And in essence it is. There is nothing stopping anyone from tuning into 89.3 or 88.1 FM and listening to the programming streaming over the airwaves. What people like Chris Anderson believe is that the cost of delivering digital or electronic content is close to zero. But if people perceive value in the product they will pay something for it. For example he might give away the electronic version of is book FREE but the hard copy version will cost $20+ if you want to feel it in your hands. Shareware often works the same way. The programmer will allow people to download and use software and if the user is satisfied can voluntarily make a donation. Similarly in the case of public radio, if you the listener enjoy the programing you hear and find value in the news and stories presented, you can make a pledge.

One big difference in the Hawaii Public Radio model as compared to other forms of digital media is the strong community aspect of the station. These 10 day marathons are an example of a real community, i.e. not one in cyberspace or a virtual world, coming together and showing support. Volunteers staff the phones, community members join radio staffers on the mics and listeners call in with their pledges. Food is always available from restaurant businesses that support the station. Restaurants definitely appreciate the concept of community. There is a real physical reason to rally together. If you are in driving distance of the station (738 Kaheka St. Honolulu), you should stop by during this 10 day pledge drive and experience the buzz. We have 5 more days to go and my sense is that the goal will be reached on Friday 10/23. Being there when that happens makes it all worth struggling for.

The series starts on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 6:30pm with Nainoa Thompson, who was instrumental in helping to revive the art and tradition of Polynesian voyaging. He is the Executive Director of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and since 1976, played an integral part in the design, construction, sailing, and navigation of the Hawai‘i Maritime Center’s double-hulled voyaging canoe, Hokule‘a. To get a chance to hear the stories and the lessons learned from this man is once in a lifetime.

On Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 6:30pm, James Koshiba, Executive Director of Kanu Hawaii will join us in the Atherton to talk about Island Values, Kuleana, and Island-Style Activism. As concerned citizens of Hawaii, what concerns us about Hawaii’s future and what can we do about it? Through the efforts of Kanu Hawaii a grassroots movement is gaining momentum to make a difference.

This initial three-part series will conclude on September 17, 2009 at 6:30pm with Paul Zorner. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaii BioEnergy in Honolulu, a company focused on providing energy security, renewable materials, creating a carbon neutral environment and creating local jobs within this new green economy. His integrated land use vision can fuel and feed Hawaii.

The series is free but space is limited to about 70 people in the Atherton. Be sure to call in your reservation to (808) 955-8821. It is sure to be an evening of thought provoking ideas and reasons to get involved. I hope to see you all there.

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