua. The Kekahu Foundation is the governing body of KKCR-FM in Princeville, Kaua`i’s volunteer driven non-profit community radio station. Currently, there are 11 members of the committee, made up of Board of Director members, Community Advisory Board members, Founders, and KKCR programmers. In addition, there are several other community members who are included in the process.It is the goal of the Governance Committee to review, research and recommend to the Board of Directors, suggested changes to the bylaws. The committee has 14 bylaw changes to consider, and may add others as the work progresses. Committee members have said that they want to help contribute to a model set of bylaws for this important community owned asset.
The most significant bylaws changes that will be considered are related to the future roles of subscribing members in electing the Board of Directors and voting on other issues. Currently, all decision-making authority, including the authority to elect new directors, is vested in the existing directors. The committee will consider whether and how to expand the voting rights of the subscribing members to give them a greater say in the direction of the Kekahu Foundation and KKCR, ultimately bringing their recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Committee members and others were given homework to contact and research at least 12 successful Kaua`i non-profits, that are governed democratically by vote of the membership. In addition, committee members will be contacting and researching community radio stations on the mainland that are run by various governance models. Other important bylaw provisions up for review will be Proxy Voting and Term Limits of Board members, and a number of housecleaning updates.
The next meeting of the Kekahu Foundation Governance Committee will be on Monday, March 26, 2007, from 7-9PM, at 2363 Pu`u Rd., Hale Kupuna Senior Housing, in Kalaheo. As with all meetings of the Kekahu Foundation, the general public is welcome to attend and offer input. Please carpool, parking is limited. We will provide to the media and the public regular updates of our progress.
Stay Tuned, FredDente
Comment by Fred Dente — 3/26/2007 @ 4:47 pm
---------------------
http://poinography.com/index.php?s=kkcr
1/8/2008
KKCR fabricates a reason for prior restraint
Filed under: HI Media, Neighbor Islands — Doug @ 8:30 pm
I’m not going to dabble in the story that Joan Conrow, Charley Foster, and Larry Geller are more invested in, but a segment of this Garden Island News story about the latest KKCR imbroglio made my wonk senses tingle. The station locked its gate recently when dissidents were trying to enter the station, and the article has this from KKCR program director Donna Lews:
Lewis added that protecting the FCC license meant keeping people out of the station, noting, “we did receive threats that people were going to go on the air. We are a commercial-free station. We’re not allowed to do a call to action.”
Hmmm. That sounds like Lewis expected people to forcefully take the microphone and broadcast calls for (at least, radio) revolution. A bit melodramatic, in my opinion, but, after I did some checking I believe that the “call to action” prohibited by the FCC refers only to non-commercial stations getting too aggressive with their advertisements underwriting acknowledgements:
Announcements containing a call to action are not permissible. Examples of such announcements are:– “Stop by our showroom to see a model”;– “Try product X next time you buy oil.”
The implication made by Lewis is that the FCC will not allow non-commercial stations to produce broadcasts that “call” on the listeners to take political action regarding the internal governance of the station. Not true, not by a long shot.
Comments (3)
-------------
August 9, 2008
Mr. Craig De Costs
Prosecuting Attorney
County of Kauai
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
Re: January 3, 2008 Arrest Near KKCR Facilities in Princeville
Aloha Mr. De Costa,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Kekahu Foundation, the organization that is responsible for the operation of radio station KKCR in Princeville.
On the afternoon of January 3, 2008, the Kauai Police Department responded to a request for KPD’s presence to ensure that KKCR’s facilities, which are located on private property, would not be threatened by any activities that might occur as a result of a “call to action” that was planned by some members of the public at KKCR’s facilities.
In the course of events that followed, one of the members of the public, Mr. Hale Mawae, was arrested. The Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors has no knowledge of the events surrounding Mr. Mawae’s arrest, and has no grounds to offer any opinion on that matter. We do, however, strongly disagree with any assertions that have been made to the effect6 that the Kekahu Foundation’s Board, management or staff had any hand in the events that transpired between Mr. Mawae and the KPD.
Nonetheless, the Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors does recognize that many of the parties who participated in response to the “call to action” may have believed that they were acting in pursuit of the public interest, and that misinformation and miscommunication may have contributed to the misunderstandings on the part of many parties. Therefore, we believe that it would be in the general interest of the entire community for an amicable resolution to bew sought in regard to the events that occlurredon January 3. To that end, the Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors wishes to inform you that the Board does not desire to pursue any legal actions to which the Kekahu Foundation might be entitled in connection with the events of January 3, 2008.
In stating this, we also want to emphasize that we are appreciative of all the assistance that the Kauai Police Department has provided to KKCR and the Kekahu Foundation, both on January 3, 2008 and over the course of KKCR’s existence.
Sincerely,
presented at April 9, 2008 Kekahu Foundation BOD meeting and read aloud/
Personnel Committee Recommendations
April 9,2008
Recommentations to Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors
1 The Personnel Committee will support the Station Manager in her efforts to revise the volunteer handbook by June 1, 2008 prioritizing the Grievance Procedure Policy, Delegation of Authority Policy and Drug Policy.
2 Review and update all job descriptions to ensure consistency with the strategic plan.
3 Review and update job expectations. Job expectations are those performance standards that will exist for every staff position. All job evaluations will be based on the standards
4 Annual job evaluation for Station Manager Position to be conducted by chairman of the Personnel Committee and Chairman of the KFBOD. Important to reiterate the commitment of the KFBOD to support the Station Manager and staff in all their efforts.
5 The Personnel Committee recognizes the need for an affirmative outreach program regarding the Board’s role in determining KKCR programming content. The nature and balance of KKCR’s programming are at the very heart of the Kekahu Foundation’s mssion. It is therefore essential that the Board accept the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that KKVR’s programming mix supports the Kekahu Foundation’s strategic goals. Consequently, one of the objectives of the upsoming strategic planning process should be to re-examine the appropriate roles of the Board, the CAB, station management, and any other groups in ensureing that KKCR’s programming is aligned with the Kekahu Foundation’s goals.
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2006/11/25/opinion/edit01.txt
KKCR direction disturbingNov. 16 on KKCR I was listening to Greg Palast speaking of rigged and stolen elections, and disenfranchised voters. In the ultimate hypocrisy, a most disturbing “election” took place in Princeville on Nov. 8. The Kekahu Foundation, the governing body of KKCR FM radio, held its 11th consecutive illegal election of the Board of Directors, in my opinion. In their version of democracy, nine people vote themselves and their friends onto the board in a revolving door of favoritism, cronyism, selfishness and backroom decision-making. Of the four slots filled on Nov. 8, two are buddies of officers of the corporation and one is a long-standing boardmember who recently said in a board meeting: “What has voting rights have to do with democracy?” The fourth was filled by my wife, Marj, who has become indispensable to the board, even though she is married to me.Ever since the hostile takeover of the board in 1996, the foundation has become more and more commercialized, privatized and unaccountable to its approximately 750 subscribing members. Over the years, there have been several attempts to restore the voting rights to the general membership, all of which were denied. Those voting rights were established in all the original foundation documents, and in the intentions of all the founders. In the weak moments of our early growing pains, a selfish and arrogant group of people took over the board, illegally changing definitions in the bylaws to remove voting rights of the general membership and establishing themselves in sole control. One of them is still on the board. To this day, there has never been an annual general membership meeting or a vote by the subscribing members, who have been reduced to being only cash cows and cheerleaders for fund-raising.If you want to have more of a voice in the direction of our alleged community radio station, please sign my petition, which will force the board to convene a special meeting of subscribing members. If we’re going to change our world, we’ve got to take back control of our institutions.For more info about the petition, contact koikoi@midpac.net or at 823-8162 (mornings).
-----------------------------------
Larry Geller- Dissappeared News- index
http://www.technorati.com/search/kkcr?from=http://disappearednews.com&sub=searchle
KKCR--setting the record straight
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-setting-record-straight.html
KKCR--setting the record straight Don't miss the graphic at the top of this article by Katy Rose on the Island Breath website: Katy Rose gives her account of events Out of the Washing Machine, On To the Clothesline!
102 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ must-read-essay-on-kkcr-racism.html
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more by Larry Geller Katy Rose has posted a ... a beginning. It seems that KKCR needs to listen. As a radio station, perhaps they are more used ...
110 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
KKCR update
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-update.html
KKCR update by Larry Geller First, a very polished and professionally produced video posted ... , there's an article from today's Garden Island, on the web, KKCR station refutes racism claims. Instead of quoting ... might take note.
112 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
KKCR - crisis and opportunity
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-crisis-and-opportunity.html
KKCR - crisis and opportunity by Larry Geller There's a great comment over at KauaiEclectic ... we have an opportunity here. You've seen that before, and I think there's a lot of wisdom in it. KKCR ... comment does (read it to see).
114 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
Crisis at KKCR?
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ crisis-at-kkcr.html
Crisis at KKCR? by Larry Geller KKCR, the community radio station on Kauai, ... on Hawaii Public Radio (it's now a TV program, carried on public access TV, e.g., Olelo on Oahu). KKCR ...
115 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
2008 BOD Members term expires
Sandy Brodie 08
Marj Dente 09
Richard Fernandez 08
John Gordon 10
Carl Imparato 09
Larry Lasota 10
Palo Luckett 10
Steve Thatcher 08
Rita Peeters (resigned) 09
2007 BOD Members
Sandy Brodie 08
Harvey Cohen 07
Marj Dente 09
Richard Fernandez 08
Carl Imparato 09
Rita Peeters 09
Robin Savage (resigned) 08
Kilipaki Vaughn 07
Richard Whitman 07
2006 BOD Members
All above in 2007 plus
Michael Guilbeault 06
Ann West-Tickle 06
Larry Lasota (resigned) 07
to become St. Mgr.
(not Richard Whitman)
2005 BOD Members
All above in 2006 plus
Noel Brooks 05
Larry Lasota 07
Michael Van de Veer 05
2004 BOD Members
All above in 2005 plus
Tina Castro 06
Cindy Combs(resigned) 04
Kima Douglas 04
Maria Hickling (resigned) 05
Sandy Swift 05
KEKAHU FOUNDATION COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
KKCR Community Advisory Board Membership list.
President: Fred Dente
Vice-President: Mickey Sussman
Secretary: Pua Nani Rogers
Kelly Ball
Larry Magnussen
Paul Moody
Dr. Arnold Nurock
Kimie Sadoyama
Mary Stone
Mahelani Sylva
Steve Yoder
Katy Rose
Jimmy Trujillo
http://www.kkcr.org/
Board info
http://www.kkcr.org/kekahu.htm
Current front page blurb:
Become a member. Make a tax-deductible donation to KKCR and become a member of the only community radio station on Kauai. And for the first time, your membership will entitle you to vote in the November Election for KKCR’s Board of Directors. (You must be a member for at least 6 months to be eligible to vote, so now is the time to make sure your membership is current). Listen to KKCR for more details or call 826-7774 for more information. Click here
http://www.kauai.gov/Portals/0/Mayor/PIO/NR01-04-08.pdf
Man arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest
PRINCEVILLE – A 24-year-old Anahola man was arrested in Princeville yesterday afternoon for trespassing and resisting arrest.
After posting bail of $170, Hale Mawae was released from police cellblock.
According to police, Mawae was among a group of people who had congregated outside radio station KKCR at around 4 pm yesterday reportedly in protest of the termination of two KKCR talk show hosts.
A manager from KKCR contacted police and asked for assistance. Officers responded and explained to the group that while they had a right to express their opinion, they could do so only in a public right of way. The officers pointed out exactly where KKCR/Princeville’s property ends and where the right of way begins.
Following the explanation, the group complied and moved over to the right of way.
Shortly afterward, Mawae returned to the entrance of KKCR/Princeville. Police repeatedly told Mawae that he had to leave or he would be arrested. Mawae refused and was arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest.
Mawae was then taken to police cellblock and booked.
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/05/news/news02.txt
KKCR station refutes racism claims
By Nathan Eagle - The Garden Island
Posted: Friday, Jan 04, 2008 - 11:07:50 pm HST
PRINCEVILLE — Several residents have banded to tackle alleged racism at KKCR after Kaua‘i’s community radio station fired a Hawaiian programmer last month and canned two talk show hosts this week.Protests late Thursday afternoon outside the Princeville station led to police arresting Anahola activist Hale Mawae, 24, for trespassing and resisting arrest.
Ka‘iulani Edens-Huff, who hosted the popular but controversial “The Song of Sovereignty” program Monday mornings on 90.9 FM, was suspended “due to multiple violations of station policies and FCC laws,” KKCR Program Director Donna Lewis said yesterday.“It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,” Lewis said.Huff, a former commercial radio DJ who has worked at KKCR since July 2006, said she was terminated for a tiff she had with another volunteer.Noel Brooks hosts “Na Mele O Hawai‘i” program that immediately precedes Huff’s segment. She claims he consistently ends late, preventing her program from starting at 9 a.m.This happened on Dec. 17, Huff said, and “I threw a hissy fit in the studio.“I told him I was tired of him acting unprofessional,” she said. “I unplugged his head set, tossed it aside and threw mine on the counter.”The next day, she said, she came home to messages from friends asking why she was fired. Unaware of being terminated, she opened up her e-mail and found a letter from the program director sent the previous evening.“We recognize your contributions to KKCR and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR,” Lewis states in the letter. “Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off- and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately.“It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment,” the letter continues.Huff called the charges over-exaggerated and unfounded.“I acted like a naggy wife complaining about a dirty living room and I got fired,” she said. “I’m really ashamed I had a hissy fit ... but expressing your anger is not violence.”She responded to KKCR management in a Dec. 18 e-mail.“You have been trying to get rid of me since I started my sovereignty show,” Huff states. “Do you really want to take me on? ... I’ve been waiting for you racists.”Huff, 45, of Kapa‘a, said she plans to finalize details to retain an attorney in Honolulu next week. She claims the station violated its policies, her rights and FCC rules.KKCR failed to contact Mawae, who witnessed the incident, or ask Huff for her side of the story before deciding to end her DJ privileges, she said.But an e-mail from Lewis posted on Joan Conrow’s kauaieclectic.blogspot.com says there were multiple eye witnesses whose names were withheld for fear of retaliation.“Every Monday I ask myself, ‘Is this my last show?’” Huff said. “I’ve had death threats, been bullied, intimidated, made to feel uncomfortable. It’s like picking open a deep wound every Monday.”Huff had received “multiple warnings” from Larry LaSota, station manager at the time, and Ken Jannelli, program director at the time, Lewis said yesterday.KKCR volunteer Katy Rose said Huff had a few “run-ins” with station managers who were concerned about the commentary she interspersed in the program.Huff started working in radio in 1999. She said she was furloughed from KONG FM and left H. Hawaii Media after a dispute with management over her use of Hawaiian words and speaking pidgin on air.Rose and Jimmy Trujillo host a community call-in program called “Out of the Box” on alternating Thursdays.On their Dec. 20 show, they announced Huff’s termination and opened up the lines “for people who found value in her programming,” Rose said.The hosts abbreviated calls supporting KKCR and fished for listeners eager to spread untrue racism claims about the station, Lewis says in a police report submitted yesterday.KKCR sent the duo an e-mail Tuesday, saying their program scheduled for Thursday had been pre-empted.“There are several issues regarding your 12-20 broadcast we’d like to discuss with you upon return of the general manager,” Lewis states in the letter. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to clarifying some critical issues with you. I’m attaching an e-copy of the Volunteer Handbook for your files ... It’s an important reference.”In her police report, Lewis says the show violated KKCR’s “dirty laundry” policy and “perpetuated misinformation.”“We felt listeners needed to have the benefit of knowing what is going on and participate in the conversation,” Rose said.KKCR Station Manager Gwen Palagi will return next week, Lewis said.Rose, Trujillo, Mawae and several concerned residents decided to protest the terminations Thursday at the station.The plan, Rose said, was to ask to host their regularly scheduled show, be denied, set a time to discuss the matter with management and leave.But when they arrived, Lewis contacted police and asked for assistance.Officers responded and explained to the group that while they had a right to express their opinion, they could do so only in a public right of way. The officers pointed out exactly where KKCR/Princeville’s property ends and where the right of way begins, a county news release issued yesterday says.Following the explanation, the group complied and moved over to the right of way.Shortly afterward, Mawae returned to the entrance of KKCR/Princeville. Police repeatedly told Mawae that he had to leave or he would be arrested.Mawae refused and was arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest, the release states. He was taken to police cellblock and booked.He later posted $170 bail and was released.Mawae, Huff, Trujillo and Rose said they remain concerned about the bigger picture — the station’s overall structure and lack of ethnic diversity.KKCR’s nine volunteer board members and five paid staff members are white.“No kanaka has ever applied for a staff position,” Lewis said. “Every Hawaiian who has ever applied to serve on the board has been unanimously approved. The station and board strongly encourage members of the Hawaiian community to get involved in the station on all levels — staff, volunteer, board member.”Rose said she and others who are increasingly concerned about the lack of community control over KKCR have met to discuss changes.“Individual incidents like these are indicative of deeper problems that can be fixed structurally so we don’t run into them again,” she said.Every volunteer at KKCR is required to comply with the same set of rules — regardless of race, wealth, political position or popularity, Lewis said.“As with other DJs who have had their DJ privileges suspended in the past for similar violations, (Huff) may reapply to the volunteer program after a waiting period (of 90 days),” she added.KKCR is searching for a responsible Hawaiian DJ to host the ‘The Song of Sovereignty’ program, Lewis said.On the station’s Web site, kkcr.org, the staff posted a message about their mission.“KKCR supports the preservation, perpetuation and celebration of the Hawaiian culture and encourages members of the Hawaiian community to get involved by becoming part of the KKCR ‘ohana,” it states. “The station actively seeks volunteers to enhance and diversify its Hawaiian programming, including social, political, musical and cultural affairs.”The protests over the past few weeks resulted in the first time in the station’s history that it has locked its gates, which Princeville Police advised, Lewis said. KKCR launched in the mid-1990s.“As I unlocked the gate to let DJs through, I mentioned how strange it felt to close the gate,” she said. “It was so rusty from disuse that I could hardly get it closed — I had to ask the security guard if I could borrow some WD-40. We prefer the open-door policy and look forward to resolving the security issues so we can return to our normal routine of serving our amazing community.”To see a video of the protest, visit Mawae’s Web site at bebo.com/hmawae2004.
