MEDIA RELEASE

All permits are in place and most of the funding required is, as well, for Hawaii Public Radio to introduce its second “stream” – HPR-2 – programming to North Hawaii residents, and this exciting news will headline the 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 Waimea Community Association Town Meeting in Waimea School Cafeteria.

As always, all residents of the region are invited and there is no charge, though a donation of cash or check – or non-perishable food – for a local food pantry is suggested.

The special guest at the town meeting will be HPR President and General Manager Michael Titterton, who will share what it means to soon install a new transmitter hopefully before year’s end above Kona International Airport.

The new signal will be available in Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kohala and the northern communities of Hamakua, and identical in quality with KWXX 101.5 FM, which currently operates a transmitter of identical strength in the same location.

North Kohala and some of Hamakua have been able to pick up a signal for HPR-2 either from Ulupalakua or Hana, Maui, but this will strengthen their signal.

All permits are in place and all equipment has been purchased but HPR’s policy is cash-only and they still have fundraising to do to complete the actual installation and cover first-year overhead costs, and this will be discussed as will be the new programming this will bring to North Hawaii.

“This is really exciting news for HPR’s avid listeners who have tuned into HPR-2 when in Kona – picking up the KIPM 89.7 signal from Ulupalakua, Maui,” said Mike Luce, who organized the presentation.

HPR-2 programming is distinguished by an unusual blend of intelligent news and informational programming as well as locally produced programs ranging from statewide call-in shows to scientific and business discussions to Hawaiian music to local theatre and literature.

Also on the agenda will be a preview of the 2013 Legislature by Rep. Cindy Evans, an update on Hawaii Island YMCA by Fred Yamashiro, and a preview of the 52nd Annual Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade and Big Island Giving Tree Project, which are sponsored by Waimea Community Association in partnership with dozens of other community groups and businesses along with hundreds of volunteers and donors.

Waimea’s holiday festivities and Giving Tree Project will kick off with a tree lighting and caroling at 5 p.m, Thursday, Nov. 29 on the front lawn of historic Barbara Hall at Parker School.

All are invited to participating in lighting the giant Norfolk pine at Parker School. Warm clothing and beach chairs are recommended!

The meeting also includes nomination of candidates for the organization’s officers as required in the bylaws. This year’s elections will be for a two-year term for the position of WCA secretary and treasurer.

A nominations committee will recommend candidates and nominations will be accepted from the floor and then closed; the actual election will occur at the Jan. 10, 2013 town meeting.

For information, call WCA Vice President Patti Cook at 937-2833 or visit: www.WaimeaTown.org

For more information about HPR, visit: www.hawaiipublicradio.org/khph-1