Colorado-based broadcaster Vic Michael, who recently bought KLZY-FM 102.9 in Paia, Maui, won’t say exactly what his plans are for the station just yet.
In an auction staged by the Federal Communications Commission, his sons successfully bid on a construction permit for a new FM station for Kihei, Maui, that will bear the call letters KKHI.
Michael is "hoping to work with them in combination with KLZY," he told TheBuzz.
Whatever Michael and his sons do on Maui, however, will not wend its way over the airwaves to Oahu listeners, as we "will not be pairing with our Honolulu translators," he said.
At the time of the Dec. 3 column item on Michael’s KLZY purchase, TheBuzz reported that he also owns what are known as FM translators on Oahu, including facilities at 99.1 FM and 105.5 in Honolulu and 103.9 in Waipahu. He also has an application pending for a construction permit to build a translator for 107.1 that would be licensed to Kahuku.
Translators are not full-powered radio stations, but help FM stations enhance their signal in their authorized broadcast areas.
On Dec. 4, Michael’s sale of the Waipahu translator to California-based Beach Time Broadcast LLC for $120,000 received FCC approval. No information about Beach Time Broadcast could be found in FCC licensee databases.
According to documents filed with the FCC, the translator will primarily be used to rebroadcast the signal of KUPA-AM 1370, licensed to Salt Lake City-based Broadcasting Corp. of America.
As one might expect, even as an absentee owner, Michael has visited the isles to the extent that he knows where to go on Hawaii island to get a particularly popular treat.
He expressed hope that Tex Drive-In in Honokaa would continue to stay in business and prosper, because he is "not sure what I will do when I come to Hawaii if I can’t get a fresh malasada while I am there!"
The restaurant does ship them around the island, which Michael knows, but he says there’s nothing like the malasadas they serve fresh and hot, right on the spot.
E KALA MAI
TheBuzz neglected to include the address of new apparel and accessories resale store Plato’s Closet Honolulu in Monday’s column.
It is at 1161 S. Beretania St., near Piikoi Street. It can be reached by phone at 523-8885 and via email at platoshonolulu@hawaii.rr.com.
Until the Jan. 8 grand opening for shoppers, the store is open for sellers of gently used clothing, accessories and footwear from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
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Reach Erika Engle at 529-4303, erika@staradvertiser.com or on Twitter as @erikaengle.