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http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/news02.txt
Resident seeks probe into KKCR
by Amanda C. Gregg - THE GARDEN ISLAND
Posted: Monday, Jan 07, 2008 - 11:14:48 pm HST
List e-mailed to FCCFollowing a slew of allegations slighting the practices at KKCR, a Kaua‘i community radio station, one resident has forwarded a list of what he believes are broadcasting violations to the higher ups at the Federal Communications Commission.
Among the concerns, sent via e-mail by Patrick Michaels, are accusations that the station overstepped its rights when it locked its doors Jan. 3.A video posted on YouTube of the protest and gating of KKCR has furthered the controversy of the issue in online discussions; however, both sides remain split on whether KKCR was within its rights to lock its doors for security reasons that day, or if the rights of community members were infringed upon.Michaels, a New Yorker and part-time Kaua‘i resident who says he has a background in broadcasting, claims the station put itself at risk by preventing the public from accessing it during business hours.Michaels says that infraction alone could result in the station becoming vulnerable to being purchased should the FCC not take away its broadcasting license outright.“They weren’t closed for business but weren’t available to the public,” Michaels said. “That’s against FCC guidelines.”Michaels stressed that he didn’t file an actual complaint with the FCC but that on Jan. 3 he e-mailed a request for review of KKCR’s broadcast license.In the e-mail, Michaels asks the FCC to “initiate a review of the license for that station, focused on FCC compliance.”Michaels also states in the e-mail that KKCR violated FCC regulations by consistently failing to announce its call letters at the top of the hour. Included in his message is a link to the YouTube video that shows the station locked during business hours.But KKCR Program Director Donna Lewis said the station was well within its rights during the Jan. 3 “lockdown,” as she called it, which followed the Dec. 17 termination of Ka‘iulani Edens-Huff’s DJ privileges.Huff, a former volunteer, hosted “The Song of Sovereignty” radio program on Monday mornings.Lewis said the closure was done with the intention of protecting the station’s FCC license.“Our fundamental duties include to, one, protect the safety and security of volunteers and two, to protect our FCC license by preventing unauthorized access to airwaves and enforcing station policies and FCC laws,” she said.Lewis added that protecting the FCC license meant keeping people out of the station, noting, “we did receive threats that people were going to go on the air. We are a commercial-free station. We’re not allowed to do a call to action.”Palagi, who said she was off island during the protest, said Huff wasn’t fired, but that her privileges were terminated for “90 days,” noting Huff can “reapply” after that time has passed.Palagi also said she is open to talks with Huff and that she has plans to speak with volunteers Jimmy Trujillo and Katy Rose this week. Both had been seeking on-air community input regarding Huff’s departure from the station.In the meantime, Palagi said KKCR employees will continue to do what is required to be in compliance with FCC regulations.Should the FCC find KKCR is out of compliance, “The station will comply 100 percent with all requests,” Palagi said.
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http://starbulletin.com/2008/01/28/news/story06.html
Radio station on Kauai rapped for suspensions
KKCR tries to fend off allegations of racism lobbed by a deejay kicked off the air
By Tom Finnegantfinnegan@starbulletin.com
PRINCEVILLE, Kauai » Allegations of racism continue to surround Kauai community radio station KKCR after the suspension of three disc jockeys last month.
The controversy has prompted protests, an arrest and numerous angry calls for the past few weeks to the station's popular call-in political talk show "Out of the Box." It started with the suspension in December of deejay Kaiulani Edens-Huff, a Hawaiian sovereignty activist.
Edens-Huff was booted from her volunteer on-air job after getting into an on-air verbal altercation with fellow deejay Noel Brooks.
She says Brooks has repeatedly kept her show from starting on time and had made numerous culturally insensitive remarks about Hawaii.
"This guy was disrespectful to me for two years, and I had it," she added.
Further, she said, no one from the station ever called her to hear her side of the argument; and she said she was suspended via e-mail without a follow-up phone call.
The situation escalated when two fellow deejays, Jimmy Trujillo and Katy Rose, discussed Edens-Huff's suspension and allegations of institutional racism at KKCR on their "Out of the Box" radio show in late December.
They, too, were suspended.
When their supporters turned up at the station for impromptu protests on two occasions, they were met first with locked gates and then with police officers. On Jan. 3, during one of the protests, Hale Mawae, 24, of Anahola, was arrested outside the gate and charged with trespassing and resisting arrest.
KKCR Station Manager Gwen Palagi agreed that not all is perfect at the station.
"We acknowledge that improvements can be made," she said. "They can always be made."
However, Palagi said, Edens-Huff's suspension had nothing to do with race. And there was no reason to hear her side of the story because her argument with Brooks was broadcast and recorded, she said.
Brooks, when reached for comment, said last week that he would stand on his record of support for the station and the Hawaiian culture. A 10-year volunteer at KKCR both as a deejay and as a member of the board of directors, Brooks said his mission is to support the station as it protects and preserves the Hawaiian language and culture.
Edens-Huff said last week that her true problem is not with Brooks, but with the station itself.
"I have nothing personal against anyone at KKCR," she said, "but institutional racism does exist at that station."
She said that every week when she came in to do her "Songs of Sovereignty" show, she knew by the "hostility" she received that her ideas were not welcome. She often played music and had discussions that denounced the state and county governments as unlawful, she added.
Palagi said the station has always prided itself on listening to all members of the community.
Both sides agree that a recent decision to allow paid members of the radio station to select members of an oversight board is a step in the right direction. About 50 people showed up at Kapaa Neighborhood Center last week for the community advisory board meeting.
The allegations of racism and "growing pains" at the station were the main topics of conversation, Trujillo said.
Trujillo said the station needs to make a better effort of allowing all community members a chance to feel they are a part of the radio station. Right now, he added, only a few voices are being heard on KKCR.
Palagi's comments, on air and off, "indicate that there is a willingness to change," Trujillo added.
Palagi said recently that she hopes the public will consider the station's work during the past 10 years and not just the problems of the past month.
"I really hope that people know us better than that," Palagi said. "We are a community. We are a community radio station."
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http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/11/opinion/edit02.txt
Letters Jan 11, 2008
The gates of KKCRThere are two gates to pass through upon approaching KKCR. One is at the intersection with Hanalei Plantation Road. That one is generally open until about 6 p.m. It is usually locked after about 2 p.m. on weekends. That is Princeville’s gate. It was highly unusual for it to be locked at 3:30 p.m., on a weekday, as it was on Jan. 3.The second gate is at the station grounds. This gate is always open, but has been closed at least twice in the past three weeks — once on the morning of Dec. 24, when the entire station was closed and canned music was playing, and again on Jan. 3, when only “approved” people were allowed in. It is this gate which is in question, not the Princeville gate.Next: Ka‘iulani is not the only programmer who has had disputes and arguments with other programmers. She is not the only “hot head,” but her treatment has been different than that of others. (One notorious hot head, now deceased, has actually attained sainthood status.) Many feel that instead of termination, all factors should have been weighed carefully, including the other programmer’s role in the dispute and the overall value of Ka‘iulani’s program to an under-served segment of the community, and a process of dispute resolution should have been employed.Instead, her termination has become a flashpoint for the frustrations of the community about long-standing problems at KKCR. Unfortunately, instead of confronting these problems head on and working toward solutions, some have defensively back-tracked to justify her termination with many unfounded and unsubstantiated rumors.Yet, it’s not too late for that dispute resolution — let’s hope it happens quickly.Katy Rose, From the Web
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http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/08/opinion/edit01.txt
Tues Jan 8 letters.
Heart of the matterIn regards to the article “KKCR station refutes racism claim,” A1, Jan. 5:“‘It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,’ (KKCR Program Director Donna) Lewis said.”The article included the above quote from a woman in denial.Mahalo Nathan Eagle for covering this story. What is really unfortunate is that the incidents that led to Hale’s arrest could’ve been prevented if Lewis had been professional in her management of the whole affair.Consistently, from the majority of folks informed of the issues at KKCR, most would agree that this was not handled properly and the community would’ve been better served by dealing with the issues at hand, face to face, with respectful dialogue and discussion of the facts. Instead impersonal and vague e-mails were the communication tools of choice employed by Lewis.The failure of KKCR management to deal with the issues in a timely and professional manner have brought increased scrutiny and raised suspicions and hard feelings in the community. Silence, avoidance and denial are not effective management tools to be used when dealing with controversial community issues.James TrujilloKapa‘a
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http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/03/28/opinion/edit01.txt
letters for Friday March 28
Jimmy Torio signs offThere comes a time when one becomes complacent then all of a sudden you begin to feel this urge to drop what you’re doing and do something else.That time has come for me.It’s been a great ride and experience for me and I want to express my deep appreciation to the staff at KONG Radio and to my many listening audience who tunes in to KONG every day. Their support and patience has allowed me to grow into the radio person I am today after nearly 10 years. They are certainly the best family one could ever have if you’re pursuing a career in radio for sure.I have been both lucky and fortunate to learn from the best professor you would want to teach you in radio. I made a commitment to KONG when I first started that I would do the best I could in the business without compromising my personal values, the station’s reputation, and the people’s understanding and I feel I have kept the promise. Learning to become a radio personality is a commitment and one needs to understand this early on when first starting.Our island is in a constant evolution facing a gamut of socio-economic problems and radio plays a major part in the mix and I will miss this part. I’ve said some crazy things over the years on KONG Radio that most “radio hosts” would not get away with but I have, and I really appreciated that. The KONG Radio group has always allowed me to be my own person and speak in a way local folks would claim “truth, justice, and the Hawaiian way.” I’d like to think those who listened agreed with me on many of the issues I talked about over the last nine years. You can’t work in an environment like I have as a radio host over the years if you allow your beliefs to be compromised. It takes courage and requires a sense of toughness to remain successful.Now is the time to close a chapter and begin a new one and take on new challenges. As it stands now, my e-mail constituents are telling me not to quit and I won’t. I am presently exploring other possibilities and one being joining KKCR community radio.I’m trained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a community builder/planner and because of this I have been blessed to offer some independent consulting in a small way so I will be concentrating on expanding my interest in this area. It’s depressing to witness the sufferings our local communities are experiencing and I feel the need to help other leaders to better organize themselves to become stronger and have their voices heard as well.A couple months ago my daughter Ipo asked me to join her team on her charter school administration to raise funds for their facilities building project and I agreed. I will be concentrating on grant writing and public donations looking to raise funds necessary to build a permanent school site in Anahola and this has been my priority lately, taking all of my time as well. There are only so many hours in a day requiring me to set my priorities and direction if I am expected to deliver any kind of success.So there you have it, folks. My time has come and I must say “goodbye” to a great radio station, great staff, and wonderful listening audience who remains faithful to KONG Radio.Thanks for the memories.Aloha and God bless you all.Jimmy TorioAnahola
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http://www.bebo.com/BlogView.jsp?MemberId=2400702044&BlogId=5350189972
Hale’s blog
KKCR Closes "The Box!"
Aloha mai kakou, Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo's 1-3-08 set of their bi-monthly Thursday edition of "Out of the Box" from 4-5:30pm has been pre-empted by KKCR management in regards to their 12-20-07 show that is now in question by KKCR management because of on-air "dirty laundry" surrounding issues of systemic racism and prejudice at the station.Having been a guest on both the 12-20 "Out of the Box" show now under question as well as a guest on Ka'iulani's 12-17 morning show, "Songs of Sovereignty" which is also in question. I can't help but reaffirm the belief in the issue of systemic prejudice and racism at KKCR. KKCR management and staff acted poorly upon these two seperate shows raising this and other issues. I can validate with my own experience the system of prejudice the staff upholds as I have never felt welcome by the staff, having been ousted and made unwelcome as a guest voice on one radio show after the next, and in trying to become a potential volunteer at the studio on more than one occasion.What makes the issue even more apparent was being a guest at KKCR where I was verbally and culturally attacked after being told to get out of the studio by Dawn Jewell on the Dec. 20th show. Jewell, who then followed me out to the parking lot to continue to her barrage of cultural attacks, engaging in conflict over the issues raised on-air of systemic racism at KKCR. She continued in defense of her own point of view and strongly acted in defense of the KKCR management who she was representing at the time and day of the "Out of the Box" show. Dawn Jewell, who is another member of the group who had a hand in the decision to terminate Ka'iulani via group staff e-mail, which added to the ongoing controversy of their country-club style politics and systemic prejudice against Ka'iulani.Katy and Jimmy are to be "dealt" with upon the return of station manager, Gwen Palagi. This message coming from Donna Lewis as the voice of the staff, yet again. An interesting approach at pushing forward with their unconstitutional agenda of removing voices raising the issue of systemic prejudice and racism at KKCR, which has been strongly denied, ignored, and avoided at all cost.Avoidance to the point of shutting down the radio staion and playing Hawaiian music from their digital music library in rotation for a period of more than 48 hours, two weeks in a row, during the normal airing period of "Songs of Sovereignty" to make up for the fact of being accused of systemic racism at KKCR against the Native Hawaiian community, and stating that this Hawaiian music rotation was their "gift of aloha." A gift of aloha that stemmed from the fact that they knew there would be a lot of listener's protesting the issue to see if Ka'iulani would be back on the air that following Monday morning.Instead, playing Hawaiian music to make up for the severe lack of Native Hawaiian community volunteer presence at KKCR. Not only lack of Native Hawaiian community voice, but also a severe lack of Native Hawaiian music being played during normal weekly music rotations. A station which started during the early 90's when the vision and foundation of the station of Hawaiian activist, Uncle Butch Kekahu, was overthrown.Overthrown by the same kind of self-governing board that has been allowed to perpetuate that self-privileged, country club style members only politics of bias prejudice. When truly KKCR was built with the effort to help educate people with the voice of Hawaiian Sovereignty through music, expression in voice, and in togetherness of the sovereign community Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike.By continuing to avoid the issue and silencing the only voices brave enough to call out KKCR on-air, it clearly perpetuates the system that overthrew Uncle Butch Kekahu's vision and foundation of the station in the early 90's. Change can not be asked from the self-governing board who also put in place the majority of the staff currently in place upholding that system of in-house politics, it has to be changed by the willing voices of the sovereign community for change to happen now. Then we will say that "Songs of Sovereignty" host, Ka'iulani Edens-Huff, was just another brave voice who got a little too loud about the issues of prejudice, racism, social and cultural inequality at KKCR that she was dealing with internally and was silenced and made an example because sharing that message of oppression externally with others was too loud. Because that is the truth.The video of the first KKCR protest will be up and running again on Youtube, as well as on my blog site(http://bebo.com/hmawae2004). I also plan to post this email as a blog concerning this ongoing issue with KKCR until the issue is resolved and we are moving forward with positive change.We also ask that people continue to write e-mails to the Garden Island editorial staff(www.kauaiworld.com), and call into KKCR(808-826-7771 or 808-826-7774 or toll free at 866-275-1112) to leave messages in support of Katy, Jimmy, and Ka'iulani in the wrongful decision of continuing to censor "controversial programmers" in acting with an unconstitutional KKCR volunteer policy that upholds and validates their use of systemic prejudice and racism.KKCR management is now labeling the racial issue as "dirty laundry" because of those on-air truths exposed at KKCR, and it is the same kind of in-house denial that supports and allows that system of prejudice to thrive and continue at KKCR.This moves forward as an open petition to also have Hawaiian musicians and other conscious Native Hawaiian artists help to educate and build awareness that KKCR has used their digital library of "Hawaiian musicians and artists" of canned "Hawaiian" music to silence members of the community of Kaua'i over this holiday season. This kind of systemic radio shut down in response to community protest and outcry, the first in KKCR's history. We want to let those musicians who were used by KKCR over the two, two day period of controversy to help us in stopping that silence by using their true voice and musical inspiration in addressing and making aware the issue of systemic racism and prejudice at KKCR. Any Native Hawaiian musicians or other conscious artists that you currently know in your circles who support systemic change at KKCR, please have them contact me via email or telephone to add their names to the growing list of supporters for change.We will be interviewing those musicians as well as getting the petition out and signed to help stop systemic prejudice at KKCR and return our community radio station to the vision and foundation Uncle Butch Kekahu laid years ago before it was overturned.E holo imua, e mau ka pono.In moving forward, we live righteously.Hale MawaeEo Lono!
