Hannemann adviser resigns to return to radio
Star-Bulletin staff
Jeff Coelho, one of Mayor Mufi Hannemann's closest advisers, announced today that he is leaving as director of the city's Department of Customer Services.
Coelho, a longtime radio executive, will be returning to radio with the Salem Communications Corp., a California-based religious broadcaster that owns approximately 100 stations nationwide. In Hawaii, Salem operates as Salem Media of Hawaii Inc., and owns KAIM-FM 95.5, KHCM-AM 880, KGU-AM 760, KHCM-FM 97.5, KHUI-FM 99.5, KGMZ-FM 107.9 and KHNR-AM 690.
Coelho accompanied Hannemann to meetings on significant city issues and helped craft the mayor's major speeches, including the annual State of the City address.
Coelho has been close friends with Hannemann for 20 years and became managing director, the city's No. 2 position, shortly after Hannemann became mayor in 2005.
Coelho had asked Hannemann for a position within the city, saying he wanted to "give back to the community," but wasn't expecting one of the top spots.
Coelho, who was initially criticized by City Council members for not having government experience, stepped down as managing director in January 2006 to become the director of the city's Department of Customer Services.
Coelho had run unsuccessfully for City Council in 2002. He has more than 40 years of experience in radio.