Hawaii intends to switch to digital TV quicker than the rest of the US in order to accommodate an endangered, volcano-dwelling bird.
A majority of the state will transfer to digital TV on January 15, more than a month ahead of the official deadline of February 17. The hastened transition was recommended by the federal wildlife officials due to the needs of the Hawaiian petrel bird. The bird nests on the slopes of Maui’s Haleakala volcano, and this period could be disrupted if the analog transmission towers on the volcano were to be removed in February.
The bird has faced extinction due to wires and city lights which disorient and injure them. A little more than 1000 birds are estimated to exist on the mountain.
A digital signal will offer viewers sharper pictures and clearer sound while providing additional airwaves for emergency responders.
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