Did you use a cell phone 20 years ago? Had you even heard of the Internet? How many cable channels did you have access to?

Think about how much technology has changed in the past 20 years. Right now, O'ahu has the opportunity to plan for the future and request technological advancements for our community that could be in effect until the year 2030. The upcoming Oceanic Time Warner cable franchise renewal offers both risks and rewards for our community. And right now, the community can have an impact on this upcoming agreement.

Oceanic is requesting a renewal of its cable television franchise here on O'ahu. Federal law says communities with cable television franchises have rights to certain benefits since cable television systems use the public rights-of-way. Think of it as rent paid to the community by the cable company so it can set up shop and do business.

For its part, Oceanic has done very good business, becoming one of the most profitable cable companies in the country, generating over 500 percent more in revenue than it did 20 years ago. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is the government agency with the responsibility of ensuring fair compensation to the community by negotiating the terms of the franchise agreement with Oceanic.

Twenty years ago, when Oceanic's current cable franchise was awarded, the DCCA made sure the franchise agreement contained far-reaching, visionary ideals that brought PEG (Public, Educational and Governmental) Access — in the form of 'Olelo Community Media — to life. Today, 'Olelo is regarded as one of the top PEG Access providers in the nation, a venue for free speech where all voices are encouraged to speak, as well as a place where public servants from all branches of government can speak freely and fully to their constituents. It is also a place where education is seen as a lifelong endeavor and not merely the province of institutions.

Partnerships with several public schools that house 'Olelo's Community Media Centers provide students access to state-of-the-art video production tools during the day, and the entire community access to these same resources in the evening. This has resulted in communities working together in a way that bridges generational and social gaps, promotes community pride, and documents and preserves our unique culture. People who use community access learn about the effective use of communication technology as a means of making a difference in their lives and communities. Building community cohesion and creating positive change are integral parts of program creation.

In the past 20 years, thousands of people have created and cablecast more than 50,000 hours of local original programming that reflects the rich diversity of our island's voices. Video production resources and training have been provided to thousands of individuals, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, public and private school teachers, students and government agencies.

Over the years, PEG (or community access) needs have changed. These needs are likely to accelerate and diversify even more during the period of the next franchise. The new franchise must respond to both current community needs as well as anticipate and keep pace with emerging opportunities and technological advancements.

The DCCA is seeking public comment on Oceanic's franchise renewal.

Here are a few considerations:

• Preserving community access through Community Media Centers and expansion of these resources to meet community needs.

• Accessibility and picture quality of all Community Access channels should be equal to local commercial channels, including upgrades to high definition video.

• Retention of current community access channels, with increases as programming hours continue to rise.

• Two-way connections between different sites on O'ahu and interisland connectivity with live television coverage, video teleconferencing and statewide dialogue to allow broader participation in local and state government.

It is the DCCA's responsibility to protect and champion the public interest now and into the future. It will have much to live up to in matching the vision of community benefit set forth in the expiring franchise agreement.

The DCCA and Oceanic have until Dec. 31 to negotiate, and the new agreement will take effect Jan. 1. The entire community must hold the DCCA accountable, or all that has been built over the past 20 years will be eroded and perhaps even lost.

Keali'i Lopez is president and CEO of 'Olelo Community Media and wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.