HONOLULU – The nationwide switch to digital television will come to a little early to Hawaii, because of the endangered Hawaiian dark-rumped petrel.

Wildlife officials had concerns about the birds. But by switching early, broadcast towers atop Haleakala volcano on Maui can be dismantled without interfering with their nesting season.

The switch from analog signals to an all-digital format is set for Jan. 15 in the islands, ahead of the Feb. 17 transition slated for the rest of the country.

Once the transition is made, over-the-air viewers will need a converter box. Viewers with cable or satellite TV won't be affected.

Kauai over-the-air viewers also won't be affected because they receive signals via low-power translators that aren't affected by the DTV transition.