Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeHawaii TV stations to go digital one month before national DTV transition

Hawaii TV stations to go digital one month before national DTV transition

HONOLULU (KHNL) - A nesting bird on Mt. Haleakala on Maui is responsible for an early big switch to digital television here in Hawaii.

The Hawaiian petrel breeds on the mountain in early winter, so the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended that Hawaii television stations dismantle their analog transmission facilities on Haleakala in advance of the national DTV switch set for February 17th next year.

The early transition to DTV has the support and attention of Senator Daniel Inouye.

"I am pleased that Hawaii's broadcasters have volunteered to lead the nation in the transition from analog to digital television," said Senator Inouye. "The prospect of digital television is exciting and I am delighted that ours will be the first state to realize its benefits."

Digital only transmissions begin on Oahu, in Maui and Hawaii counties on January 15th, 2009.

Kauai is served by low-power translators and will not make the switch to digital at this time.

The switch from analog to digital television won't affect you if you have cable or satellite service.

Viewers can request up to two $40 coupons that can be used toward the purchase of a converter box by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 or online by clicking on the DTV 2009 link on this page.

Petrel photo courtesy Brenda Zaun, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service