Native Hawaiian Media Ownership: Why the OHA’s TV Station Debate Matters for Local Journalism and Cultural Representation
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) recently rejected a proposal to purchase KITV-KIKU, Hawaii’s top-rated ABC affiliate, sparking discussions about media ownership, Native Hawaiian representation, and the future of local broadcasting. While the board ultimately voted against the $172,000 due diligence fund, the debate highlights broader trends in media consolidation, cultural preservation, and the role of public agencies in shaping narrative control. Here’s what this decision—and the larger conversation—means for Hawaii’s media landscape.
— ### The Media Ownership Crisis in Hawaii: Why Does It Matter? Hawaii’s broadcast media has undergone dramatic shifts in recent years. Allen Media Group (AMG), led by billionaire Byron Allen, acquired KITV in 2020 for $30 million and later bought KIKU for $2 million. These transactions were part of AMG’s aggressive expansion, which included stations in 21 markets nationwide. But the consolidation raises concerns about local control, editorial independence, and cultural representation—especially in a state where Native Hawaiian voices are often underrepresented in mainstream media.
Did you know? Hawaii’s three major TV news outlets—KITV, KGMB, and KHON—are all owned by corporate chains. Only one, Hawaii Public Radio, operates as a non-profit with a mission to serve the community.
The OHA’s proposal to explore purchasing KITV-KIKU was framed as a way to amplify Native Hawaiian perspectives in a media environment where federal funding cuts threaten programs like Hawai‘i TV and other culturally focused channels. Board Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele referenced Māori TV in New Zealand as a model, where Indigenous ownership has led to greater representation of Māori stories, language, and values in broadcasting.
Pro Tip: Indigenous media ownership isn’t just about news—it’s about cultural sovereignty. In Canada, the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) has become a cornerstone for Indigenous storytelling, proving that community-owned media can thrive with the right support.
— ### The Financial and Strategic Challenges: Why the OHA Walked Away Despite the compelling case for Native Hawaiian media ownership, the OHA board ultimately rejected the proposal. Key concerns included: 1. Financial Risk – Trustee Keliʻi Akina argued that OHA’s plate is already full with housing development projects in Kakaʻako-Makai and Iwilei, calling media ownership a “complex, financially risky” venture. The potential liabilities of running a TV station—from regulatory compliance to operational costs—were seen as too high for an agency primarily focused on housing and economic development. 2. Mission Drift – Critics questioned whether diverting funds toward media acquisition would dilute OHA’s core mandate. The agency’s mission revolves around affordable housing, civic engagement, and Native Hawaiian self-sufficiency—not media production. 3. Public Perception – There’s a fine line between advocacy and neutrality. If OHA owned a news outlet, some feared it could undermine credibility, especially in an era where trust in media is already fragile.
Recent Data: A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that 63% of Americans distrust news organizations they see as politically biased. In Hawaii, where local media is already scrutinized for corporate influence, Indigenous ownership could either rebuild trust—or raise new concerns about bias.
— ### The Broader Implications: What This Means for Hawaii’s Media Future The OHA’s decision doesn’t mean the conversation is over. In fact, it’s just one chapter in a larger narrative about who controls Hawaii’s story. Here’s what’s at stake: #### 1. The Threat of Federal Funding Cuts to Hawaiian Programs Hawai‘i TV, a digital network featuring Native Hawaiian programming, relies heavily on federal grants. With proposed budget cuts looming, local advocates fear a loss of cultural content. If OHA had moved forward with KITV-KIKU, it could have secured a stable platform for Hawaiian-language and Indigenous-focused programming—something corporate owners may not prioritize. #### 2. The Rise of Alternative Media Models While traditional broadcast ownership remains out of reach for many, digital-first and community media are growing. Examples include: – Native Media Projects like Native Partnership, which supports Indigenous journalists. – Public Access Channels in Hawaii, such as Leeward Community Media, which provide free airtime for local voices. – Podcasts and YouTube Networks like Hawai‘i Public Radio’s digital initiatives, which reach younger audiences.
Reader Question: *”If OHA isn’t buying a TV station, what’s the best way for Native Hawaiians to ensure their stories are told?”* Answer: Grassroots solutions like crowdfunded media projects, partnerships with universities (like UH Mānoa’s journalism program), and leveraging social media can fill the gap. Organizations like Hawaiian Language Alliance are already doing this through digital content.
