HONOLULU (KHON2) — The House voted in favor of President Trump’s $9 billion cut to eliminate previously agreed upon funding for public broadcasting. PBS Hawaii, Hawaii Public Radio and Hawaii representatives have responded to the pressing issue.
“America does not need more news deserts, polarization and misinformation. But that is the grim accomplishment of this damaging act,” said Meredith Artley, President and CEO of HPR.
PBS Hawaii and HPR want to reassure the community that they are not going anywhere in response to the rescission of funds that aid local public media.
“We have a choice: to fold up the tent and go home or reaffirm our mission of public service by being a multi-media organization that informs, uplifts, and unites. We choose the latter,” said Ron Mizutani, PBS Hawaii President and CEO.
With the long-time support from the community, PBS Hawaii and HPR have hopes to evolve and adapt in such unprecedented times. They said they will find new ways to continue being a place to share stories, culture, and perspectives that make our islands so unique.
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“We are grateful we have savings that can help in this critical moment, but that pool is not infinite,” said Artley. “Despite being forced to operate from this weakened financial position, we believe that in this moment we can strengthen HPR. That’s because we have longstanding support from the people we exist to serve, and a well-run operation that delivers a unique and valued service.”
“For more than 60 years, PBS Hawaii has been a trusted, independent source of information, culture and education,” said Mizutani. “This moment calls for us to rise with intention and clarity.”
PBS Hawaii officials said they had been preparing for this possibility for more than two years. They have made intentional and disciplined efforts to strengthen long-term sustainability by making cost-saving decisions that reduce federal funding dependence while still upholding the networks integrity and standards.
“Public broadcasting serves as a lifeline for rural and underserved communities, providing essential educational content and emergency alerts in times of crisis. But this rescissions package will now force radio and television stations across the country to make difficult decisions,” said U.S. Representative for Hawaii, Jill Tokuda.
The $40 million addition to FY2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill for the Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) reiterates the vital role public television plays in emergency preparedness and community safety.
PBS Hawaii recently completed the replacement of the KMEB Maui transmitter through NGWS funding. The new system ensures residents of Maui and Hawaii counties to have reliable over-the-air access to programming and urgent emergency alerts.
Other Democratic political figures from Hawaii have spoken out and all seem to agree on the threat posed to public safety.
“Public TV and radio stations deliver news, emergency alerts, weather forecasts, health information, public safety announcements, and election coverage. Stations like HPR tell local stories that no one else does. To gut all of that overnight, in the name of finding savings or to punish certain outlets that Donald Trump doesn’t like is unacceptable,” said Brian Schatz, Hawaii Senator.
“Change often opens doors new doors,” said Mizutani. “But growth takes courage, it means stepping through those doors, even when it feels uncertain. Our team believes we’re in this moment for a reason; to serve with purpose and intention. We hope our viewers and supporters continue walking alongside us on this journey.”