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Akaku 55 is an American public access television channel operating in the community broadcasting and public access format. The primary language of broadcasting is English, with some programming also in Hawaiian. The channel is owned and operated by Akaku: Maui Community Television, a non-profit organization founded in 1986 to provide community media access to the residents of Maui County, Hawaii. Akaku 55 is based at 333 Dairy Road in Kahului, Maui, and serves the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lānai, and Kaho'olawe. The channel is funded through a combination of cable franchise fees, grants, donations, and member support, and is required to carry public access programming as part of the cable franchise agreements with Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable). Akaku 55 is one of several channels operated by Akaku: Maui Community Television, complementing Akaku 53, Akaku 54, and other channels that serve the community.

On air, Akaku 55 features a mix of programming produced by community members, non-profit organizations, local government agencies, and independent media makers. The channel's philosophy is based on open access, meaning that any resident of Maui County can produce a television program and have it broadcast on Akaku 55, subject to technical and content guidelines. The channel provides training in television production, camera operation, editing, and on-air presentation, enabling community members to develop media skills while creating content for their community. The channel's name, "Akaku," means "vision" or "to see" in Hawaiian, reflecting its mission to give the community a voice and a platform to share their stories.

The channel's programming includes local news and public affairs programs, with a focus on different topics than Akaku 53 and Akaku 54. Maui County Council Live provides live and recorded coverage of Maui County Council meetings, including the full council sessions and committee meetings, allowing citizens to follow local government decision-making. Community Bulletin Board features announcements of upcoming events, job postings, volunteer opportunities, and public service announcements from community organizations. Talk Story is a talk show where residents share personal stories, memories, and perspectives on life in Maui County, preserving the oral history of the community.

Youth and educational programming is a significant part of Akaku 55's schedule. Akaku Youth Productions features programs produced by students in Akaku's youth media training programs, including short films, documentaries, and public service announcements on topics relevant to young people. Maui Student News is a news program produced by students from Maui County high schools, covering school events, student achievements, and issues affecting youth. Digital Storytelling showcases personal stories told through video, produced by community members in Akaku's digital storytelling workshops.

Cultural and Hawaiian language programming is another important part of the schedule, reflecting Maui County's unique Native Hawaiian heritage. Hawaiian Language Immersion features programs produced in the Hawaiian language by students and teachers from Hawaiian language immersion schools in Maui County. Cultural Protocol provides instruction on Hawaiian cultural protocols, including how to give a ho'okupu (offering), how to enter a heiau (temple), and how to request permission to gather traditional plants. Hawaiian Music Showcase features performances by Hawaiian musicians, including traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music, with interviews about the stories behind the songs.

Religious and spiritual programming is also part of the schedule, representing Maui County's diverse faith communities. The channel airs services and programs from Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, and Native Hawaiian spiritual traditions, including programs produced by local churches, temples, and spiritual groups.

Arts and entertainment programming includes Maui Arts Scene, featuring interviews with local artists, musicians, dancers, and actors, as well as coverage of gallery openings, theater productions, and music festivals across Maui County. Community Talent Showcase features performances by local musicians, dancers, and other performers, recorded at community events and Akaku's studios.

Akaku 55 is available throughout Maui County via cable on Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable) channel 55. The channel also streams online through its website. Viewers can watch online the live broadcast of Akaku 55 through the official Akaku website at akaku.org, which offers a 24-hour live stream. Online television of Akaku 55 also provides on-demand access to archived programs, allowing viewers to watch community-produced content at any time. The channel also maintains a presence on YouTube, where it posts program highlights and full episodes.

Akaku 55 strives to provide a platform for community voices, offering Maui County residents the opportunity to create and share television content that reflects their experiences, cultures, and concerns. The mission of the channel is to promote media literacy, support creative expression, and foster civic engagement by providing the tools, training, and platform for citizens to produce their own television programs. The channel operates on a non-profit basis and is committed to editorial independence, reflecting the full spectrum of opinions and cultures found in Maui County. Thanks to modern digital platforms and community cable distribution, Akaku 55 provides the opportunity to watch online the live broadcast on any device - from smartphones to Smart TVs - ensuring that the diverse voices of Maui County residents can be heard across the islands and beyond.

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