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Joan
http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/search?q=KKCR
http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2007/12/musings-superferry-stats-kkcr-spats.html
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Musings: Superferry Stats, KKCR Spats
Woke to a dark, cool, wet morning, but Koko and I braved the elements and took a short walk anyway, as the eastern sky offered up streaks of pink beneath the gray. I could tell the surf was up because I could hear its roar while lying in bed, which is not usually the case, then later discovered there’s a rare high surf advisory for the east side because of the brisk trades. Great Superferry weather, if you’re Dramamine double-dosed.Brad Parsons, that inveterate Superferry sleuth, went out to log the Christmas Day traffic and it was pretty darn dismal: just 18 cars and 55 people got off the ferry at Maui, and 48 cars and two motorcycles boarded for the return trip to Oahu. Gee, you’d think the holidays would be popular travel times, given the Superferry’s supposed purpose of uniting Hawaii’s `ohana. Brad also reports: “Very little security anywhere in the harbor. Another observer went up to the gate and talked with those offloading in their cars. They told him it was a ‘rough’ ride.”Speaking of rough rides, KKCR is back on the air with its regular programming this morning. Yesterday’s post generated a number of comments, and while readers are free to voice their personal opinions (within reason: I don't like slashing and trashing), I don’t want to get into whether Ka`iulani was right or wrong, since I have no first-hand knowledge of the incident.What is of greater concern to me is how the situation was handled, and the larger issue of our community radio station’s lack of ethnic diversity as reflected in its Board of Directors, paid staff and volunteer disc jockeys.First, some background:Ka`iulani forwarded to an LA Times reporter and me an email that KKCR staff member Donna Lewis had sent her on Dec. 17 stating: “I hope you're having a great holiday season.“We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.“Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. “It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment. [The headphones reportedly were Ka`iulani's, and not the station's.]“For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.”Donna then sent me an email on Dec. 19 stating that “there is a no-tolerance policy against violent / abusive behavior - whether directed against other volunteers, visitors, or station equipment.”I replied that it seemed from Ka`iulani’s email and another circulated by Hale Mawae, who was in the studio, that there was a difference of opinion about whether the incident constituted abuse and it seemed only fair to hear both sides of the story before terminating Ka`iu. Donna replied: “We do have eyewitness accounts of last week's incident. The people were afraid Ka`iulani would blame them & retaliate - so they didn't want their names used. I told them I would be clear - the decision was the staff's. We also have at least 4 other incidents documented from the past several months.”This left me wondering, if the station has a “no-tolerance policy,” why wasn’t any action taken against any of the four alleged previous incidents?Her email also stated: “If she chooses, Ka`iulani can reapply to become a volunteer after a waiting period.”Again, I was left wondering why this information wasn’t provided to Ka`iulani. The email sent to her spoke only of termination, with no information about reinstatement.In response to a statement on the station’s website — “Anyone interested should contact KKCR to learn more about volunteer training and station policies, including codes of conduct and federal FCC guidelines.” — I have contacted Donna and asked her to provide me with a copy of the station’s policy for terminating/suspending and reinstating volunteer DJs.I’ll be curious to see what the policy is, and whether it was followed in this case. One reason for having, and following, policies is to counter assertions that actions are taken in an arbitrary, capricious manner that could be founded in racism, favoritism, etc.In the meantime, I think it’s important not to get too caught up in the personalities of those involved and instead look at the larger picture. Is KKCR adequately representing the full community? Are allegations of racism legitimate? Is the station making efforts to encourage participation by a broad range of ethnic groups? Was Ka`iulani axed because of her show's controversial content?I like and appreciate KKCR and listen to it often. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved, or that its critics should be shut out of discussions about the station’s management and policies.If KKCR truly is an `ohana, as it so often portrays itself, let’s strive to make it a healthy family, and not a dysfunctional one.
Posted by Joan at 9:50 AM
Anonymous said...
mahalo for the kkcr update. while management would like to brush aside the surrounding controversies with HR issues and allegations of improprieties and racism the fact that staff and board folks are silent about the charges says something. hard to defend the accusations when silence and denial are the response from 'our community' radio.we'll see from management's response to allegations how accurate the charges are. so far the wagons are circled and the silence is deafening.
December 27, 2007 11:17 AM
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2007/12/musings-kaboom.html
Monday, December 31, 2007
Musings: Ka-Boom
....
...Well, it’s the time when “Songs of Sovereignty” usually airs on KKCR, and I just got a report from Andy Parx that Hale Mawai went to the station to host Ka`iulani’s show only to find — you guessed it — the management pulled the same stunt as last week: locking the doors and playing canned Hawaiian music.OK, now we’re moving into the realm of real chicken shit bizarro behavior. I mean, really, what is the station management afraid of? And why should we, the listening public, be again deprived of the regular programming? Btw, I never did get a response to my polite request for a copy of the station’s policy on suspending/terminating volunteer programmers. However, a board member did fill me in on a few other policies, including all interview shows must be pre-approved by management, and neither programmers nor guests can make any disparaging remarks on air about the board, management, other volunteers or station policies.So that effectively stymies any on-air discussion about problems at the station. And if a programmer does get kicked off his or her show, there’s no grievance procedure for appealing the dismissal.As I said, the air was filled with sound this morning, but at my house, anyway, it won’t be what’s being broadcast on KKCR. I’d rather listen to the birds and the occasional KA-BOOM of a homemade cannon — a sound that will become much more common as the clock edges toward midnight and all hell breaks loose with firecrackers and rockets going off in my neighborhood.
comments
Anonymous said...
Hi Joan,Thanks for asking me to comment on today's "non-events" at KKCR. Coincidently, moments before opening your email, I was reading about the community uprising in the 1990's to take back KPFA, the station I was reared on growing up in the Bay Area. The similarities, such as "gag rules" and station shut-downs, are saddening.This morning, Fred Dente, Hale Mawae and I arrived at the KKCR station at about 8:30 am to prepare for the "Songs of Sovereignty" program. Since the "termination" of Ka'iulani Huff is in dispute - in fact, it's been unclear since the station's original missive whether it's a "termination" or a "suspension" - Ka'iulani requested that Hale cover her slot until she returns from a vacation and meets with station management. Fred and I meant to accompany him for support.To our dismay, the station was closed - no personnel on site and canned music playing - as it had been the week before when a group of us arrived to protest Ka'iulani's termination and the pattern of elitism and lack of community access to the station. We imagined that perhaps station management might arrive at 10:00 am - the start of normal office hours - so we waited away from the station grounds, at the gated entrance at Hanalei Plantaion Road. To pass the time, we took video of eachother talking about the problems at KKCR and the solutions we are trying to implement.Alas, the only vehicles entering and leaving the area were those of people from the base yard near the station - no KKCR management, staff, volunteers or board members arrived. At around 10:00, a Princeville Security truck pulled up and the guard asked us what we were doing. When we told her we were waiting for the station to open so that Hale could go on the air, she mentioned that she understood that the station was closed today because "they thought there would be protests." After this revealing comment, she agreed to double check the station to see if anyone was there. She returned to let us know that the station was empty as far as she could tell.Another interesting event occurred shortly before we left. We noticed a rental car enter the area and return after a few moments. The car pulled up to us and the couple inside asked us about KKCR being closed. They were filmmakers from Santa Barbara, they told us, and they had gone to the station to find Ka'iulani. They had heard that she would be a good source of information about traditional Hawaiian music and hula, which they were seeking for a documentary. They had heard about her termination but had hoped she would be back today. We helped them as best we could, promising to try to put them in touch with Ka'iu, and we all went our seperate ways for the day.We are saddened indeed that KKCR management has chosen to duck and seek cover by closing the station two weeks in a row to avoid an honest discussion about Ka'iulani's termination and other systemic problems at KKCR. We hope that community members will make their voices heard by calling and writing the station, and attending the upcoming Community Advisory Board meeting on January 23, at 7:00, at the Kapa'a Neighborhood Center.In this time of renewed social movement on Kaua'i, an accountable community radio station is more important than ever!-Katy Rose
jonathan said...
It is disheartening to witness this recent series of events at what some are beginning to call KGCR - "Kaua`i Gated Community Radio". This is not the best way for KKCR to enter our second decade.One can only hope that at some point (soon!), this trend will not only be be checked, but vigorously reversed. In the end, the communities of Kaua`i and the station will all greatly benefit. Hopefully, we can come together to address and resolve these three separate issues in a rapid, fair and akamai way.1) what did or didn't happen between volunteers on 'that monday morning' a couple weeks back.2) what is or isn't a responsible and just "community relations" policy and process at KKCR we can all live with.3) what more KKCR can do to physically embody it's mission statement to the communities of Kaua`i in a social environment that fosters maximum cultural diversity.I am convinced everyone on Kaua`i desires excellence in radio at our community station. We just have different understandings what this should look like, and that is OK.Frictions seems to arise when there is a lack of trust. Misunderstandings can more easily occur from poor communication. Additionally since everyone is human, there will always be errors in judgement... followed by a finger-pointing fest, and lotts of digging on on several fronts. I suspect that in this situation (like most others) there are several truths to the story and many people are 'right'... just in different ways. Let's move past this standoff.Rather than focusing on the problems, we will all be better served to focus on solutions, particularly because several are at hand that can be quickly and easily implemented to fix this flap, should we simply agree to do so. If we can move past the conflicting and focus on the fixing, KKCR will find itself on a much stronger foundation to serve Kaua`i and beyond as a community owned and operated non-commercial media resource. Then we can have different kind finger-pointing fest where we all take credit for helping to get it right. I'll bring the lemonade.Ha'ole Makahiki Hou and a Happy New Year to all.jonathan jay
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-rustling-rats.html
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Musings: Rustling Rats
I smell a rat with the news that KKCR has “pre-empted” — to use the words of station staffer Donna Lewis — the show hosted on alternate Thursday afternoons by Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo.“There are several issues regarding your 12-20 broadcast we'd like to discuss with you upon return of the General Manager,” Lewis wrote in an email to the two.Aside from her use of the word aloha to open and close the message — I mean, how much aloha are you feeling when you’re canceling someone's show and stifling their freedom of speech? — I find it odd that the email was sent out yesterday, a full 11 days after the show.If station staff had problems with the show, which focused on the termination/suspension (it’s still unclear which it is) of "Songs of Sovereignty" host Ka`iulani Huff, why didn’t they say something sooner? They certainly were aware of it, as staff member Dawn Jewell came into the studio and demanded that she be allowed to read on air a statement from the station management.Perhaps the pre-emption stems not so much from the show, but from what happened after the show: Katy (I’m not sure about Jimmy) went to the station on the following two Mondays to support the reinstatement of “Songs of Sovereignty,” only to find the place locked up tight.Or perhaps the station’s staff is afraid of what might happen on tomorrow’s show; you know, that people might actually talk about the issues related to the station itself.Either way, the pre-emption is a major power play, a clear reminder, to use the words of a CS&N song (I don’t think Neil Young was with them yet): “Step outta line, the man come, and take you away.” Or at least cut off your microphone.There’s a disclaimer that’s played on the station that goes something like this: the views expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the station’s management, board or underwriters. Perhaps, in the interest of honesty, it should be changed to: the views expressed must reflect those of the station’s management. It’s unclear what the board and underwriters think about the little power plays that are going on. Do they know or do they care? (Ooops, now we’re moving into KONG lingo.) Hale Mawae, who was on both of the “controversial” shows in question, goes into more depth about all this on on his own blog.
MauiBrad said...
Joan,This KKCR thing is turning into some real b**l s**t. I can't believe the actions of KKCR and now county officials per the following from Andy. Man, this should be priority #1 there right now. From PNN/Andy, re: Mawae’s arrest "showing him being restrained in a puddle by five police officers while screaming 'I’m not resisting' as Rose and the videographer came upon the scene. Rose also reported there were two eye witnesses to the apprehension itself, Trujillo and another programmer." And, "Ed Coll’s analysis of the KKCR 'Volunteer Handbook'...I see no section titled "Station Policies" in the volunteer handbook. Does a policy manual exist? If so where? Is the "dirty laundry" language in the handbook under the subsection "Programming" really in the KKCR policy manual?...If anyone knows of a KKCR policy manual that the KKCR volunteer handbook is alleged to provide "information about" I would love to see it. As a founding member, original program committee member, and former CAB member I have never seen any policy manual. Does one really exist? -- Edward Coll"This whole situation is becoming outrageous. I hope you all create a community revolt on this.Aloha, Brad
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-kkcr-snaps-and-lifting-veil.html
Friday, January 4, 2008
Musings: KKCR Snaps and Lifting the Veil: Part II
Felt the ocean calling me this morning, so I went, and got there while the moon, nearing new, was still silver, and Venus a sparkling gem. The sun struggled to rise, turning the inside of gray clouds first pink, then gold, before it gave up entirely and everything — sky, sea, clouds — went back to gray, with white shafts descending into water warmer than the air.I always enjoy watching people interact with Koko, who exudes energetic joy. When she approaches them unbidden, or they successfully coax her to them, they invariably smile with delight and satisfaction: “She likes me!” It’s a different story with dogs. “They’re friendly,” people always say as their pets mug Koko. Yeah, maybe, but when Koko’s got her tail between her legs or is being chased by a big mutt, she’s not having fun. My favorite was the woman who called out, as her four Dobermans swarmed little Koko, “now play nice!”That same admonition certainly applied at KKCR yesterday, when five police officers wrestled Hale Mawae to the ground, in the mud, as he repeatedly yelled: “I’m not resisting!” Hale, who suffered scratches and a sprained wrist in the encounter, was arrested for trespassing, resisting arrest and obstructing government operations while walking down Hanalei Plantation Road — armed with a video camera — toward the gate that leads to KKCR. Hale was with programmers Katy Rose and Jimmy Trujillo and two others; all were prevented by Princeville Security and Kauai police from entering the gate, which was once again locked, even though it was regular business hours. A press release from Kauai County offers this account, “According to police, Mawae was among a group of people who had congregated outside radio station KKCR at around 4 pm yesterday reportedly in protest of the termination of two KKCR talk show hosts. A manager from KKCR contacted police and asked for assistance.”The release states that Hale returned to the gate after police had directed the group to move to a public right of way; Katy says Hale went back to look for Jimmy, who had stayed to negotiate with police.Meanwhile, another free for all was occurring on the air, when the “Out of the Box” program — whose regular hosts, Jimmy and Katy, were pre-empted pending a sit down with station manager Gwen Palagi (see the Rustling Rats post for more details) — aired with two stand-in programmers, Bill Rash and Dave Gerow.The upheaval at the station was the main topic of discussion, but things went downhill fast after Andy Parx called in and voiced his opinion. That prompted another caller — a station underwriter — to denigrate Andy on-air and say he’d like three minutes with Andy in any parking lot on Kauai. Andy called again, complaining about the caller’s threat, and host Bill Rash got into an altercation with him that ended with Bill essentially challenging Andy to a fight at the station gate. That gate sure is seeing a lot of action. Earlier in the show, Dave had said a mob was trying to swarm it to force their way on-air.
In Business 4 Good Campaign said...
ahem...something that just issued from FCC, that is entirely germaine to this dialogue. Good thing some folks are not in the soup here, to bring some order to the KKCR Chaos, eh?FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: December 18, 2007 Mary Diamond (202) 418-2388FCC Adopts Localism Proposals to Ensure Programming is Responsive to Needs of Local Communities Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (the “Commission”) today took measures to help ensure that broadcast stations offer programming responsive to the needs and interests of the communities that they are licensed to serve. The Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (the “Report”) adopted today sets forth proposals to increase local programming content and diversity in communities across America. In its review of these issues, the Commission accrued over 83,000 written comments and heard the testimony of 500 panelists offered during the six field hearings on localism conducted throughout the country. The Report makes tentative conclusions regarding the following proposals, for which it seeks comment:• Qualified LPTV stations should be granted Class A status, which requires them to provide 3 hours per week of locally-produced programming; • Licensees should establish permanent advisory boards (including representatives of underserved community segments) in each station community of license with which to consult periodically on community needs and issues; and• Commission adoption of renewal application processing guidelines that will ensure that all broadcasters provide some locally-oriented programmingThe Report also states that the Commission will: • Better educate members of the public as to the obligations of broadcasters and the Commission’s procedures so that viewers and listeners can become more actively involved in ensuring that stations offer locally oriented programming; and.• Investigate other ways to assist prospective radio licensees to identify suitable available commercial FM spectrum in the communities in which they wish to broadcast, including authorizing the development of software to do so. The Report notes that, as temporary trustees of the public’s airwaves, broadcasters are obligated to operate their stations to serve the public interest, including their airing of programming responsive to the needs and issues of their station communities of license. The actions and proposals contained in the Report are intended to ensure that the nations’ broadcasters will meet this responsibility. Action by the Commission December 18, 2007, by Report and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 07-218). Chairman Martin and Commissioner Tate, with Commissioners Copps and Adelstein concurring and dissenting in part, and Commissioner McDowell approving and concurring in part. Separate statements issued by Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell.
January 6, 2008 6:35 PM
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-kkcr-outed-and-lifting-veil.html
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Musings: KKCR Outed and Lifting the Veil: Part III
The strife at KKCR that I’ve been writing about for weeks is finally being dragged into the cold, bright spotlight of commercial radio and print media. Jimmy Torio hosted disgruntled KKCR programmers on his KQNG radio show yesterday morning, and today The Garden Island picked up the story. It’s good to see the issue getting broader coverage. However, I was surprised to read KKCR staff member Donna Lewis discussing as yet unproven details of programmer Ka`iulani Huff’s suspension — even as the station manager, who was on vacation while all the action was going down, is attempting to schedule a meeting with Ka`iulani to discuss the issue. Donna also delivered a little slap to Ka`iu with her comment that the station is seeking a “responsible Hawaiian DJ” to host the “Songs of Sovereignty” show that Ka`iu founded. If volunteer programmers are required to act professionally, certainly paid staff should be held to the same standards. It doesn’t seem to me that Donna should be making digs at programmers or discussing personnel issues in emails and print, especially when they’re still unresolved.I also found it ironic that Donna, who in locking the gate and calling police to keep out suspended programmers also prevented the general public from accessing its own community radio station, was quoted as saying: “We prefer the open-door policy and look forward to resolving the security issues so we can return to our normal routine of serving our amazing community.” If the station management prefers the “open door policy,” it shouldn’t be locking gates, period. Because in reality, there are no “security issues” at the station, just the management’s fear....
