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| Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is upgrading Sulphur Banks Trail. See more below. Photo from NPS |
THE NEW CHIEF FOR HAWAI`I Public Radio, which now runs KAHU 91.7 FM in Pahala, is Hispanic and moving from central Florida.
Hawai`i Public Radio announced Thursday that its Board of Directors selected José A. Fajardo, a Florida-based public media executive with more than 30 years of industry experience, as the organization’s new president and general manager. He will succeed Michael Titterton, the station’s longest-serving president and general manager, who will exit the post June 30. Fajardo will begin at HPR full-time on May 16 and make an earlier appearance during the station’s April on-air fund drive. “It won’t be easy to follow the extraordinary tenure of Michael, but after a comprehensive search process, we are convinced that José has the right stuff to take Hawai`i’s public radio forward,” said Dr. Tyrie Jenkins, HPR Board chair. “José’s impressive experience in expanding audiences and membership, while navigating the impacts of digital listening habits, make him uniquely qualified to lead HPR into the future. His upbringing in Puerto Rico gives him a special affinity for island life, and we believe Hawai`i’s communities will embrace him.”
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| Jose A. Fajardo |
“I am thrilled and honored to be selected as Hawai`i Public Radio’s new president and general manager,” Fajardo said. “HPR has a long, successful history of connecting communities, respected local programs and an extremely dedicated staff and board. It’s a privilege to be advancing the great work already started by Michael. I look forward to making Hawai`i my new home.”
Fajardo recently served as Executive Vice President for Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, a role he held since August 2013. Prior to his role at there, he served as President & CEO for WMFE-TV/FM, the member-supported public broadcasting stations for Central Florida. During his 16 years with WMFE, he led activations of WMFE-TV Digital Channel 24 and of 90.7 WMFE-FM’s HD Radio transmitter, which provided two full-time radio streams of programming and increased audiences for both stations. Additionally, Fajardo spearheaded two major changes at WMFE: the change of the radio programming format to an all-news format and the sale of WMFE-TV to the University of Central Florida.
Fajardo’s broadcast career started in Central Texas, where he worked for three years in commercial radio before joining KNCT-TV/FM, the public broadcasting stations in Killeen, Texas. He served at KNCT in several roles, concluding as its general manager.
In 2005, Fajardo was presented with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & Hispanic Business Initiative Fund Don Quijote Professional of the Year Award. In 2009, Ahora Orlando magazine named Fajardo one of the 25 most influential local Hispanic community leaders.
Fajardo is a native of Puerto Rico. In May 2010, he received an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College.
“Our board is highly focused on taking HPR to the next level,” Titterton said. “They have selected a dynamic go-getter who has solid public radio experience in a community-licensed station in America’s other great tourist destination. José is as excited about coming to work with HPR as I am at the prospect of showing him around and introducing him to the extraordinary people who have made HPR what it is today. And I’m delighted that his first appearance here will be during our spring on-air fundraiser. Now, that’s going to be fun!”
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Fajardo recently served as Executive Vice President for Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, a role he held since August 2013. Prior to his role at there, he served as President & CEO for WMFE-TV/FM, the member-supported public broadcasting stations for Central Florida. During his 16 years with WMFE, he led activations of WMFE-TV Digital Channel 24 and of 90.7 WMFE-FM’s HD Radio transmitter, which provided two full-time radio streams of programming and increased audiences for both stations. Additionally, Fajardo spearheaded two major changes at WMFE: the change of the radio programming format to an all-news format and the sale of WMFE-TV to the University of Central Florida.
Fajardo’s broadcast career started in Central Texas, where he worked for three years in commercial radio before joining KNCT-TV/FM, the public broadcasting stations in Killeen, Texas. He served at KNCT in several roles, concluding as its general manager.
In 2005, Fajardo was presented with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & Hispanic Business Initiative Fund Don Quijote Professional of the Year Award. In 2009, Ahora Orlando magazine named Fajardo one of the 25 most influential local Hispanic community leaders.
Fajardo is a native of Puerto Rico. In May 2010, he received an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College.
“Our board is highly focused on taking HPR to the next level,” Titterton said. “They have selected a dynamic go-getter who has solid public radio experience in a community-licensed station in America’s other great tourist destination. José is as excited about coming to work with HPR as I am at the prospect of showing him around and introducing him to the extraordinary people who have made HPR what it is today. And I’m delighted that his first appearance here will be during our spring on-air fundraiser. Now, that’s going to be fun!”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Sulphur Banks Trail boardwalk leads hikers to an area where volcanic gases fill the air. NPS Photo by David Boyle |
A PROJECT TO IMPROVE AND REPAIR the popular Sulphur Banks Trail and boardwalk in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has begun. Visitors can expect partial trail closures as a park trail crew widens sections for better viewing of interpretive exhibits, improves accessibility for the disabled and replaces rotting boards, among other enhancements.
