Our hearts go out to the people of Hawaii who are grappling with the utter devastation of wildfires. In the midst of disaster, lives have been lost and thousands have been evacuated from their homes while they watch their beautiful community go up in flames.

We are so grateful for the state’s radio and television broadcasters who have stayed on the air reporting lifesaving information to residents and visitors. Without cell service, internet or even 911 capabilities, Americans are still able to turn to local stations, which are free to anyone with a radio or antenna TV. We urge federal, state and local officials to utilize this important resource for disseminating information.

“We hear their crying, their tears, their desperate pleas,” Brandee Carvalho, host at Maui’s KISS radio, told Hawaii News Now. “It is real. It’s very real for me.”

It is because of situations like this that emergency officials encourage every household to have a battery-powered radio and why we are proud of the station personnel that are on the job, despite the risk to their own homes and families.

When we connected with Hawaii state broadcasters this week, they assured us that they are safe, on the air and already planning ways to help rebuild their community through fundraisers.

“Our Maui stations are all doing live updates directly with city, county and federal sources,” said Josh Mednick, of Pacific Media Group which operates Hawaii’s statewide radio group. “We’re taking live press conferences when possible and making the stations available to every entity from Red Cross to FEMA, HIEMA, Mayor Bissen, Governor Green and their various PIOs or representatives.”  

This is what sets broadcasters apart, and these stations should be commended for how they are serving their community with vital information during these dangerous times.

If you would like to help the people of Maui, KHVH News Radio 830 has compiled a list of local charities accepting donations for disaster relief.

Stay safe, friends.