Anonymous said...
"It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,” donna lewis said.a quote from a women in denial. what is really unfortunate is that the incidents that led to hale's arrest could've have been prevented if ms lewis had been professional in her management of the whole affair. consistently, from the majority of folks informed of the issues at KKCR, most would agree that this was not handled properly and the community would've been better served by dealing with the issues at hand face to face with respectful dialogue and discussion of the facts. instead impersonal and vague e.mails were the communication tools of choice employed by ms.lewis. the failure of KKCR management to deal with the issues in a timely and professional manner have brought increased scrutiny, raised suspicions and hard feelings in the community. silence, avoidance and denial are not effective management tools to be used when dealing with controversial community issues. auwemahalo joan for keeping this issue f&c. peace,......jimmy t
this is the meat of the matter. culled from the e.mail chatter----- Original Message ----- From: Ed Coll To: coll@kauai.net Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 1:14 PMSubject: Full spectrum dominance - stomp the most disenfranchised first and the rest will fall into lineAloha disenfranchised voices,Pardon the rant but KKCR's calling the police on Katy, Jimmy, Hale and Ulu (and me) by claiming a "protest" was occurring and todays GI "KKCR refutes racism claims" framing the issue as racism is missing the bigger dysfunction that is KKCR. At KKCR the overarching issue is not race but full spectrum censorship. Nevertheless the actions of KKCR and the response by activists are being played out in terms of a racism framework. While it is true that racism is more than evident at KKCR the fact is KKCR will censor anyone of any race that says something they don't like and makes the KKCR board look bad. The real problem is an anti-democratic authoritarian regime that took power by removing member voting rights and conferring those rights to themselves (and yes they were white) in a coup. KKRC was an infant of participatory democracy (members vote for the board) kidnapped by the forerunners of those now in power appointed through the incestuous board appointment process. The incestuous board appointment process led to inbreeding and KKCR got progressively whiter and whiter as the cabal exercised standardless discretion in place of membership voting rights appointing people like themselves to replace them. Like the children of missionaries who benefit from the ill gotten gains of their parents the current board feels a sense of entitlement and will exercise power against anyone who disagrees with their world view. As Joan wrote in her bolg "Step out of line the man comes and takes you away" (and not only metaphorically as Hale can attest). The native Hawaiians are under the most stress (cultural obliteration), fight back, and therefore become easy targets as they step out of line. But as the recent experience of Jimmy and Katy indicate the current non-democratic regime will censor any voice that disagrees with them. Jimmy's carefully detailed description of how he became a KKCR programmer on KQNG (and his questioning of that process) is the way all programmers get their "jobs" at KKCR. Board and staff consolidate and perpetuate their power by using standardless discretion to appoint friends or acquaintances to board, management, and volunteer positions. As this undemocratic process advances without community control it gets whiter and whiter (a historical legacy of the original coup). The whiteness is an artifact that is very visible but the underlying anti-democratic process is more obscure. No board is perfect and mistakes were made (like picking the wrong Hawaiian to be a token, or allowing programmers whom they though shared their world view to get on air before the programmer's views were fully vetted for alignment with KKCR doctrine. And then there were three dissenting voices Ka`iulani, Jimmy and Katy so the board booted them all. Now there is crisis. And the crisis is being defined in terms of racism, but racism is just a mask hiding the anti-democratic authoritarian regime's control over who has access to community radio. It's the Dole Republic 6.0.All the demands for structural readjustment in the list Group has developed are good but when you are eating a meal take small pieces and start with the most flavorful. Reinstate a membership elected board is by far the most tasty morsel on the plate. If that cannot be achieved nothing but intercine incrementalism of the two step backward - one step forward variety will obtain.If Board will not yield to this sole, and reasonable, demand (and I mean total reinstatement of original member voting rights, no compromises) change from the root will not happen. If Board yields then new board can enact the other much needed changes on the list. If Board fail to yield on this demand they will have to exit the field of dialog. Experience has shown KKCR will not speak of these things because their position is indefensible in a debate. That's why the alleged "dirty laundry" policy, which nobody has seen, exists in the first place. "Say anything you want as long as it is not about KKCR's totalitrian ways." I was struck with the Irony of the scab replacements for Katy and Jimmy on "Out of the Box" defending KKCR (and threatening the mild-mannered Mr. Parx) while Hale was being pushed into the mud by 5 police at the gates of KKCR. Without member voting rights the goal of reinstating the disenfranchised voices will allow those voices of dissent to be heard but the "dirty laundry" prohibition will prevent any discussion of the real problem which is a totalitarian oligarchy which seized control from the community's radio station in a bloodless coup by hijacking community members right to elect the board. I believe none of the three disenfranchised programmers will concede to this demand not to air dirty laundry for a censored voice is an ineffective voice. Finally I think KKCR may have filed a false policy report as there was no protest only two volunteer programmers (Katy and Jimmy) attempting to do their program and two Hawaiians (Hale and Ulu) bearing witness to what happened. KKCR is not "community radio" but "gated community radio" that for all intents and purposes is propagandizing the community with their world view absent any community input from a private compound inaccessible to the community. KKCR Board and management are pruning dissenting voices from the tree of speech. Unflinching focus on a single demand Reinstate a membership elected board forces the oppressor to address an issue for which they have no defense except silence the last refuge on a tyrant. Many demands allows oppressor to respond by picking, choosing, and negotiating (endlessly) from the list of sub-issues until all the air escapes from the baloon. This has been their tactic for yers that have led us to our current crisis. The fact that Board go ballistic over this one issue but will not address it in open dialog with the community or CAB tells me it should be the focal point for action. Thanks for letting me express my Manao.Ea`-- Edward Coll
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/kkcr-update-complaint-filed-with-fcc.html
Saturday, January 5, 2008
KKCR Update: Complaint Filed with FCC
Today I received an email from Patrick Michaels, who wrote about the action he has taken following the recent spate of events at KKCR that saw three programmers being taken off the air and the gates to the station locked on at least four occasions.This is what the email said, and all of the words that follow in this post are his:For the five years I've been back and forth to Kauai, from NY, where I come from a long family line of broadcasting professionals, I've often wondered about the 'community standards' claim of KKCR. This last, arbitrary approach, foisted on the community by the largely white, organic, and inclusive folks, headed by folks like 'Ann of Avalon' [Ann West] etc, pushed a major button for me.So, without further adieu, I simply exercised my citizen's and community members rights, and requested, of the five commissioners of the FCC, that an investigation be launched into the business practices, the management approaches, and the wholesale disregard for FCC rules, that KKCR represents.Now, let's see how many folks stay on the air, when a simple matter like a time and station check gets missed, which I understand from observation and listening, is considered an infringement on FREE speech and expression, by most of the 'players' at KKCR's amateur, volunteer group.I've been professionally and personally shunned by the core group, mostly due to, in my view, having crossed paths, unfavorably with Ms. Anne of Avalon, who's power behind the scenes, and on microphone, are typical of the 'non community' focus approach. In fact, that person, among others, has a lock on the pursestrings of KKCR, and the direction of programming, whether it's admitted or not.Hope that KKCR has their license suspended, and a core group of professionals, can reinstate what was stolen, from the original group that formed that entity in 1994.I've sent the same information to Dove and Ken at KKCR. I'm no secret to them, as I was among the community activists that turned them in for FCC violations, which prompted the on air folks to grumble about freedom of expression, and some of them to be 'bridled'. I'm no fan of the management or Lady Anne of Avalon, since it's a shame that one group can dictate what 'community standards' represent. One reason I'm sure that Larry [LaSota] didn't last as GM, is that the organic tribe diluted his intentions, step by step.btw, I'm a long time broadcasting professional, going back to being on air at the ripe age of 11 in NY Metro area.
40 comments
w/ Michaels
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-opening-doors.html
Monday, January 7, 2008
Musings: Opening Doors
Stars! I saw them because they were out, and so was I, this nippy, clear morning, along with Venus, gleaming. The moon, new tomorrow, was nowhere to be seen, but Waialeale, and all the other mountains, showed face, and mist clung damply to the hollows in the pastures.On my way to the beach yesterday afternoon I picked up an old uncle, hitchhiking, and we got to talking about the fine, sunny weather. “But don’t ever complain about the rain,” he said. “Rain is what keeps us alive. Always be thankful for it, and praise it.” Amen.Last night, after listening to Willie Judah’s reggae show on KKCR, a couple of programmers came on and started praising the station, describing it as a gem, saying it does so much good for people.That’s all true. It is an asset to the island, and a lot of folks, me included, do appreciate it and want to keep it alive. I’m sure those who work at the station and have shows take special pride and pleasure in it, and that’s to be expected — indeed, encouraged.However, the inherent value of KKCR is not at the issue here. It’s about ways to make KKCR better, more inclusive, more reflective of and responsive to the broader community. In short, how can we open doors a little wider?In response to a post on Disappeared Newsabout claims of racism at the station, blogger Doug White posted this comment: “The latest Garden Island News story points out that there is presently no Native Hawaiian presence on the board, but the KKCR bylaws provide no method for dissidents to assume seats on the board except, according to the article, for applicants to win approval from the sitting board members. How likely is that? Well, we won't know until a dissident applies and is (or is not) seated, and remember, even if dissidents were to apply and be seated, it would take several years for the dissidents to become a majority on the board.”So I did some checking around and found that Michael Locey, son of Auntie Angeline and part-Hawaiian, was an applicant in 2005 and completely rejected, even though he is very well known in the community and could have been an excellent connection with the Hawaiian community.Musician Cindy Combs, who is also part Hawaiian was a Board member in the early 2000s but resigned. Tek Nickerson, Native American and very experienced in nonprofits, applied to the Board in 2006 and was not voted in.Steve Thatcher, former chair of the Citizens’ Advisory Board, whom some might consider a dissident voice because he favors more community outreach and membership voting, applied in 2006 and was voted down. Steve did get elected in 2007 but received the one-year unexpired term of Robin Savage, rather than a three-year term. It’s clear that one reason why the Board has been reluctant to allow station members to elect Board members is that they do not want dissidents of any ethnicity to serve. That's why even the Board's most recent action to allow the members to elect three Board members will be done on a trial basis only. If you want to know more, check out the article I wrote at Kauai People.Amid talk of racism, I think it’s important to make the distinction between racism and racial prejudice. Katy Rose does a really good job of explaining the difference in an essay posted at Island Breath. It also provides background on what happened to prompt the racism charges against KKCR.As she notes, and I agree, it’s important to look beyond individuals and at the institution. Still, individuals — whether it was staff members working autonomously or at the direction of the Board — did make the decision to lock the gates, a move that could bring down the station.Ed Coll posted a well-done video, "KKCR Gated Community Radio," that he made of the Jan. 3 encounter with police on the road to the radio station that ended up with Hale Mawae on the ground in handcuffs. Coll notes: “It is in the old school cinéma vérité (direct cinema) tradition. Audio starts about 30 seconds in. Total time 8min 30 sec.”The video does a good job of showing that the alleged threat to the station’s security was greatly exaggerated. It also raises questions about whether cops can legally stop someone from walking on Hanalei Plantation Road, which is owned by Princeville Corp., but a public right of way, with no private property signs posted. The scene of the cops restraining Hale is extremely troubling. Fortunately, no taser was used. Note to self: find out if Kauai cops have tasers.You might also want to check out some of the comments posted by Patrick Michaels on earlier KKCR posts, as he's provided some interesting information.
Anonymous said...
from Andy ParxCharlie,People conflate racISM with race bias. I can dislike you because you are Filipino, Japanese or Haole. That is race bias. But when there is a privileged race that oppresses a under or non-privileged race and uses that privilege to perpetuate their privilege to the detriment of the others, that is racISM. I used to be confused when people said “oh, she can’t be a racist- she’s black”. But I was conflating the terminology of race bias with racism. Race bias is illegal. But racism isn’t and is much more insidious. It has to be judged by the fruits of it. If someone hates people who are bald that is different than living in a society where hairy people get all the jobs and routinely oppress bald people who earn less money, go to worse schools and live in a worse places and are viewed as suspicious by the cops because they are bald. The former have a bias against bald people. the latter would be practicing hairISM.To say, like Dave Gerow said on KKCR last Thursday, “there’s not a racist bone in anyone’s body at KKCR” misses the point and confuses the definitions. I don’t doubt that Dave personally doesn’t dislike Hawaiians or Jews or blacks. But he does perpetuate a system at KKCR where being white is a privilege and that has routinely been used to silence the voice of at least one specific Hawaiian activist because of her speech and her daring to oppose that white privileged power structure that routinely- whether on the conscious part of any individual or not- oppresses Hawaiians by denying them access to the air. That is an “ism” just like “cronyism” but when judged by the visible and indisputable fruits- that brown people are routinely denied access by privileged withes- that is racism by definition.The old term of “institutionalized” racism is redundant and used to deny responsibility by those practicing racism by perpetuating and participating in it. Racism is an act by a privileged class of people of one color to maintain that privilege whether they do it out of hate or ignorance. One practices it by being a member of that class and more so by defending it as “only” institutional. But on that level it is a personal decision whether or not to recognize all this and continue to participate instead of thinking because one has no race bias one can’t possibly practice racismSo denying it exists is worse than the racism itself. It’s the old “I can’t be a racist- some of my best friends are...” Maybe you don’t know how that feels to an oppressed non-privileged person. Maybe I don’t either because I’m a privileged haole. But I do know it means something to those who see it from that position.Something to consider about race and “isms”....
January 7, 2008 1:53 PM
Lots of racism comments
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-getting-clear.html
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Musings: Getting Clear
Clarity, it seems, is starting to slowly emerge in the KKCR dispute. The Garden Island reported today that programmer Kaiulani Huff wasn’t terminated from the station, but just put on 90 days suspension, at which time she can “reapply.”That’s certainly a different message than the one originally sent to Kaiulani, but since it comes from station manager Gwen Palagi, who was on vacation when all the recent turmoil began, it seems official, and is good news to those of us who like to have her back on the air. In the meantime, it does seem the recent events may be motivating folks to get more involved in working for significant changes at the station, including better community outreach. One oft-cited method of improving participation is moving the station out of Princeville to a more centralized, ethnically diverse location.However, according to a memo from board member Sandy Brodie, such a relocation could take up to three years and would require a new FCC application approval. In light of that, Brodie recommended the Board seek a long-term lease at the existing facility and work to improve reception through a microwave link system. No mention was made of using remote broadcast systems to allow programmers to participate elsewhere around the island, an idea that has been advocated by some for a number of years, without success.
From Katy Rose:Can those who keep repeating this idea that three of us programmers "stepped out of line" PLEASE be specific about what we did, EXACTLY? The vagueness is rather maddening.For example, Jimmy and I have NOT been told why our program was pre-empted. Is it because we broke the "dirty laundry" code( NOT an FCC violation, by the way)? That's funny, because in the week since we were "pre-empted" I have heard two call-in shows on KKCR discussing exactly the same issue we opened up on the program we hosted on Dec. 20, but the hosts of those shows are okay because they support management's actions. It's even more bizarre when you consider that the hosts of those programs participated in the generation of much misinformation about recent events, as well as airing verbal threats and disrespect for other programmers and community members.It is also being said that Ka'iulani has a "history" of FCC violations. Evidence, please. None of the current backloaded accusations against Ka'iulani have anything to do with the reasons given for her termination in the email she originally received. She can't be fired twice, for all this other unproven stuff now "after the fact" in order to justify her original firing, which is now being called a suspension, by the way.I am disappointed by the lack of grounding in the facts of the case here. It seems designed to avoid an honest examination of the structural issues many of us are raising.
Anonymous said...
