Ashton “Kimo Akane” Kaiuwailani, radio personality and programmer, broadcast mentor and “Kimo’s Vegas” MidWeek columnist, died yesterday at age 58.

He had been hospitalized and in a coma for two weeks, after suffering an apparent heart attack in mid-December.

He is survived by wife Ellen, four children and two grandchildren.

Akane’s colleagues and competitors from Honolulu radio are posting recollections and well-wishes for his family on Facebook and other social media sites.

He is being remembered for reining in radio stations’ overly broad music playlists, for mentoring on-air personalities, for his easy laugh, and for his deep, sonorous voice.

Industry colleagues will stage a private celebration of his life, meanwhile, a fundraiser is being planned to help offset medical expenses.