(BIVN) – Nā Leo TV will hold its first-ever fund drive on Thursday, October 8th, and Friday, October 9th, featuring 16 hours of live television.
Hawaiʻi Island musicians, creators, youth, community leaders and special guests will join together in an effort to raise $200,000.
“For more than 30 years, Nā Leo TV has given Hawaiʻi Island a place to tell our own stories, share information, and create media that reflects who we are,” said Ashley Kierkiewicz, President & CEO of Nā Leo TV, in a news release. “Now we’re asking our community to help us build what comes next. This Fund Drive is about building community ownership in the future of Hawaiʻi Island media.”
The Fund Drive airs Thursday, October 8 from 4–8 p.m. and Friday, October 9 from noon to midnight on Nā Leo TV Channel 54. The events will also stream online at naleo.tv, @naleotvhawaii on YouTube, and @naleotv on Kick and Twitch.
From the Nā Leo TV news release:
Co-hosted by Kierkiewicz and local comedian Heston Kaʻaihue, the two-day variety show will feature live music by Hilo Honeys, Kaʻikena Scanlan, Drew Daniels, and Bridge Hartman; cooking with Chef Ernie Gray, Anne Chung and Naomi Menor; a historical reenactment by Jackie Pualani Johnson; magic by Karl Sunagawa; performances and activities with Puna Taiko, Harriet Rocha, and Uncle Tommy Hanohano; and local stories showcase, talk story, trivia, behind-the-scenes experiences, and special guests.
“This is a massive undertaking, with many moving parts and many hands coming together to make it happen,” said David Alvarez, Nā Leo TV Director of Production and director of the live broadcast. “We’re challenging expectations of what community media can be and showing what’s possible when local talent, technology, and creativity come together. These are the kinds of productions and opportunities that can help grow our creative industry here at home.”
Nā Leo TV is funded primarily through cable franchise access fees. As cable subscriptions decline, so does the revenue that has traditionally supported community media. In 2026 alone, Nā Leo TV experienced an approximately $200,000 decline in access-fee revenue, accelerating the organization’s efforts to diversify its funding.
At the same time, Nā Leo TV is growing beyond its traditional role as Channels 53, 54, and 55 and evolving into a creative media hub for Hawaiʻi Island. The organization produces original local programming, creative media training, youth internships and apprenticeships, paid production opportunities, and offers platforms for musicians, filmmakers, nonprofits, community organizations, and residents to tell their stories. Young people are gaining hands-on experience on NLTV productions while also receiving mentorship and support to develop media projects of their own.
“Our role is growing at the same time the traditional way of funding this work is changing,” Kierkiewicz said. “Rather than pull back, we’re building a more resilient model that gives the people who value this resource an opportunity to invest directly in it.”
The Fund Drive also marks the launch of Friends of NLTV, a new community giving program that allows supporters to give monthly, annually or through a one-time contribution. Monthly giving begins at just $5.
Throughout October, new Friends can select an artist-designed NLTV T-shirt as a thank-you gift. The inaugural collection features designs by Hawaiʻi Island creatives Kaiʻili Kaulukukui, Mālie Moana, Lōʻihi Design, Dena Nakahashi, Temple Children and Ulumano, along with youth artwork by Rianne Empaynado and Marley Osorio.
Supporters can become a Friend, explore giving levels and thank-you gifts, and view the full Fund Drive schedule at naleo.tv/friend.
“We want people to tune in because it’s going to be fun,” Kierkiewicz said. “But we also hope they see themselves in what we’re building. Whether someone gives $5 a month, makes a one-time contribution or becomes a leadership donor, every Friend becomes part of sustaining a resource that belongs to Hawaiʻi Island.”