Out of the Washing Machine, On To the Clothesline!KKCR’s “Dirty Laundry” Policy Selectively EnforcedBy Katy Rose Since December 17, a series of events have shook Kaua’i’s community radio station, KKCR, to the core.What are well-known and undisputed at this point are the following facts:Ka’iulani Edens Huff was terminated from her volunteer programming position as the host of her self-created program, “Songs of Sovereignty.”Jimmy Trujillo and I were “pre-empted” from our regular bi-weekly programming duties as the hosts of the “Out of the Box” program.Behind these undisputed facts are a myriad of unanswered questions which have lately been complicated by rumors, innuendos and even threats of violence.Everyone knows that there are many sides to any story, but in an effort to add some clarity to the situation, I would like to share my perspective on events, and solicit some answers from KKCR management.(I have already gone into great detail in earlier writings about the question of racism at KKCR, and feel no need to expound on that again here.)On December 18, Ka’iulani opened her inbox and was informed by the following email that her programming privileges had been terminated:December 17, 2007Aloha Ka`iulani,I hope you're having a great holiday season. We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment.For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.Mahalo for your contributions to KKCR during the past months. If you have any questions, please contact me.aloha,donnaOne point of clarification needed here is that the headphones in question were Ka’iulani’s own, and that they were never thrown at a person. Another point is that no “attack” took place that morning. A verbal dispute occurred, and certainly not the first one in KKCR history. The question is why was Ka’iulani singled out in this dispute? Was it not a mutual disagreement? To what standard is the other programmer involved being held? And given the value of the Songs of Sovereignty program to an under-served sector of our community, wouldn’t it have been prudent to seek some form of conflict resolution before termination became an option?When these questions were raised by the many concerned citizens who flooded the station with emails and phone calls in the days after Ka’iu’s termination, the explanation for the termination changed. Suddenly, Ka’iulani had a “file” full of complaints against her, a history of FCC violations, and a reputation as a violent and threatening presence in the station building. None of these claims have been verified with any evidence, yet this became the dominant rhetoric employed to explain the station’s actions against her, and throughout the coming weeks, this rather slanderous view would be repeated on the air and left unchallenged by the station. (Ka’iulani does not dispute a “slip-up” on the air that morning, immediately retracting it with an apology. The history of FCC actions in such situations suggests a certain leniency for occasional “slip-ups” on live non-commercial radio, so, while not terrific, this was not a serious threat to the station. Nevertheless, this was never originally offered as a reason for her termination.)On Thursday, December 20, Jimmy Trujillo and I hosted our regular call-in program. After explaining to the listeners that Ka’iulani had been terminated, we opened the phone lines to the community to discuss the issue. We scrupulously avoided name-calling and finger-pointing, but we did not shy away from raising the question of how racism played into the events. At one point, a staff member was invited into the studio by Jimmy to offer up station management’s position. (This caused some confusion in the studio, as I was unaware that the staff member had been invited and interpreted her presence as an inappropriate incursion; later I did apologize to her for my attempts to limit her access to the microphone.) It has been stated since that we were “fishing” for callers who agreed with us. I think this refers to the fact that at one point I mentioned that a particular caller was trying to get through, and invited her to call when the line became open (for some reason, only one phone line into the studio was open, instead of the usual two or three.) But those who have never been in the studio should understand that we do not “screen” callers, and that we do not use a “delay.” On Monday, December 24th, several people felt moved to go to KKCR to protest for the re-instatement of Ka’iulani to the airwaves. It was no secret that we planned to demonstrate. There was no indication that this demonstration was ever intended to cause harm to the station premises or people therein. Yet, when we arrived, we found the station closed and locked down, all regular programming pre-empted, no staff present, and the Kaua’i Police Department alerted to our presence. Under warnings of trespassing, we agreed to move to a public area, at the intersection of Hanalei Plantation Road and Kuhio Highway. We held a peaceful sign-holding protest raising the issue of institutionalized racism at KKCR. A video, now on YouTube, was made of the protest. Our message was clear: we were not accusing individuals of bigotry, but pointing to the structure of KKCR as inherently exclusive and unaccountable to the community.The following Monday, three of us arrived at the grounds of KKCR again. This time, it was to fulfill a request by Ka’iulani that Hale Mawae sit in as a guest host for the “Songs of Sovereignty” program. Again, the station was locked and empty. After waiting in the hope that staff would arrive at 10 am – the start of usual business hours – we left.The following day, Jimmy Trujillo and I received emails informing us that our scheduled program for January 3 had been “pre-empted.” There was no explanation for this action, and we have yet to receive one. We have only the suspicion that we are being suspended for airing “dirty laundry” – which is not an FCC offense but a questionable station policy, considering that it is really the community’s laundry we’re talking about, and the community has a right to inspect it.On Thursday, January 3, Jimmy and I and three supporters arrived at 3:30 to request that we be allowed to broadcast our program, and that we be given an explanation for our “pre-emption.” This time, we arrived to find a locked gate at the top entrance to the road which leads to the station. This gate is normally locked after 6pm and after 2 pm on weekends. I have a key to this gate, but a Princeville Security Guard denied us entry, and told us that the gate at the entrance to the station was also locked. Only specified people were to be allowed entry.Police cars arrived, and we were told to move off Princeville property, which we did. Hale Mawae, however, was arrested shortly thereafter for walking along Hanalei Plantation Road, which is by all accounts a public right-of-way road. He was armed only with a video camera, which was confiscated and has yet to be returned. His arrest – which he did not resist - included an excessive amount of force, with three to four officers wrestling and pinning him to the ground. He suffered injuries and is facing charges for trespassing and resisting arrest.It became clear in the aftermath of Hale’s arrest that a staff person at KKCR had placed the call to police, apparently inflating the “threat” posed by our non-violent presence in the vicinity of KKCR. These kinds of calls, I should point out, tend to inflame police behavior. The programmers brought in to host the program instead of Jimmy and I – Dave Gerow, Bill Rash, and John Gordon – spent the entire show discussing and taking calls about the current controversy. Bill Rash was heard to describe a “mob” trying to “storm the station.” Later in the broadcast, Bill Rash was heard threatening a caller to a fight outside the gates after the show. He was also heard to state that this particular community member had “no right to exist.” Another caller also challenged this particular community member to a fight “in a parking lot,” and was not met by any disclaimer or moderation by the programmers. A third caller aired his dislike of Jimmy and myself, which is fine, and mentioned that he felt we did not “deserve to use the name ‘Out of the Box’” for our program because of our departure from the spirit of original host Michael Van De Veer’s “vision” (also fine.) Dave Gerow and Bill Rash audibly and emphatically agreed with the caller’s assessment of their fellow programmers – a forbidden sign of disrespect according to KKCR protocol. To date, I have heard of no reprimand or consequences for these programmers.Again, on Tuesday, January 8, on the “Kaua’i Soapbox” program, programmers spent the entire program discussing the current controversy with callers, and making false and confusing statements about the reasons for our suspensions. There has been no effort yet by management to clarify and correct this ongoing flood of rumors emanating from KKCR’s airwaves.This raises an important question: is it only “dirty laundry” when you disagree with station policy?
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-scuttlebutt.html
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Musings: Scuttlebutt
Speaking of volatility, the personnel issues at KKCR seem no closer to closure. Yesterday, station manager Gwen Palagi refused a request from ousted programmers Jimmy Trujillo and Katy Rose to meet with them publicly and have the session video taped or recorded. Now why would she be opposed to getting the meeting on the record?In an email sent to the two, Gwen wrote the meeting would be about “The subject matter of your Out of the Box show broadcast on 12/20, in which both of you were co-hosts. Before station management takes action regarding your DJ privileges, a meeting is scheduled to discuss the policy and to hear your reasons for violating it.”That made me wonder why such a process was not followed before Kaiulani Huff was taken off her “Songs of Sovereignty Show.” Instead, she received an email from staff member Donna Lewis informing her that her station privileges had been terminated, period. When Gwen returned from vacation, she told The Garden Island that Kaiulani had been suspended and could reapply in 90 days. However, it wasn’t clear whether that meant she could just become a volunteer again or actually get her program back.Besides the lack of clarity in what is really going on, including whether programmers have been suspended or terminated and exactly what they did wrong, I’m concerned about the station’s inconsistency in dealing with these matters. I still have received no reply to my emails seeking copies of the station policies regarding termination and suspension, although such information should be public.And there’s been no indication of any disciplinary action being taken against other call-in hosts who discussed the issue on air, ostensibly violating the same ban against broadcasting the station's “dirty laundry” that got Jimmy and Katy in trouble. Nor have I heard any word about whether the host who threatened a caller got in any trouble.Station management does not seem to understand that when such issues are not dealt with in a transparent, consistent manner, it more easily gives rise to claims that some programmers are being singled out for punitive treatment.At any rate, the whole fiasco does seem to be something that station listeners, at least, are interested in discussing. Despite the “dirty laundry” ban, it’s been the hot topic on KKCR call-in programs for the past three weeks.I noticed Katy Rose posted a comment on the Getting Clear post that attempts to clear up some of the dis/misinformation that has been circulating about what really went down.Meanwhile, Patrick Michaels, who says he alerted FCC to possible violations at the station, told me yesterday that the agency’s enforcement arm is investigating — though not at his behest — the lock-outs that occurred on at least three occasions. He says an enforcement agent told him that's a clear a violation of the station’s license that could result in a fine, or even the loss of its broadcasting license.Moving on to other matters, I’ll try to post Part VI of Lifting the Veil later today. My neighbor Andy, who I also ran into this morning, tells me he’s been overwhelmed by all the information. It has been a lot, and not everyone is interested in all the details. But hang in there. I’ll do a summary next week that pulls it all together.An update: just checked my yahoo mail account and the Superferry numbers for yesterday are a whopping 29 vehicles got off the boat on Maui and 33 vehicles took the return trip to Oahu. Now this is looking dismal, for HSF, anyway.
Anonymous said...
KKCR has apparently taken action against Jimmy and Katy too by not allowing them on last week or todayThe whole "call to action" nonsense is indicative of how out of touch they are with what non-commercial radio actually is since it shows that apparently they can’t tell the difference between commercial radio as they have blurred the line so much they must assume everything on the air at KKCR is commercial speech and they must toe some kind of line they have apparently leaped over whole hog as evidenced by the way they allow programmers to self and otherwise promote commercial activity.Now it makes sense as to how they could have so little sense.
It is also worth noting that the complaint on access was apparently filed by someone unknown to any of those involved exposing corruption, hypocrisy and racism at KKCR. As the facts revel themselves it is becoming outrageously self evident to rational, reasonable people that something is severely wrong with the management of the station.The Board of Directors meeting in Princeville on Jan 16 should be a humdinger if people show up and demand an explanation of some of the more bizarre assertions and action the staff has made on the Board’s behalf. Hope you can all come- oops- was that a call to action? One more question- is a policy against “airing dirty laundry” simply a way to silence and squelch whistleblowers?By the way, here's a link to the "The FCC and Free Speech " page at their web site- http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/freespeech.htmlAndy Parx
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-slow-down-pay-attention.html
Monday, January 14, 2008
Musings: Slow Down, Pay Attention
Moving on to some reader comments, Laura Christine asked: "Is it true that you applied to host a news show on KKCR and were turned away?" First, thanks, Laura, for your kind words about the Veil series. I’ll post part VI today. My experiences with trying to get a show on KKCR have been thus:Not long after the station got on the air, a friend invited me to check out the studio, and I did, and recorded a station ID. The woman who was running things at that time, Mary, said I didn't have a good radio voice.A year or so later, I asked about doing a news show, but was told I'd need to write a grant to get funding to pay for it, so didn't pursue it.About four years ago, when I heard the late Michael Vandeveer was looking for a co-host, I called and asked what it would take to get on the air. He said I could start by coming down and cleaning the toilets and emptying trash. Then he said he didn’t like to work with middle-aged women, anyway, because they're too bossy, so I didn’t pursue it.Finally, last year, when I heard Ann West was giving up her show, I called station manager Larry LaSota and said I’d like to put my name in the hat. He said that was fine, but first I’d need to do 30 hours of volunteer service and there were several people already in line for shows ahead of me. So again I didn’t pursue it.Another reader, anonymous, wrote: “Joan I also find it very interesting that several posts have disappeared from the site... some say they've been removed some have just disappeared entirely. I'm hoping that they have not been removed just because you disagree with their content. Please educate us on how and why some posts are removed.”Thanks for asking. I have removed two comments. One was my own, because I’d made an error and I I wanted to correct it. The other contained the personal email of the KKCR board chairman, and I didn’t think it was appropriate to post that.As for other comments “disappearing,” I can’t be certain of that, as I don’t track comments on the site, I just review copies of the comments that Blogger sends to me via email. However, I believe persons with Blogger (and perhaps Google) accounts can delete their own comments, so that may have happened.I welcome all points of view and will not remove a comment, even if I disagree with the content.Mahalo to everyone for reading and adding your comments. I enjoy and appreciate the interaction.
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-rat-patrol.html
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Musings: Rat Patrol
They woke Koko and me up several times in the night, and once I got to thinking about the problems at KKCR and couldn’t easily fall back to sleep. I don’t want to be thinking about anything at 2 a.m., much less our troubled community radio station.There’s a board meeting tonight that promises to be lively, although I’ve got an interview and won’t be able to attend. And anyway, I’m not convinced the problems are solvable. The Board, which is self-elected, has no incentive to change, and those who are most entrenched at the station have either adopted the “circle the wagons” approach to criticism, the old “head in the sand” tact of total denial or a hybrid of the two.Still, I do commend the station’s paid staff for taking questions about the station during last Thursday’s call-in show, although reportedly the first part, which I didn’t hear, consisted of the kind of staged queries that got Hillary Clinton in trouble. I did mange to get on the air at the very end and asked about the station’s termination and reinstatement policies.Apparently, they have none. Station manager Gwen Palagi acknowledged that the brouhaha had exposed several operational flaws at the station, including the lack of human resources policies. She said she is trying to rectify that situation, which is great.However, in the absence of any clear policy, actions taken to suspend Kaiulani, Jimmy and Katy can only be viewed as arbitrary and capricious, and cannot be reasonably defended. Gwen said she was open to suggestions on how to deal with human resources, since it’s not her forte, so I’ll give her one: Put those three back on the air immediately, with an apology, and change the schedule so Kaiulani doesn’t follow Noel Brooks. It's a simple act that could go a long way toward healing hurt feelings and washing the egg off the station's face.
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-clones-and-squealers.html
Friday, January 18, 2008
Musings: Clones and Squealers
However, it seems there was a bit of movement toward reform at the KKCR board meeting the other day. Station manager Gwen Palagi announced the staff is going to seek grants to acquire remote-broadcasting equipment and pursue a remote broadcasting relationship with Storybook Theatre in Hanapepe. This will allow people to do programs without having to come into the Princeville station. She also plans to create a human resources task force to review its volunteer policies, engage in more comprehensive community outreach, issue a “report to the listeners” on station business monthly, and initiate a mediation process regarding the suspended programmers.Those are all positive steps in the right direction, and a hat tip to Katy Rose for the report. Board member Marj Dente called in on a talk show yesterday and said about 60 people came to the meeting — four times the number that has ever shown up before — and most of the 16 who spoke expressed support for the station, but also concerns. I was surprised to hear Marj say KKCR has just 700 to 800 members, which is defined by those who give money to the station, myself among them. While that’s fairly good for one organization on Kauai, it’s still a fraction of the island’s population, and my bet is most of the members have North Shore zip codes, myself not among them.Overall, I think the recent unrest has been a good wake up call for the station, because I often pick up this dreamy tone of unreality over the air when programmers wax on about how KKCR is this big ohana that represents the entire island. With 700 or 800 members, it obviously doesn’t
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http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/01/musings-stormy-weather.html
Monday, January 28, 2008
Musings: Stormy Weather
The moon, just a hair more than half full, guided Koko and me on our nippy 5 a.m. walk this morning, but brisk winds soon blew in thick, gray clouds that made for a wet, chilly dawn.Those same strong winds have also whipped up the seas, prompting Hawaii Superferry to cancel voyages yesterday and today, and tomorrow’s service — to use the word loosely — is also in doubt. So that means anyone who took the boat to Maui on Saturday is stranded on the Valley Island. Do you suppose that unreliability might have anything to do with the vessel’s steadily dwindling passenger load?I keep wondering when all those gung ho Oahu residents are going to put their money and barf bags where their mouths are; after all, they were the ones clamoring for a service RIGHT NOW that they’re obviously not using.Meanwhile, the Star-Bulletin, apparently operating under the premise of better stale than never, today picked up the KKCR institutional racism story. It’s fascinating to see little bits of the story, which are slightly different each time, come out in the press. For instance, this one has station manager Gwen Palagi saying there was no reason to hear suspended programmer Kaiulani Huff’s side of the story because her argument with fellow programmer Noel Brooks was broadcast and recorded.Huh? What about the charge that she was abusing station equipment by throwing headphones? That couldn’t possibly have been recorded. And Gwen, I know you admitted human relations are not your forte, but each person should have a chance to tell his or her side of the story in a personnel dispute.Jimmy Trujillo, who was also suspended, along with Katy Rose, for discussing the situation on air, noted in the article that “only a few voices are being heard on KKCR.”And gee, they just happen to be white, middle-aged male voices. But no, there’s no institutional racism at the station.The article concludes with Gwen repeating the fiction of KKCR as "a community. We are a community radio station."She still doesn’t seem to get the real problem here, which is that KKCR does not fully represent the cultural and ethnic diversity of this island. It is entirely staffed by white people, and white people make up the overwhelming preponderance of its programmers.This is not to say that those individuals are racists. But anyone with any sense of island culture knows that local people are not going to participate in any numbers in an organization they perceive as being predominantly haole — and North Shore haole at that.That’s the reality here. Call it good or bad or whatevahs, it’s still the reality.And until the KKCR board, staff and overly defensive programmers get that into their noggins and take steps to change it — and those steps are actively recruiting locals and making them feel welcome so they bring in some of their friends and so on — it ain’t gonna be a community radio station.Or at least not a radio station that moves beyond the haole community in any significant way.
