Hawai?i Public Radio announced the completion of its relocated Maui transmitters on August 8. The nonprofit public radio network previously broadcast its KKUA 90.7 (HPR-1) and KIPM 89.7 (HPR-2) frequencies from a site located 4,500 feet above K?hei on lands held by the ?Ulupalakua Ranch.
The move to the 10,000-foot elevation of “Science City” on Haleakal? brings far improved reception in terrain-shielded areas on Maui, Moloka?i, and the westside of Hawai?i island. Listeners in other locations on Hawai?i island receiving HPR’s radio signals from Maui similarly benefit from the better line-of-sight transmission. The relocation to this new facility is also expected to result in significant energy savings for HPR.
José A. Fajardo, HPR president and general manager, said, “We’re very excited about these recent upgrades to our service on the Neighbor Islands. The completion of our East Hawai?i transmitter last fall was the final step in achieving statewide coverage with two separate programming streams; the conversion of the Maui transmitters signals a new phase of HPR's infrastructure improvements.”
Parts for this facility were manufactured and shipped from Maine and Kentucky. Installation was temporarily delayed by the restricted access to the Haleakal? summit due to protests surrounding the construction of the Daniel K. Inouye telescope.
Fajardo added, “The road to our newest facility on Maui has been uphill, in more ways than one. While waiting for parts and their installation, we were forced to operate at less than optimum power. Our listeners in affected areas were extremely patient and understanding. We’re glad we can finally reward them with signals that are strong and clear.”