Hawaii News – Then

KGMB, local broadcast titan of the last half century, has finally shuttered its Kapiolani headquarters. In a life-preserving move to stay in a radically shifting local news industry, KGMB merged with stations KHNL and KFVE. I was able to visit the well known facility during its final month of closing. As inventory was processed for the new Kalihi facility, an abundance of media and equipment that wasn’t making the transition still sat in hallways and offices. At every turn, stacks of video tapes and tangled cables covered the floors. Office furniture from every decade was present as empty cubicles and offices were devoid of life. With an unassuming frontage, the interior layout was nothing short of a confusing maze of bullpens, offices and editing suites that swelled like a Las Vegas flea market. Full seasons of past productions (Super Kids anyone?) laid waiting for the garbage collector as their digital counterparts moved up the karmic wheel. I found myself hearing phantom typewriters and the low drone of TV broadcasts wherever I turned. It felt like a building recently evacuated in a hurry, with trace signs that people existed minutes before we arrived. An unexpectedly creepy bonus.

The march of technology has certainly made our lives better but it’s never easy to see last-years models collect at curbside. The KGMB lot on Kapiolani was undeniably home to much of Hawaii’s local talent and created an endless amount of TV memories (Hawaiian Moving Company, All in the Ohana, Checkers & Pogo) through the 70’s and 80’s. With hundreds of lay-offs throughout the local Television industry, it’s a sad reminder of what we will sacrifice for the promise of something better. Thanks for the great television.

Below is a selection of photos taken during my visit at the Kapiolani studio.