Posted by Joan at 9:08 AM
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http://homepage.mac.com/juanwilson/islandbreath/2008Year/15-justice_law/0815-03KKCRracism.html
Examining The Question of Racism at KKCR
by Katy Rose on 6 January 2008On December 18, 2007, Ka’iulani Edens Huff, the popular and outspoken host of the “Songs of Sovereignty” program on KKCR (Kaua’i Community Radio) was informed by email that her programming privileges had been “terminated” due to a complaint by another programmer with whom she had had a dispute the previous day.The news spread fast. In fact, Ka’iulani herself learned of it from a third party who had heard a rumor about it. (This breach of confidentiality is but one unseemly aspect of this affair.) Supporters of Ka’iulani and the Hawaiian sovereignty movement immediately flooded the station with emails and phone calls insisting on a proper dispute resolution process instead of the silencing of an important voice from the air. Those who sent emails received a form letter reply from a staff person which stated in part:“KKCR supports the perpetuation and celebration of Hawaiian culture. However, there is a no-tolerance policy against violent / abusive behavior - whether directed against other volunteers, visitors, or station equipment. We have a code of behavior that's required of every DJ - regardless of their race, wealth, religion, political inclination, etc. We're committed to providing a safe environment for every volunteer & visitor who comes to KKCR. It's not about a person or personality - it's about self-discipline and respectful behavior - off the air and on the air.”Ka’iulani’s actions during the dispute with the other programmer, who is a white man, began to be characterized as “violent,” “threatening” and “abusive.” (A witness in the studio at the time of the dispute described a verbal dispute which, though loud in volume and high in emotion, was not “violent.” ) While the white programmer has not been heard from, according to Ka’iulani the flare up of emotions was related to persistent signs of disrespect from him toward herself, her people and her culture. Unfortunately, when people of color resist oppression in our society they are almost always labeled “violent” and “threatening, ” so the use of this rhetoric in Ka’iulani’s case has done nothing but increase suspicion about the motives for her termination.Supporters of station management’s actions have denied that Ka’iulani’s termination was indicative of racism at KKCR, and have insisted that she is simply being held to the same standards as anyone else who volunteers at the station. However, if examined contextually, both positions prove untenable.First of all, it is important to define “racism.” Racism is different from racial prejudice. “Prejudice” is an individual matter; racism is institutional in that it involves one racial group having the power to carry out systematic oppression through the institutions in our society. Individual attitudes and behaviors can reinforce systematic oppression, to be sure. But it is equally true that individuals who would never consider themselves “racist” or who would never say an impolite word to anyone can support systemic racism through tacit acceptance of race-based privileges. It is silly to call the anger and resistance of people of color, or their distrust of white people, “racism” because these reactions do not have any material effect on the privileged position of white people in our society. Even in Hawai’i, where people of color are well-represented in government and civil service, the majority of social privilege and wealth is in the hands of people of European descent. It’s also important to remember that, although this discussion is about racism specifically, there are complex intersections of various forms of oppression always in play: classism, sexism, heterosexism, colonialism, and ableism, to name a few.One of the simplest ways to identify racism is not by peering into another individual’s heart but by observing the material results of structural decisions. For example, statistics demonstrate that people of color in the United States are less wealthy, less healthy and more likely to be imprisoned than white people. Unless one believes that this is the result of some kind of inherent “inferiority,” it is difficult to deny that in the United States there is an identifiable institutionalized racism. But even as racism plays itself out on the macro scale, we can identify micro scales in our own community institutions. KKCR provides a good example of institutionalized racism. Because it is located on Kaua’i, it is immediately suspect that all of its board members and staff and the majority of its volunteers are white. This is vastly out of proportion with the demographics of the community as a whole. We are faced with a choice: are there no people of color involved because they are inherently inferior, or are they not involved as a result of structural decisions? Here are just a couple of factors which may be partly responsible for the under-representation of people of color at KKCR:The station is located on the north shore, in Princeville. This is a remote location for most of the island’s population, and is also the “whitest” area on Kaua’i.The Board of Directors, which is all white, is self-electing, leading to the perpetuation of elections of board members who are known to existing members and similar in class, educational and racial background.Luckily, there are simple, if not easy, solutions to the above conditions. The station can be moved to a major population center on the island, such as Kapaa or Lihue, and become instantly more accessible to a large segment of the community. This is a long-term goal advocated by many in the community. In the short-term, remote broadcasting facilities can be employed to grant greater access to the airwaves to people on all sides of the island. A listener-elected board, such as those which exist at community-controlled radio stations like KPFA in Berkeley, would increase the potential for a more diverse board of directors. Institutionalized racism has a way of self-perpetuating. One of the challenges to making change is that many individuals involved in organizations with this problem become very defensive when confronted with it. They may fear that their jobs or positions are being challenged and threatened if they are part of the privileged group. They may feel that they are being personally accused of racism, and so their pride is hurt. One of the most common reactions is denial of the problem entirely. But actually, analyzing racism in its institutionalized form isn’t about assigning individual blame. It does hold a mirror up to each of us, and it can be frightening to take a look in that mirror. But more importantly, it allows us to focus on concrete solutions, which is liberating to everyone involved.There are many wonderful resources available to people who are sincerely looking for a way to dismantle racism in society. Here are a few recommendations:“White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack,” Peggy McIntosh:http://www.nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivilege.pdfThe Heart of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism and White Privilege, Robert JensenUprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice, Paul KivelIt is my hope that we can work together to build a community radio station which honors the vision of Uncle Butch Kekahu, preserves a medium for information and discussion of Hawaiian sovereignty, and reflects the racially and culturally diverse community in which we are so fortunate to live.To get more involved in solving the problems facing our community radio station, please come to the next KKCR Community Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday, January 23 at 7:00pm, at the Kapaa Neighborhood Center..
http://homepage.mac.com/juanwilson/islandbreath/2008Year/15-justice_law/0815-05KKCRdirtylaundry.html
A “Dirty Laundry” Policy Selectively Enforcedby Katy Rose on 9 January 2008Since December 17, a series of events have shook Kaua’i’s community radio station, KKCR, to the core.What are well-known and undisputed at this point are the following facts:Ka’iulani Edens Huff was terminated from her volunteer programming position as the host of her self-created program, “Songs of Sovereignty.”Jimmy Trujillo and I were “pre-empted” from our regular bi-weekly programming duties as the hosts of the “Out of the Box” program.Behind these undisputed facts are a myriad of unanswered questions which have lately been complicated by rumors, innuendos and even threats of violence.Everyone knows that there are many sides to any story, but in an effort to add some clarity to the situation, I would like to share my perspective on events, and solicit some answers from KKCR management.(I have already gone into great detail in earlier writings about the question of racism at KKCR, and feel no need to expound on that again here.)On December 18, Ka’iulani opened her inbox and was informed by the following email that her programming privileges had been terminated:
December 17, 2007Aloha Ka`iulani,I hope you're having a great holiday season. We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment.For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.Mahalo for your contributions to KKCR during the past months. If you have any questions, please contact me.aloha,donna
One point of clarification needed here is that the headphones in question were Ka’iulani’s own, and that they were never thrown at a person. Another point is that no “attack” took place that morning. A verbal dispute occurred, and certainly not the first one in KKCR history. The question is why was Ka’iulani singled out in this dispute? Was it not a mutual disagreement? To what standard is the other programmer involved being held? And given the value of the Songs of Sovereignty program to an under-served sector of our community, wouldn’t it have been prudent to seek some form of conflict resolution before termination became an option?When these questions were raised by the many concerned citizens who flooded the station with emails and phone calls in the days after Ka’iu’s termination, the explanation for the termination changed. Suddenly, Ka’iulani had a “file” full of complaints against her, a history of FCC violations, and a reputation as a violent and threatening presence in the station building. None of these claims have been verified with any evidence, yet this became the dominant rhetoric employed to explain the station’s actions against her, and throughout the coming weeks, this rather slanderous view would be repeated on the air and left unchallenged by the station. (Ka’iulani does not dispute a “slip-up” on the air that morning, immediately retracting it with an apology. The history of FCC actions in such situations suggests a certain leniency for occasional “slip-ups” on live non-commercial radio, so, while not terrific, this was not a serious threat to the station. Nevertheless, this was never originally offered as a reason for her termination.)On Thursday, December 20, Jimmy Trujillo and I hosted our regular call-in program. After explaining to the listeners that Ka’iulani had been terminated, we opened the phone lines to the community to discuss the issue. We scrupulously avoided name-calling and finger-pointing, but we did not shy away from raising the question of how racism played into the events. At one point, a staff member was invited into the studio by Jimmy to offer up station management’s position. (This caused some confusion in the studio, as I was unaware that the staff member had been invited and interpreted her presence as an inappropriate incursion; later I did apologize to her for my attempts to limit her access to the microphone.) It has been stated since that we were “fishing” for callers who agreed with us. I think this refers to the fact that at one point I mentioned that a particular caller was trying to get through, and invited her to call when the line became open (for some reason, only one phone line into the studio was open, instead of the usual two or three.) But those who have never been in the studio should understand that we do not “screen” callers, and that we do not use a “delay.” On Monday, December 24th, several people felt moved to go to KKCR to protest for the re-instatement of Ka’iulani to the airwaves. It was no secret that we planned to demonstrate. There was no indication that this demonstration was ever intended to cause harm to the station premises or people therein. Yet, when we arrived, we found the station closed and locked down, all regular programming pre-empted, no staff present, and the Kaua’i Police Department alerted to our presence. Under warnings of trespassing, we agreed to move to a public area, at the intersection of Hanalei Plantation Road and Kuhio Highway. We held a peaceful sign-holding protest raising the issue of institutionalized racism at KKCR. A video, now on YouTube, was made of the protest. Our message was clear: we were not accusing individuals of bigotry, but pointing to the structure of KKCR as inherently exclusive and unaccountable to the community.The following Monday, three of us arrived at the grounds of KKCR again. This time, it was to fulfill a request by Ka’iulani that Hale Mawae sit in as a guest host for the “Songs of Sovereignty” program. Again, the station was locked and empty. After waiting in the hope that staff would arrive at 10 am – the start of usual business hours – we left.The following day, Jimmy Trujillo and I received emails informing us that our scheduled program for January 3 had been “pre-empted.” There was no explanation for this action, and we have yet to receive one. We have only the suspicion that we are being suspended for airing “dirty laundry” – which is not an FCC offense but a questionable station policy, considering that it is really the community’s laundry we’re talking about, and the community has a right to inspect it.On Thursday, January 3, Jimmy and I and three supporters arrived at 3:30 to request that we be allowed to broadcast our program, and that we be given an explanation for our “pre-emption.” This time, we arrived to find a locked gate at the top entrance to the road which leads to the station. This gate is normally locked after 6pm and after 2 pm on weekends. I have a key to this gate, but a Princeville Security Guard denied us entry, and told us that the gate at the entrance to the station was also locked. Only specified people were to be allowed entry.Police cars arrived, and we were told to move off Princeville property, which we did. Hale Mawae, however, was arrested shortly thereafter for walking along Hanalei Plantation Road, which is by all accounts a public right-of-way road. He was armed only with a video camera, which was confiscated and has yet to be returned. His arrest – which he did not resist - included an excessive amount of force, with three to four officers wrestling and pinning him to the ground. He suffered injuries and is facing charges for trespassing and resisting arrest.It became clear in the aftermath of Hale’s arrest that a staff person at KKCR had placed the call to police, apparently inflating the “threat” posed by our non-violent presence in the vicinity of KKCR. These kinds of calls, I should point out, tend to inflame police behavior. The programmers brought in to host the program instead of Jimmy and I – Dave Gerow, Bill Rash, and John Gordon – spent the entire show discussing and taking calls about the current controversy. Bill Rash was heard to describe a “mob” trying to “storm the station.” Later in the broadcast, Bill Rash was heard threatening a caller to a fight outside the gates after the show. He was also heard to state that this particular community member had “no right to exist.” Another caller also challenged this particular community member to a fight “in a parking lot,” and was not met by any disclaimer or moderation by the programmers. A third caller aired his dislike of Jimmy and myself, which is fine, and mentioned that he felt we did not “deserve to use the name ‘Out of the Box’” for our program because of our departure from the spirit of original host Michael Van De Veer’s “vision” (also fine.) Dave Gerow and Bill Rash audibly and emphatically agreed with the caller’s assessment of their fellow programmers – a forbidden sign of disrespect according to KKCR protocol. To date, I have heard of no reprimand or consequences for these programmers.Again, on Tuesday, January 8, on the “Kaua’i Soapbox” program, programmers spent the entire program discussing the current controversy with callers, and making false and confusing statements about the reasons for our suspensions. There has been no effort yet by management to clarify and correct this ongoing flood of rumors emanating from KKCR’s airwaves.This raises an important question: is it only “dirty laundry” when you disagree with station policy?
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Dissappeared News
KKCR--setting the record straight
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-setting-record-straight.html
KKCR--setting the record straight Don't miss the graphic at the top of this article by Katy Rose on the Island Breath website: Katy Rose gives her account of events Out of the Washing Machine, On To the Clothesline!
99 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ must-read-essay-on-kkcr-racism.html
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more by Larry Geller Katy Rose has posted a ... a beginning. It seems that KKCR needs to listen. As a radio station, perhaps they are more used ...
107 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more
by Larry Geller
Katy Rose has posted a remarkable essay on the Island Breath Kauai website. Please click on over and check it out. I won't dare to excerpt even a word of it. It's too good.
I describe it as "remarkable" because it's seldom that I see discussions relating a particular incident to larger issues of institutional racism (part of institutional violence) in Hawaii. Mostly there are attack letters when a person of color speaks out, or if there is an altercation of some kind that gets into the newspapers.
Katy includes a link to the classic Peggy McIntosh article, White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, which ought to be basic reading in Hawaii schools. I won't give you a link to it because I'd rather you go via Katy's article.
We may feel that because people from so many backgrounds and ethnicities live here that we don't need to understand racism or discrimination. We surely do. Especially since the conditions around the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian government are still with us today—the matter didn't end a hundred years ago. This means that oppression continues.
Back in North America, there is "diversity training" which often includes a handout of the Peggy McIntosh article, and of course, much more. There are books, workshops, trainings and plenty of community discussion. I attended a session run by leaders of the Oakland Men's Project one day in Oregon. It was an eye opener for me, and I thought I knew the subject. No, we don't instinctively know how other people feel. We are subject to the prejudices of the communities in which we each were brought up. The knapsack idea is a good one.
We can start by listening. It's actually a small start, not sufficient, but perhaps a beginning. It seems that KKCR needs to listen. As a radio station, perhaps they are more used to speaking, but here's a case where regardless of who is right or wrong, listening, getting together, holding discussions, working things out, would be a good thing to try.
It may be hard for them to understand, but the responsibility is on KKCR, regardless of the merits of the issues, to open their gates instead of locking them, to get some snacks on the table and start by just listening. In my humble opinion. Of course, it should go on from there.
Enough from me, please read the article. I do have more to say on institutional violence, but that's for another day.
Technorati Tags: Hawaii, Kauai, KKCR
Permalink posted by Larry @ 1/06/2008 02:22:00 PM
Comments:
mahalo larry for linking this up. i have met many courageous women but none so articulate and insightful than ms rose. her work with the KKCR 'community' is more than provocative and progressive. it is a hard message to hear and a hard conversation to have but if we can 'listen to understand and not to react' we may learn some valuable and important stuff. it is a shame that KKCR has banned her from it's airways.
# posted by Anonymous : 1:23 AM HST
I have never met Katy Rose but I am impressed by her writing and wish I could have heard her on the radio. We need to hear and read more. And from others, too. Over here on Oahu there are plenty of folks ready to stomp on messages like hers. We have a long way to go.
# posted by Larry : 7:44 AM HST
from Andy Parx (posted at Kaua`i Eclectic originally)Charlie,People conflate racISM with race bias. I can dislike you because you are Filipino, Japanese or Haole. That is race bias. But when there is a privileged race that oppresses a under or non-privileged race and uses that privilege to perpetuate their privilege to the detriment of the others, that is racISM. I used to be confused when people said “oh, she can’t be a racist- she’s black”. But I was conflating the terminology of race bias with racism. Race bias is illegal. But racism isn’t and is much more insidious. It has to be judged by the fruits of it. If someone hates people who are bald that is different than living in a society where hairy people get all the jobs and routinely oppress bald people who earn less money, go to worse schools and live in a worse places and are viewed as suspicious by the cops because they are bald. The former have a bias against bald people. the latter would be practicing hairISM.To say, like Dave Gerow said on KKCR last Thursday, “there’s not a racist bone in anyone’s body at KKCR” misses the point and confuses the definitions. I don’t doubt that Dave personally doesn’t dislike Hawaiians or Jews or blacks. But he does perpetuate a system at KKCR where being white is a privilege and that has routinely been used to silence the voice of at least one specific Hawaiian activist because of her speech and her daring to oppose that white privileged power structure that routinely- whether on the conscious part of any individual or not- oppresses Hawaiians by denying them access to the air. That is an “ism” just like “cronyism” but when judged by the visible and indisputable fruits- that brown people are routinely denied access by privileged withes- that is racism by definition.The old term of “institutionalized” racism is redundant and used to deny responsibility by those practicing racism by perpetuating and participating in it. Racism is an act by a privileged class of people of one color to maintain that privilege whether they do it out of hate or ignorance. One practices it by being a member of that class and more so by defending it as “only” institutional. But on that level it is a personal decision whether or not to recognize all this and continue to participate instead of thinking because one has no race bias one can’t possibly practice racismSo denying it exists is worse than the racism itself. It’s the old “I can’t be a racist- some of my best friends are...” Maybe you don’t know how that feels to an oppressed non-privileged person. Maybe I don’t either because I’m a privileged haole. But I do know it means something to those who see it from that position.Something to consider about race and “isms”....