#### 3. The Global Trend: Indigenous Media Ownership Works—If Structured Right Looking beyond Hawaii, successful Indigenous media models prove that ownership = influence: – Māori TV (New Zealand): Since its launch in 2004, it has become a cultural powerhouse, with 90% of its programming made by Māori. – Aboriginal Media Australia: Organizations like NITV (now part of SBS) have increased Indigenous representation in Australian media. – Inuit Broadcasting Corporation (Canada): The first Indigenous-owned TV network in Canada, it serves remote Arctic communities.
Case Study: When KHON2 (Fox affiliate) faced layoffs in 2023, local journalists and community groups formed “Hawaii News Collective”—a nonprofit aiming to fill the void with hyper-local, independent reporting. Could this be a model for OHA’s future involvement?
— ### What’s Next for Native Hawaiian Media? 3 Possible Pathways The OHA’s rejection doesn’t mean the fight for Native Hawaiian media control is over. Here are three realistic next steps: #### 1. Strategic Partnerships Over Full Ownership Instead of buying a station outright, OHA could: – Invest in local digital media startups (e.g., funding a Native Hawaiian news app). – Partner with universities (like UH Mānoa’s College of Social Sciences) to train Indigenous journalists. – Collaborate with public broadcasters (e.g., co-producing content with Hawai‘i Public Radio). #### 2. Advocacy for Policy Changes OHA could push for: – Federal grants specifically for Indigenous media (similar to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s diversity initiatives). – Local regulations requiring corporate media owners (like AMG) to allocate airtime to Native Hawaiian programming. – Tax incentives for community-owned media in Hawaii. #### 3. Building a Grassroots Media Ecosystem The most sustainable path may be decentralized media ownership, where: – Nonprofits (like Hawaiian Language Alliance) produce content. – Citizen journalists use platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Substack to share stories. – Tribal organizations (like OHA itself) fund investigative reporting. — ### FAQ: Your Questions About Native Hawaiian Media Ownership
Q: Could OHA still get involved in media without buying a TV station?
Yes! OHA could fund media projects, partner with nonprofits, or lobby for policy changes that support Indigenous journalism. For example, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting offers grants for diverse media—OHA could advocate for similar programs in Hawaii.
Q: Why didn’t OHA just buy a smaller station or digital platform instead?
Smaller stations (like low-power FM radio or digital-only outlets) are cheaper, but they lack the reach and infrastructure of KITV-KIKU. OHA may have seen this as a high-risk, low-reward move without a clear path to sustainability.
Q: Are there other examples of government agencies owning media?
Yes! In Alaska, the Alaska Native Media Fund supports Indigenous journalism. In Australia, the government funds Aboriginal Community Media through grants. However, these models require long-term funding commitments—something OHA may not have had.
Q: What can regular people do to support Native Hawaiian media?
– Donate to Indigenous media nonprofits (e.g., Hawaiian Language Alliance). – Share Native Hawaiian content on social media. – Demand that corporate media (like KITV) increase coverage of Hawaiian issues. – Support local journalism through subscriptions (e.g., Hawaii News Now’s membership program).
Q: Will this debate affect the 2026 elections in Hawaii?
Possibly! The OHA board approved $250,000 for political forums, showing that media and elections are closely linked. Candidates may now face questions about media consolidation, cultural representation, and OHA’s role—making this a key issue for voters.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge for Indigenous media in Hawaii?
Funding. Most Native Hawaiian media rely on grants, donations, or corporate partnerships—none of which are stable. Without sustainable revenue, many projects struggle to survive beyond a few years.
— ### The Bottom Line: Media Ownership is About More Than News—It’s About Power The OHA’s decision to reject KITV-KIKU doesn’t mean Native Hawaiian media is doomed. Instead, it’s a call to action—one that requires creativity, collaboration, and long-term vision. Whether through partnerships, policy changes, or grassroots innovation, the goal remains the same: ensuring that Hawaii’s stories are told by Hawaiians, for Hawaiians.
Your Turn: How do you think Native Hawaiian media should evolve? Should OHA explore other options, or is this issue better left to private hands? Share your thoughts in the comments—or subscribe for more updates on Hawaii’s media landscape.
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