Honolulu Weekly: The Legacy of Hawaii's Alternative Voice
In the landscape of Hawaiian media, the Honolulu Weekly stood as a distinct alternative to the traditional daily press. Launched in the summer of 1991, this tabloid-format publication sought to provide a different perspective on local news, culture, and politics, filling a void in the city's journalistic ecosystem for over two decades.
The Vision Behind the Publication
Founded by Laurie V. Carlson, the Honolulu Weekly was established with a specific mission: to provide investigative reporting that the city's primary daily newspapers were not covering. At the time of its inception, the two main dailies—the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and The Honolulu Advertiser—were operating under a joint operating agreement. Carlson believed this arrangement created gaps in both taste and perspective, which the Weekly aimed to fill with a more independent and critical approach.
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Growth and Expansion
Over the years, the publication grew its reach, achieving a circulation of 38,255. To expand its footprint across the islands, the Weekly acquired the Kona-based Hawaii Island Journal in May 2005. This acquisition allowed the organization to extend its influence beyond the capital, although the Hawaii Island Journal eventually published its final issue on June 13, 2008.
The End of an Era
Despite its role as a community watchdog and cultural guide, the Honolulu Weekly faced the economic challenges common to the print industry in the early 21st century. On June 5, 2013, the newspaper published its final issue and ceased all operations. Publisher Laurie Carlson attributed the closure to a combination of declining advertising revenues and the inability to secure a suitable buyer for the publication.
Key Facts
- Founder and Publisher: Laurie Carlson
- Operational Years: 1991 to 2013
- Format: Free tabloid, alternative weekly
- Languages: English and Hawaiian
- Peak Circulation: 38,255
- Headquarters: 1111 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | Summer 1991 |
| Ceased Publication | June 5, 2013 |
| Price | Free |
| Acquisitions | Hawaii Island Journal (2005) |
| Website | honoluluweekly.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Honolulu Weekly founded?
It was founded to fill gaps in investigative reporting and provide a different perspective than the two main daily newspapers, which were under a joint operating agreement at the time.
Who owned and published the newspaper?
The publication was owned and published by Laurie Carlson.
Did the Honolulu Weekly publish in languages other than English?
Yes, the publication was available in both English and Hawaiian.
What happened to the Hawaii Island Journal?
The Hawaii Island Journal was acquired by the Honolulu Weekly in May 2005 and subsequently ceased publication on June 13, 2008.
What led to the closure of the Honolulu Weekly in 2013?
The closure was primarily caused by low advertising revenues and the failure to find a buyer for the business.