HI SB2048

Authorizes the director of commerce and consumer affairs to designate access organizations in each franchise area to oversee public, educational, and governmental access channels.

Removes the annual management and financial audit requirement for designated access organizations by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, since these organizations already provide independently audited financial statements.

Eliminates the sunset provision in Act 19, Session Laws of Hawaii 2011, making the director's authority to designate access organizations permanent rather than temporary through June 30, 2014.

Amends the definition of "service area" to include "franchise area" as the geographic area for which a cable operator has been issued a cable franchise.

Requires the cable advisory committee to advise the director and access organizations on matters related to designating, modifying, or rescinding access organization designations.