Hawaiʻi broadcaster Hal Lewis was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago on Thursday. He was one of a group of legends nominated earlier this year as part of the celebration of the 100-year history of radio. Lewis is better known as J. Akuhead Pupule, or just Aku, and pioneered morning drive magic from the 1960s through the 1980s, delighting listeners with his wit.
We talked to some of Aku’s friends about him and his legacy: KSSK’s Michael W. Perry, longtime broadcast engineer Dale Machado, and former KITV anchor and television personality Emme Tomimbang.
Aku’s friends said they are grateful for their time with him — they learned from the best. Perry credits Aku and Ron Jacobs for setting the high bar here in the islands. Hawaiʻi Public Radio says mahalo to them all as we mark 100 years of radio history.
This segment aired on The Conversation on Oct. 28, 2021.