# posted by Anonymous : 2:00 PM HST
Form Andy Parx (potsed originally at Joan conrow's Kauai Eclectic blog(People conflate racISM with race bias. I can dislike you because you are Filipino, Japanese or Haole. That is race bias. But when there is a privileged race that oppresses a under or non-privileged race and uses that privilege to perpetuate their privilege to the detriment of the others, that is racISM. I used to be confused when people said “oh, she can’t be a racist- she’s black”. But I was conflating the terminology of race bias with racism. Race bias is illegal. But racism isn’t and is much more insidious. It has to be judged by the fruits of it. If someone hates people who are bald that is different than living in a society where hairy people get all the jobs and routinely oppress bald people who earn less money, go to worse schools and live in a worse places and are viewed as suspicious by the cops because they are bald. The former have a bias against bald people. the latter would be practicing hairISM.To say, like Dave Gerow said on KKCR last Thursday, “there’s not a racist bone in anyone’s body at KKCR” misses the point and confuses the definitions. I don’t doubt that Dave personally doesn’t dislike Hawaiians or Jews or blacks. But he does perpetuate a system at KKCR where being white is a privilege and that has routinely been used to silence the voice of at least one specific Hawaiian activist because of her speech and her daring to oppose that white privileged power structure that routinely- whether on the conscious part of any individual or not- oppresses Hawaiians by denying them access to the air. That is an “ism” just like “cronyism” but when judged by the visible and indisputable fruits- that brown people are routinely denied access by privileged withes- that is racism by definition.The old term of “institutionalized” racism is redundant and used to deny responsibility by those practicing racism by perpetuating and participating in it. Racism is an act by a privileged class of people of one color to maintain that privilege whether they do it out of hate or ignorance. One practices it by being a member of that class and more so by defending it as “only” institutional. But on that level it is a personal decision whether or not to recognize all this and continue to participate instead of thinking because one has no race bias one can’t possibly practice racismSo denying it exists is worse than the racism itself. It’s the old “I can’t be a racist- some of my best friends are...” Maybe you don’t know how that feels to an oppressed non-privileged person. Maybe I don’t either because I’m a privileged haole. But I do know it means something to those who see it from that position.Something to consider about race and “isms”....
# posted by Anonymous : 2:02 PM HST
what makes this so hard to grapple with is there many elements interelated and independant from each other but since KKCR is on a small rock the incestuous relationships there at the station have created a mutated form of diversity the hip-goisie have created to make them feel inclusive. then there are the deep seated historical conflicts within the original developers. not to be overlooked is the host culture's exploitation by the station(gifts of aloha, my ass!)we want responsible kanaka who no like talk, shaddup and play music. oh yeah and there's a sovereignty movement in the background of this privileged people's pissing match. throw andy parx into the mix and VOLATILITY is what you come up with. glad somebody played the race card to incite the riot!
# posted by Anonymous : 9:00 PM HST
From Katy Rose:Thanks for the words of encouragement here.Bringing up the problem of racism at KKCR has been like poking a hornet's nest with a stick.The white people are claiming it's not true (except for some of us of course.) Most everyone else is nodding in agreement!Lately, I've reflected on how exhausting it is to challenge racism. And I've thought about how people of color have to live with this every day. As a privileged white person, I get to CHOOSE when to take on the issue of racism.The difference there makes me more committed than ever to standing up against injustice. If I don't do it, I'm part of the problem.
# posted by Anonymous : 5:32 AM HST
after listening to today's call in show it apears that there are many who feel that there are different standards and definintions being expressed: 'racism', 'priviledged','cmmunity radio'. how do we agree on these definitions and the standards? who sets them up and who follows them? is it the dominant culture at KKCR, the norhtshore? or is it the people running the programs/shows? is it fair to say that KKCR is not diverse? is there a value to being diverse and if there is how is it expressed at kauai's gated community radio station. would changing the location of the station yield positive results reagrding access to broader community support. island breath.org has another fine kkcr piece by jonathan jay. it proposes to the reader some alternatives and suggestions to challenge the resistance against change at kkcr. another activist calling out the kkcr supporters to hui up and kokua mr jay should be commended for his solution oriented contribution.
# posted by Anonymous : 1:19 AM HST
I don't think there's any shortcut to this, no "official" list of definitions.Back in North America the discussions have gone on for some time and there are countless books, essays, articles on the subject. At the same time, those are the result of umpteen hours of community talks, workshops, discussions, and often difficult or ugly confrontations.It's part of privilege to want these issues to go away quickly, and let things continue as they were.
# posted by Larry : 7:39 AM HST
'It is silly to call the anger and resistance of people of color, or their distrust of white people, “racism” because these reactions do not have any material effect on the privileged position of white people in our society.'While I appreciate the link to the very thoughtful essay, the statement above is factually incorrect. Ask any white kid what it is like to attend a Hawaii public school dominated by angry, mistrustful Hawaiians. The "racial bias" among students in our schools (passed down from parents and others in the community) is indistinguishable from plain ol' racism. It affects the white kids' learning environment, their prospects for the future, and in the worst cases, their immediate physical safety. You may not care, and that may not fit your agenda, but those are the facts. Those white kids have nowhere else to go, and they are most definitely systematically oppressed. Small surprise, they also learn to hate.
# posted by Observer : 11:42 AM HST
It's not a great answer to your comment, but perhaps the white kids are not aware of the recent history of Hawaii and why some other kids might be angry and mistrustful.Or that the white kids have a far better chance to land good jobs later in their career and live longer, healthier lives. They will probably live in more expensive homes and could possibly send their own kids to private school.If they knew, although they are kids and understanding probably comes later, they might at least determine to right the wrongs when they grow up and are able to work at that.There's a whole new branch of discussion under whether oppressors can be said to be oppressed when those they systematically oppress react to the oppression!
# posted by Larry : 11:56 AM HST
From Katy Rose:As a white graduate of a predominantly African-American public school in the 1970's, I disagree with the above analysis.Yes, indeed, many of my school mates were biased against me because of my skin color and what it represented to them. Yes, indeed, I was often quite uncomfortable socially. However, though school might have been a trial for me, I still got to be white in a white-privilege-based society. I am awfully thankful that I went to that school. It taught me to respect the history of African Americans and the struggles the community faces today. It did not teach me to "hate," it taught me to understand, to question, to be compassionate, to seek social justice for oppressed people.There are small pockets in the US where white people sometimes find themselves in the minority and unwelcome. It should teach us, on those rare occasions when we enter those situations, to understand what it's like for people who are in hostile environments most of the time.
# posted by Anonymous : 12:05 PM HST
I didn't mean to offer an analysis. I was making a factual correction. Racial hostility by non-whites can absolutely have a material effect on the "privileged" social position of whites, with Hawaii's schools being an excellent example of same. Those kids I mentioned earlier would howl to see themselves called "privileged." Just ask them what they have experienced, they don't mince words at that age. I'm don't want to dismiss the past, but your logic can be used to justify some monumental ugliness far into the future. There are "small pockets" where whites are not a majority? Well, California, New Mexico and Hawaii now have non-white majorities, and Texas will very soon. Others states will soon follow. What does it imply for the future if we make excuses for actions and prejudices we know to be wrong just because they were perpetrated by non-whites?Why would we want to do that?
# posted by Observer : 5:41 PM HST
"why would we want to do that?"this is a good question yet i don't believe anyone is advocating for that(making excuses or justifying racial ugliness and predjudices). we can not look into the future with hope if we can not look at the actions of the past and deal with them in the present. understanding our biases and confronting our own 'stuff' as victimz or perps in the cage of oppresion, understanding how privilege works and contributes to the ism scism trip. if we do not engage now to educate and enlighten ourselves in learning how to relate to one and other on a base,humane level with respect, dignity and compassion, our future does indeed look grim. still yet, we can make progress when we are willing to listen to the voice that cries foul and stop the action on the field. to play on, when a person asks for a review or calls into question a suspicous move or action, would be considered offensive and poor sportmanship. in deconstructing oppression the oppressed regains parity or acheives a fairgame with the oppressor. clearly we haven't gotten there yet. class issues, race, religious and cultural biases are still prevelant. statistics would prove that the playing field is not level. a level playing filed wont just happen but takes work, excruciating work. ALL parties must come together and be willing to work on the issues at hand to level the field. resistance to change is indicative of the challenges that lay ahead, for KKCR, Hawaii and society at large. new models for CONFLICT RESOLUTION must be found for the micro and macro issues of the day.
# posted by Anonymous : 11:52 PM HST
Post a Comment
KKCR update
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-update.html
KKCR update by Larry Geller First, a very polished and professionally produced video posted ... , there's an article from today's Garden Island, on the web, KKCR station refutes racism claims. Instead of quoting ... might take note.
109 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Comments:
A while back I did a post about the governance of KKCR and it yielded some interesting comments.The latest Garden Island News story points out that there is presently no Native Hawaiian presence on the board, but the KKCR bylaws provide no method for dissidents to assume seats on the board except, according to the article, for applicants to win approval from the sitting board members. How likely is that? Well, we won't know until a dissident applies and is (or is not) seated, and remember, even if dissidents were to apply and be seated, it would take several years for the dissidents to become a majority on the board.Not that this cumbersome, minimally-democratic process is an entirely unusual type of corporate board governance, by the way...
# posted by Doug : 12:38 PM HST
KKCR's statement that:"KKCR is searching for a responsible Hawaiian DJ to host the ‘The Song of Sovereignty’ program, Lewis said."totally cracked me up. So what? This group of nonHawaiians is going to pass judgement on who is a "responsible Hawaiian"?Kinda like the old "Uncle Tom" responsible blacks.That Ka'iulani would be hesitant about repercussions for saying on air, that this is not the United States but Ka La Nui Hawai'i just goes to show the extreme censorship that the KKCR board is practicing.I am thankful that when Everett Dowling tried to gag the Maui Community TV, Akaku, they were able to continue as a free and open station -- and I mean open to everyone. You can just walk in off the street and they'll help you record a 3 minute statement on whatever is on your mind. They make a big deal of not censoring any topic or opinion. I hope that the Board of KKCR will wake up, take a look at the Akaku standards and policies and open up their process in order to be a real voice of the whole community...not just the sanitized, white-bread, privileged, newcomer community.
# posted by Karen Chun : 1:30 PM HST
karen rox! this is the nail on the head kine stuff. mahalo karen for hitting this one out of the park!peace
# posted by Anonymous : 8:41 PM HST
KKCR - crisis and opportunity
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-crisis-and-opportunity.html
KKCR - crisis and opportunity by Larry Geller There's a great comment over at KauaiEclectic ... we have an opportunity here. You've seen that before, and I think there's a lot of wisdom in it. KKCR ... comment does (read it to see).
111 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Crisis at KKCR?
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ crisis-at-kkcr.html
Crisis at KKCR? by Larry Geller KKCR, the community radio station on Kauai, ... on Hawaii Public Radio (it's now a TV program, carried on public access TV, e.g., Olelo on Oahu). KKCR ...
112 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 32
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Crisis at KKCR?
by Larry Geller
KKCR, the community radio station on Kauai, was the first to broadcast Democracy Now! in the entire state of Hawaii, if I understand correctly. It was the example many of us used in the (unsuccessful) effort to bring the program to Oahu on Hawaii Public Radio (it's now a TV program, carried on public access TV, e.g., Olelo on Oahu).
KKCR has recently started a repeater on Oahu at 104.7, although reception is spotty. It's given KTUH a bit of competition as Hawaii's "only" alternative station.
Now a controversy is brewing, starting with a popular producer being locked out, and another program "pre-empted." It appears the station was also closed during regular business hours while playing canned music, which would appear to be a major violation of FCC rules, as I understand them (I'm no expert). If I understand the rules correctly, there must be someone present to provide access to station logs at any time during normal business hours. That may sound technical, but stations are very familiar with the rules that govern their daily operations. It means that the public can't be locked out. Again, I'm no expert.
It would be a pity if a rift is created between KKCR and its loyal listener base. I saw this happen before when Pacifica Foundation went berserk and interfered with its fiercely independent local station producers, staff and management, and even threatened to sell off WBAI in New York because of the value of the station's license and frequency spot on the crowded New York FM dial. The result was a massive revolt and confrontation.
In the end, Pacifica stations have listener-controlled boards. That's right, listeners elect the management of the stations. Imagine, for a moment, that listeners elected the Hawaii Public Radio board. Would the programming be the same or different? Who knows, but you see what I mean. Some radio stations pollute your brain with endless commercials, others take your money but you have no say in the programming, and there are a few where, if you contribute as a member, you get to vote.
So KKCR is in the lockout stage. I hope they understand that their listeners, formidable enough to stave off even a Superferry, must persevere in the end. The best thing to do is to avoid a Pacifica-style confrontation, if it comes to that.
Sitting here on Oahu I have no idea how Kauai listeners feel. Who is right or wrong is not something I can or should say. I do know the value of non-commercial radio, and would hate to lose KKCR for that reason. We could use a KKCR of our own on Oahu.
To follow this ongoing situation, you need to dig into the comments on Joan Conrow's KauaiEclectic website. The article is here. Go down to the comments. Add your own if you feel strongly on this, one way or the other.
For sure, KKCR will be reading along. May they get the message.
Technorati Tags: Hawaii, Kauai, KKCR, Pacifica Foundation, WBAI, public radio
Permalink posted by Larry @ 1/02/2008 10:12:00 AM
Comments:
what a shame if the crisis at kkcr continues to escalate. the decision to 'punish' katy and jimmy for allowing the dialogue to roll on air is telling. no clear outcomes presenting as of yet. the decision to 'terminate' ka'iulani's volunteer privileges is only the tip of the iceberg. valid concerns and charges of sytemic and institutional racism have not been addressed. denial and silence have not been helpful in furthering the dialogue. apologies and acknowlegment of mistakes are in order
# posted by kapahi youth : 12:15 AM HST
howdy the program director has put out a public statement and addressed why Ka'iulani was dismissed. it had nothing to do with racism, but conduct in the studio. please read official statement below.December 17, 2007Aloha Ka`iulani,I hope you're having a great holiday season.We recognize your contributions to KKCR, and appreciate the value and passion of your program. However, we are fundamentally committed to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment for every volunteer and visitor to KKCR.Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment.For your information, this action was generated and supported solely by the staff, independent of input from volunteers.Mahalo for your contributions to KKCR during the past months. If you have any questions, please contact me.aloha,donna (program director)
# posted by Anonymous : 8:47 AM HST
[Quote];Due to your verbal abuse of a fellow DJ this morning (both off and on-air), as well as your disregard for equipment (throwing headphones), your DJ privileges at KKCR have been terminated, effective immediately. It’s never OK to attack another DJ, volunteer or staff member, and it’s not OK to be careless with or damage station equipment..........................It appears of Program Director, Donna Lewis' attempt to cover her "assets". After hearing the various versions of the actions of the KKCR staff, programmers, and volunteers, the deplorable actions of Dawn Jewell, Dave Gerow, and Bill Rash, racist and violent behaviour (on and off the air)constitutes dismissal. their actions contradicts what Donna Lewis expresses in her letter. It demonstrates how hypocritical and disrespectful the staff is and shows how inept and manipulative they are. They are not fooling anyone as those actions are all too typical of some people from the USA. I think the word for that type of mentality is related to manifest destiny.
# posted by Tane : 3:09 AM HST
indeed, you are correct. Simple rules of FCC access state that a non commercial station MUST, during regular business hours, make their license and logs accessible to a member of the community. SEe my notes on Joan's blog
--------------------------
http://poinography.com/?p=3532
11/25/2006
Anybody have insight into KKCR?
Filed under: HI Media, Neighbor Islands — Doug @ 9:36 am
I noticed a letter to the Garden Isle News editors today that alleges an ongoing pattern of “illegal” elections of board members for the community radio station KKCR.
In the weak moments of our early growing pains, a selfish and arrogant group of people took over the board, illegally changing definitions in the bylaws to remove voting rights of the general membership and establishing themselves in sole control. One of them is still on the board. To this day, there has never been an annual general membership meeting or a vote by the subscribing members, who have been reduced to being only cash cows and cheerleaders for fund-raising.
Anyone know the history of this? Out of curiosity, I am listening to the streaming audio from the station right now, and it seems to run HPR-style programming. Certainly nothing I’d refer to as “commercialized.” However, I’m wondering if this letter is an early warning of another Akaku-style power grab of a community media asset.
6 Comments »
As one who supported the establishment of KKCR from afar (while living on the USA mainland) through my deep friendship with Butch Kekahu (for whom our governing Board was named), and as one who served as a member on that Board, and as one who is a programmer at KKCR, let me put this issue to rest.
Every organization, especially a non-profit such as the Kekahu Foundation and KKCR, will have its dissidents. Those who would like things run THEIR way, instead of following established protocols and procedures. There are no “illegal” elections of Kekahu Foundation board members — the established by-laws are followed (and are posted on kkcr.org for all to see). All Board meetings are announced well in advance (on-air at KKCR; in local newspapers) and the public is welcome to attend (which seems to be the case at every meeting).
As for members being “cash cows and cheerleaders for fund-raising”, this is how public radio works — no commercials, paid short underwriting messages from business supporters once per hour, and the pledge drives (for KKCR, held each Spring, each Fall). Because KKCR streams online (kkcr.org), we are blessed to have a worldwide audience of supportive listeners who gladly open their wallets — just to keep KKCR broadcasting.
KKCR is a community radio station — broadcasting a diverse mix of music and talk, celebrating the community of Kaua`i which it serves. All of this is done with just one full-time and 5 part-time paid staffers, plus a crew of over 70 volunteers who do everything from broadcast to emptying the trash…without complaint, I might add!
DOUG: Thanks for the comment. Do you have anything to add about his allegation of the by-laws being changed to move away from a more open style of governance?
Comment by Auntie Maria — 11/25/2006 @ 11:25 am
did you get my post? hope you don’t modify the content of my reply. please let me know. mahalo, Mickey sussman www.AnaholaStringedInstruments.com
DOUG: Yes, I got your comment. It sits in a queue until I have a chance to approve them in the evenings, that’s all.