The work should be complete by the end of June. Partial closures will occur weekly Monday through Thursday, but the trail will be fully open Friday through Sunday. Although the work will prevent loop hikes along Sulphur Banks (Ha`akulamanu) Crater Rim trails, a portion of the trail will remain open either from Kilauea Visitor Center or Steam Vents access points.
Sulphur Banks is a scenic and easy trail that goes to an area where volcanic gases created colorful sulfur crystals, and other minerals paint the landscape. Due to sulfur fumes, people with heart or breathing problems, pregnant women and young children should avoid this trail.
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Sulphur Banks is a scenic and easy trail that goes to an area where volcanic gases created colorful sulfur crystals, and other minerals paint the landscape. Due to sulfur fumes, people with heart or breathing problems, pregnant women and young children should avoid this trail.
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THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I Sea Grant College Program will receive $1,317,745 in funding to protect vulnerable coasts, including $845,160 from the National Oceanic &Atmospheric Administration and $472,585 in matching funds. NOAA announced the grants as a portion of $4.5 million to help communities nationwide reduce their vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change.
“We know that climate change is taking place and having an impact on coastlines around the world,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard. “As an island state, we know these threats all too well. These funds will help protect our coastal communities against the threat of climate change and natural disasters.”
The grant will fund a project to protect the state’s vulnerable coastlines against threats such as sea-level rise, flooding and erosion. The project is conducted in partnership with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, state Office of Planning, University of Hawai`i School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center and the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System.
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The grant will fund a project to protect the state’s vulnerable coastlines against threats such as sea-level rise, flooding and erosion. The project is conducted in partnership with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, state Office of Planning, University of Hawai`i School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center and the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System.
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| Jeff Peterson |
JEFF PETERSON HELPS KA`U LIBRARIES celebrate National Library Week next month. Peterson is one of Hawai`i’s most versatile and respected musicians. He is at the heart of the Hawaiian music scene today. His passion for the guitar has allowed him to shine as a solo artist and has given him the opportunity to collaborate with a wide variety of artists from Hawai`i, the mainland and abroad. His focus on slack key guitar, classical and jazz music has allowed him to develop a unique and transcendent voice while being deeply rooted in the traditions of his Hawaiian heritage.
Peterson was born on Maui and introduced to the rich heritage of Hawaiian music by his father, a paniolo on Haleakala Ranch. He is well known in Ka`u for teaching visitors and locals at workshops sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies at Pahala Plantation Cottages. Many local youth received scholarships to learn from him and other Hawaiian music masters.
Programs are on Friday, April 8 at 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and Tuesday, April 12 at 5 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. The 45-minute programs are suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Programs are on Friday, April 8 at 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and Tuesday, April 12 at 5 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. The 45-minute programs are suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
For more information, call 939-2442 or 933-8888.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Rural Health Community Association’s 19th annual general membership meeting and conference on Friday, April 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The theme is Rural Health at Work in our Communities.
Attendees will hear presentations from representatives of Ka`u Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, USDA Rural Business & Development Grant Programs, Commission on the Status of Women, Alu Like Employment & Training Program, Community Health Workers Pilot Program, Ka`u Intermediate & High School Health Occupation Students of America and Hawai`i County Office of Aging/Aging & Disabilities Resource Center.
Free blood pressure and vision screenings will be available. Deadline to register is April 10. For more information, call 928-0101.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| The Birth of Kahuku explores Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone. Photo from NPS |
THE BIRTH OF KAHUKU is the topic of a free program tomorrow at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. From 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., participants explore the area’s rich geologic history, traversing the vast 1868 lava flow, seeing different volcanic features and formations, identifying many parts of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa and learning about the Hawaiian hotspot.
TUTU & ME BRINGS FREE vision screening to Ka`u next week. Keiki and adults can have their eyes checked Monday at Na`alehu Community Center and Tuesday at Pahala Community Center. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Project Vision will offer free sunglasses to keiki and free reading glasses to adults if needed.
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SENIOR IDS ARE AVAILABLE Monday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Pahala Senior Housing Center and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. For ages 60 and over.
For more information, call 928-3100.
For more information, call 928-3100.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March_2016.pdf. |
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