The decision to kick off the digital television era in Hawaii just over a month ahead of the rest of the US is literally for the birds. The dark-rumped petrel, to be exact. The earlier date will avoid a conflict between the need to work on broadcast towers and the petrels’ nesting season. The new Hawaii date is 1/15/09. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said he welcomed another transition test ahead of the big day. 2/17/09, and anticipated full cooperation between broadcast, cable and satellite operators even though not all rules of the road will have officially kicked in. Citizens of the state are being alerted to the new date and encouraged to take necessary actions immediately.
