Hurricane Lowell left much of Kauaʻi without electricity and, more critically, without the radio broadcasts that many residents rely on for emergency information. The island’s two designated emergency stations—KONG FM 93.5 and community‑run KKCR—both experienced power problems, limiting their ability to reach listeners when they were needed most.
Residents left in the dark
Former state senator and county councilman Gary Hooser described the experience as “really isolated for about 24 hours.” With no electricity or internet, Hooser said he could not receive any official notices and was forced to drive around looking for information. When he tried to turn on his car radio, nothing came through.
Station setbacks and a glimmer of hope
KKCR, an independent, listener‑supported station formed after Hurricane Iniki, was forced to operate on a low‑powered 90.9 MHz transmitter that only reaches the North Shore to Kapa‘a. Its other transmitters remained off‑air because they lacked functional backup generators. The station’s executive director, Anni Caporuscio, noted that the station is “underfunded in every way” and that reliable backup power is essential.
Fortunately, KKCR regained internet connectivity on Thursday after receiving a donated Starlink terminal from the Lahui Foundation, allowing the station to stream online while it works to restore full FM service.
Historical context and ongoing challenges
The situation echoes the 1992 Hurricane Iniki, when KONG‑FM staff managed to return to the air the next day using generator power. Since then, Hawaii’s emergency communication infrastructure has seen incremental improvements, but significant gaps remain.
Chris Leonard, president of New West Broadcasting Corp. and head of the Hawaiʻi Association of Broadcasters, reminded listeners that radio remains the most reliable medium during storms. He cited the 2006 Kīholo earthquake, which spurred a statewide review under former Governor Linda Lingle’s administration. That review identified a shortage of reliable backup power for radio transmitters and a lack of direct government‑to‑broadcaster messaging pathways.
While many stations received generators after that review, Leonard said “the reality of it is a lot of stations don’t have backup power.” He warned that the generators installed on the Big Island two decades ago are now nearing the end of their useful life.
Calls for modernizing the system
Darryl Oliveira, acting administrator for Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, emphasized that radio broadcasts are the backbone of government communication during emergencies. He urged residents to keep a battery‑powered radio in their vehicles, noting that “radio tends to be less vulnerable to these weather impacts compared to, let’s say, social media or email.”
Oliveira also outlined potential upgrades: replacing aging generators with more fuel‑efficient models, adding solar panels and battery storage, and hardening facilities that house broadcast equipment. He said these steps would improve resilience and reduce reliance on costly diesel fuel.
Local broadcasters seek support
On Maui, Akamai Broadcasting’s general manager Zane Lacaden reported that high winds displaced the antenna on Haleakalā, cutting off four FM frequencies. The station’s studio in Kahului currently relies on a battery backup that only provides a short‑term fix. Lacaden is working with the Maui Emergency Management Agency to secure a new gas‑powered generator.
Both Leonard and Oliveira stressed that federal funding for public‑radio emergency infrastructure has been cut in recent years, leaving stations to scramble for private donations and local support. KKCR, for example, disclosed a yearly budget deficit of $83,000 after the recent rescission of funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
What’s next?
State officials say they will bring the issue to the attention of congressional delegations and seek additional resources to modernize Hawaii’s emergency communication network. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to keep portable radios and extra batteries on hand, as the traditional mantra of emergency preparedness still holds true.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
