Lifelong radio man Kimo Akane dies

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.