Comment by Mickey Sussman — 1/8/2007 @ 10:26 am
aloha, glad you caught Fred Dente’s article in the Garden Island newspaper. Having lived on Kauai a bit longer than Maria, 35 years to be exact, being a founding member, and being very close to the entire Kekahu family, 2 of my 3 daughters were taught at Anahola PreSchool by Rebecca Kekahu, Butch’s mother, i feel compelled to respond to Maria’s post. Firstly, no one person is authorized to put any issue “to rest”, regardless of which set of by laws are followed. This issue is considered by many not a matter of “dissidents wanting to run the station their way” but rather a simple matter of voting rights for the subscribing members of Kauai Community Radio. Again, considered my many, in the non profit industry, to be the defining quailfication of a community radio station. Most non profits have an annual meting at the members elect the Board of Directors. KKCR is not a private non profit organization. it is a public trust non profit, which is funded largely by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It is mandated by this CPB to have a Community Advisory Board in order to qualify for its large share of public funding it recieves annually. The CAB is mandated to review the programming and policies of KKCR to ensure it is meeting its responsibility of serving the educational and cultural needs of the entire community . Voting rights for subscribing members has been identified by the CAB as the single most important issue KKCR faces to follow its mission statement. This determination has been made at the request of members of all segments of out culturally diverse communities, which , again, are mandated to be served by KKCR. Its original Articles of Incorporation provide for an annual meeting at which all subscribing members have the opportunity to vote for the Board of Directors of the Kekahu Foundation, which hires management and makes major policy decisions for KKCR. KKCR has never had an annual membership meeting, largely because theoriginal by laws were changed, without the consent of the membership, by a group of people who removed voting rights from the membership and installed themselves as “the board”. This is not an allegation, it is a fact. To this day the Board of Directors of the Kekahu Foundation is elected by itself. Secondly as far as by laws being “posted” on the web site, board meetings being publically “announced” and “open” to the public, these were all recommendations of the CAB that after many years, and the “election” of new board members , were finally adopted. Although KKCR is truely a blessing for the island of Kauai, it remains ripe with conflict of interest. The reference to “cash cows” refers to the fact that subscribing members have “simply put” little or no input as to decisions on the direction KKCR is going, this is not the way public radio works. i.e. boardcasting on Oahu or more live broadcasting of events on Kauai and station location if the station looses its leasewhich seems emenent. Many would like to see a more central location or perhaps a more central “satelite” location, providing easier access for more of the island population. Voting is the American way. i refer you to the post on KKCR’s web site forum for a complete discussion of this issue by the CAB. Personally, i thought we settled this issue 200 years ago. Generally speaking , things work better when everyone participates in the discussion, thats how we find solutions we can all live with. “celebrating” is not the same as participating, no matter how great the music is, there is no excuse for denying voting rights to the membership. And lasty, i find it disturbing, and an indication of how things really are at KKCR, that Maria sees the issue of democracy at KKCR as a complaint…. mahalo for your post Doug. you are welcome to attend a meeting of the CAB as well as a Kekahu Board meeting to see for yourself how business is conducted at KKCR. mahalo, Mickey Sussman, Vice President of KKCR Community Advisory Board.
Comment by Mickey Sussman — 1/8/2007 @ 4:55 pm
thanks for the quick reply doug. this whole issue of voting rights for KKCR’s mambership is very important. please let me know if you need any more information, i can put you in touch with founding incorporator Fred Dente , who wrote the article and his wife Marj, who is currently a Kekahu Board member. Also i forgot to mention the importance of this issue of voting rights was documented in a community survey undertaken by the CAB at the request of the Kekehu Board. Over two-thirds of those who responded stated they want the membership to directly elect the Board. At the next Kekahu Board meeting a motion will again be brought up to form a commettee to research a plan for including the members in the election of Board members that is fair and we can all live with. You are most welcome to attend. i can emeil you with the date. The meeting was supposed to be tomorrow, wed. the 10th, but was postponed by the president Harvey Cohen….. mahalo again, Mickey Sussman CAB vice-president.
Comment by mickey sussman — 1/9/2007 @ 6:52 am
The Kekahu Board of Directors meeting has been rescheduled for Feb. 7th at 7 pm at the Polynesia Cafe at the north end of Kapaa. At this meeting a motion is expected to be made to act on the Community Advisory Board’s recommendation to re-establish voting rights for the subscribing members of KKCR, Kauai Community Radio. Those interested in restoration of voting rights are encouraged to attend. The meeting is open to the public. Mahalo, Mickey Sussman Vice President Community Advisory Board KKCR,Kauai Community Radio
Comment by Mickey Sussman — 1/31/2007 @ 8:11 pm
Hi Doug, I’d like to comment on the Kekahu Foundation/KKCR membership voting rights controversy. First, I’d like to tell you that, as we speak, the foundation’s governance committee is reviewing and researching whether to change the bylaws to include voting rights for the membership, which existed in our founding documents. My signature is on those founding documents as the original secretary of the non-profit corporation.I’ve included the governance committee update at the end of my comments. Tonight, the committee will be having it’s second meeting to move the process along. After several failed attempts over the years to restore democracy, I feel pretty good about the energy and the vibe on the committee this time around. I hope to report to you soon that we were successful in our efforts to bring democracy back to KKCR, and sunshine back into the Kekahu Foundation boardroom.You stated that you were wondering if my 11/25/06 letter to the Garden Island “…is an early warning of another Akaku-style power grab of a community media asset.” Actually, the power grab already happened in late ‘95 and early ‘96. For 11 years, some of us have been trying to restore the democratic process to what has turned into an oligarchy of 9 board members electing themselves and their friends and making ALL the governance decisions for the 750+ paying members. Those decisions, some of which have been very unpopular, concern the future and direction of the foundation and the radio station. As a volunteer powered, membership driven community asset, the paying membership should be allowed to vote for it’s own destiny, especially since it was originally and legally set up that way. If we had set up the foundation as a board driven organization, the case for voting rights would be harder for us to demonstrate.The comments on your website by �Auntie Maria� on 11/25/06, do nothing but to demonstrate her total ignorance of the facts and the history about this issue. Or, maybe her comments come from avoidance and a defensiveness to protect the status quo of the private club to which she belonged, the self electing Board of Directors? By dismissing me as a �dissident� and by saying �…let me put this issue to rest.�, she places herself with the group who argue against democratic principles and those who want to sweep the ugly history of a very hostile takeover, and it’s ramifications, under the rug. Just like the holocaust denials and the denials of U.S colonial occupations of Hawai`i, Puerto Rico, The Philipines, Native American lands, Iraq, etc, etc…, they say, �that was then, this is now.� And, �don’t remind us of all that, it’s negative and destructive�, and �it’s good for the country and the community�. Those who suffer from the takings are just �collateral damage�. Ashas been shown countless times throughout history, to avoid and refuse to address mistakes and crimes of the past has always come back to haunt us. At least, there has been a tremendous amount of wasted energy and resources spent to reinvent the wheel, because of some people’s lack of concern, or of an attention span beyond the present moment, or because of some hidden reason not to have full disclosure.I plan to write and publish an extensive history of our community radio station, but right now the history is still unfolding. I do want to let you and your readers know that there are many of us who are putting in hundreds of volunteer hours working hard to bring democracy to our institutions that have gone astray. I believe that American democracy is in crisis, and where better to start than our own backyards!
Malama Pono, FredDente.
Press Release March 15, 2007To: Friends of Kaua`i Community Radio
On Tuesday, March 6, 2007, the first meeting of the Kekahu Foundation Governance Committee was held at Cafe Coco, in Wailua. The Kekahu Foundation is the governing body of KKCR-FM in Princeville, Kaua`i’s volunteer driven non-profit community radio station. Currently, there are 11 members of the committee, made up of Board of Director members, Community Advisory Board members, Founders, and KKCR programmers. In addition, there are several other community members who are included in the process.It is the goal of the Governance Committee to review, research and recommend to the Board of Directors, suggested changes to the bylaws. The committee has 14 bylaw changes to consider, and may add others as the work progresses. Committee members have said that they want to help contribute to a model set of bylaws for this important community owned asset.
The most significant bylaws changes that will be considered are related to the future roles of subscribing members in electing the Board of Directors and voting on other issues. Currently, all decision-making authority, including the authority to elect new directors, is vested in the existing directors. The committee will consider whether and how to expand the voting rights of the subscribing members to give them a greater say in the direction of the Kekahu Foundation and KKCR, ultimately bringing their recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Committee members and others were given homework to contact and research at least 12 successful Kaua`i non-profits, that are governed democratically by vote of the membership. In addition, committee members will be contacting and researching community radio stations on the mainland that are run by various governance models. Other important bylaw provisions up for review will be Proxy Voting and Term Limits of Board members, and a number of housecleaning updates.
The next meeting of the Kekahu Foundation Governance Committee will be on Monday, March 26, 2007, from 7-9PM, at 2363 Pu`u Rd., Hale Kupuna Senior Housing, in Kalaheo. As with all meetings of the Kekahu Foundation, the general public is welcome to attend and offer input. Please carpool, parking is limited. We will provide to the media and the public regular updates of our progress.
Stay Tuned, FredDente
Comment by Fred Dente — 3/26/2007 @ 4:47 pm
---------------------
http://poinography.com/index.php?s=kkcr
1/8/2008
KKCR fabricates a reason for prior restraint
Filed under: HI Media, Neighbor Islands — Doug @ 8:30 pm
I’m not going to dabble in the story that Joan Conrow, Charley Foster, and Larry Geller are more invested in, but a segment of this Garden Island News story about the latest KKCR imbroglio made my wonk senses tingle. The station locked its gate recently when dissidents were trying to enter the station, and the article has this from KKCR program director Donna Lews:
Lewis added that protecting the FCC license meant keeping people out of the station, noting, “we did receive threats that people were going to go on the air. We are a commercial-free station. We’re not allowed to do a call to action.”
Hmmm. That sounds like Lewis expected people to forcefully take the microphone and broadcast calls for (at least, radio) revolution. A bit melodramatic, in my opinion, but, after I did some checking I believe that the “call to action” prohibited by the FCC refers only to non-commercial stations getting too aggressive with their advertisements underwriting acknowledgements:
Announcements containing a call to action are not permissible. Examples of such announcements are:– “Stop by our showroom to see a model”;– “Try product X next time you buy oil.”
The implication made by Lewis is that the FCC will not allow non-commercial stations to produce broadcasts that “call” on the listeners to take political action regarding the internal governance of the station. Not true, not by a long shot.
Comments (3)
-------------
August 9, 2008
Mr. Craig De Costs
Prosecuting Attorney
County of Kauai
3990 Kaana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
Re: January 3, 2008 Arrest Near KKCR Facilities in Princeville
Aloha Mr. De Costa,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Kekahu Foundation, the organization that is responsible for the operation of radio station KKCR in Princeville.
On the afternoon of January 3, 2008, the Kauai Police Department responded to a request for KPD’s presence to ensure that KKCR’s facilities, which are located on private property, would not be threatened by any activities that might occur as a result of a “call to action” that was planned by some members of the public at KKCR’s facilities.
In the course of events that followed, one of the members of the public, Mr. Hale Mawae, was arrested. The Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors has no knowledge of the events surrounding Mr. Mawae’s arrest, and has no grounds to offer any opinion on that matter. We do, however, strongly disagree with any assertions that have been made to the effect6 that the Kekahu Foundation’s Board, management or staff had any hand in the events that transpired between Mr. Mawae and the KPD.
Nonetheless, the Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors does recognize that many of the parties who participated in response to the “call to action” may have believed that they were acting in pursuit of the public interest, and that misinformation and miscommunication may have contributed to the misunderstandings on the part of many parties. Therefore, we believe that it would be in the general interest of the entire community for an amicable resolution to bew sought in regard to the events that occlurredon January 3. To that end, the Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors wishes to inform you that the Board does not desire to pursue any legal actions to which the Kekahu Foundation might be entitled in connection with the events of January 3, 2008.
In stating this, we also want to emphasize that we are appreciative of all the assistance that the Kauai Police Department has provided to KKCR and the Kekahu Foundation, both on January 3, 2008 and over the course of KKCR’s existence.
Sincerely,
presented at April 9, 2008 Kekahu Foundation BOD meeting and read aloud/
Personnel Committee Recommendations
April 9,2008
Recommentations to Kekahu Foundation Board of Directors
1 The Personnel Committee will support the Station Manager in her efforts to revise the volunteer handbook by June 1, 2008 prioritizing the Grievance Procedure Policy, Delegation of Authority Policy and Drug Policy.
2 Review and update all job descriptions to ensure consistency with the strategic plan.
3 Review and update job expectations. Job expectations are those performance standards that will exist for every staff position. All job evaluations will be based on the standards
4 Annual job evaluation for Station Manager Position to be conducted by chairman of the Personnel Committee and Chairman of the KFBOD. Important to reiterate the commitment of the KFBOD to support the Station Manager and staff in all their efforts.
5 The Personnel Committee recognizes the need for an affirmative outreach program regarding the Board’s role in determining KKCR programming content. The nature and balance of KKCR’s programming are at the very heart of the Kekahu Foundation’s mssion. It is therefore essential that the Board accept the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that KKVR’s programming mix supports the Kekahu Foundation’s strategic goals. Consequently, one of the objectives of the upsoming strategic planning process should be to re-examine the appropriate roles of the Board, the CAB, station management, and any other groups in ensureing that KKCR’s programming is aligned with the Kekahu Foundation’s goals.
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2006/11/25/opinion/edit01.txt
KKCR direction disturbingNov. 16 on KKCR I was listening to Greg Palast speaking of rigged and stolen elections, and disenfranchised voters. In the ultimate hypocrisy, a most disturbing “election” took place in Princeville on Nov. 8. The Kekahu Foundation, the governing body of KKCR FM radio, held its 11th consecutive illegal election of the Board of Directors, in my opinion. In their version of democracy, nine people vote themselves and their friends onto the board in a revolving door of favoritism, cronyism, selfishness and backroom decision-making. Of the four slots filled on Nov. 8, two are buddies of officers of the corporation and one is a long-standing boardmember who recently said in a board meeting: “What has voting rights have to do with democracy?” The fourth was filled by my wife, Marj, who has become indispensable to the board, even though she is married to me.Ever since the hostile takeover of the board in 1996, the foundation has become more and more commercialized, privatized and unaccountable to its approximately 750 subscribing members. Over the years, there have been several attempts to restore the voting rights to the general membership, all of which were denied. Those voting rights were established in all the original foundation documents, and in the intentions of all the founders. In the weak moments of our early growing pains, a selfish and arrogant group of people took over the board, illegally changing definitions in the bylaws to remove voting rights of the general membership and establishing themselves in sole control. One of them is still on the board. To this day, there has never been an annual general membership meeting or a vote by the subscribing members, who have been reduced to being only cash cows and cheerleaders for fund-raising.If you want to have more of a voice in the direction of our alleged community radio station, please sign my petition, which will force the board to convene a special meeting of subscribing members. If we’re going to change our world, we’ve got to take back control of our institutions.For more info about the petition, contact koikoi@midpac.net or at 823-8162 (mornings).
-----------------------------------
Larry Geller- Dissappeared News- index
http://www.technorati.com/search/kkcr?from=http://disappearednews.com&sub=searchle
KKCR--setting the record straight
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-setting-record-straight.html
KKCR--setting the record straight Don't miss the graphic at the top of this article by Katy Rose on the Island Breath website: Katy Rose gives her account of events Out of the Washing Machine, On To the Clothesline!
102 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ must-read-essay-on-kkcr-racism.html
Must-read essay on KKCR, racism, privilege and more by Larry Geller Katy Rose has posted a ... a beginning. It seems that KKCR needs to listen. As a radio station, perhaps they are more used ...
110 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
KKCR update
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-update.html
KKCR update by Larry Geller First, a very polished and professionally produced video posted ... , there's an article from today's Garden Island, on the web, KKCR station refutes racism claims. Instead of quoting ... might take note.
112 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
KKCR - crisis and opportunity
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ kkcr-crisis-and-opportunity.html
KKCR - crisis and opportunity by Larry Geller There's a great comment over at KauaiEclectic ... we have an opportunity here. You've seen that before, and I think there's a lot of wisdom in it. KKCR ... comment does (read it to see).
114 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
Crisis at KKCR?
http://disappearednews.com/ 2008/ 01/ crisis-at-kkcr.html
Crisis at KKCR? by Larry Geller KKCR, the community radio station on Kauai, ... on Hawaii Public Radio (it's now a TV program, carried on public access TV, e.g., Olelo on Oahu). KKCR ...
115 days ago by lgeller in Disappeared News · Authority: 33
2008 BOD Members term expires
Sandy Brodie 08
Marj Dente 09
Richard Fernandez 08
John Gordon 10
Carl Imparato 09
Larry Lasota 10
Palo Luckett 10
Steve Thatcher 08
Rita Peeters (resigned) 09
2007 BOD Members
Sandy Brodie 08
Harvey Cohen 07
Marj Dente 09
Richard Fernandez 08
Carl Imparato 09
Rita Peeters 09
Robin Savage (resigned) 08
Kilipaki Vaughn 07
Richard Whitman 07
2006 BOD Members
All above in 2007 plus
Michael Guilbeault 06
Ann West-Tickle 06
Larry Lasota (resigned) 07
to become St. Mgr.
(not Richard Whitman)
2005 BOD Members
All above in 2006 plus
Noel Brooks 05
Larry Lasota 07
Michael Van de Veer 05
2004 BOD Members
All above in 2005 plus
Tina Castro 06
Cindy Combs(resigned) 04
Kima Douglas 04
Maria Hickling (resigned) 05
Sandy Swift 05
KEKAHU FOUNDATION COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
KKCR Community Advisory Board Membership list.
President: Fred Dente
Vice-President: Mickey Sussman
Secretary: Pua Nani Rogers
Kelly Ball
Larry Magnussen
Paul Moody
Dr. Arnold Nurock
Kimie Sadoyama
Mary Stone
Mahelani Sylva
Steve Yoder
Katy Rose
Jimmy Trujillo
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