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Dashefsky signs
3-year contract with
NBC affiliate KHNL

By Tim Ryan
Star-Bulletin

In the hard-to-understand world of television news, Howard Dashefsky -- anchor since 1995 of Hawaii's No. 2-rated station, KITV-4, was let go last fall only to hired by the No. 4 station -- KHNL.

KHNL's anchor Dan Cooke opted out of his contract to move to KITV.

KHNL officials confirmed yesterday that Dashefsky has signed a three-year contract with the NBC affiliate KHNL. He anchors his first KHNL news program tomorrow at 5 p.m. with Barbara Wallace.

Dashefsky, 39, will solo anchor the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. news programs until a co-anchor can be found.

Dashefsky, a former University of Hawaii baseball player and veteran Hawaii television reporter, joked about being the first reporter in Honolulu "to hit for the cycle."

"It's a dubious distinction, I guess I'm wanted," said Dashefsky, who declined discussing his salary.

Dashefsky began his television journalism career at KGMB in 1984, moved to KHON in 1990, and KITV in 1995. He's worked with KHNL news director Chuck Parker at both KGMB and KHON.

"This is a great challenge and I look forward to working with an extremely competent staff, in a place where a great attitude exists. I'm excited about the potential and I'm always up for a challenge."

John Fink, KHNL general manager, described Dashefsky as "nothing but a winner" in all his endeavors.

"Howard understands the concept of team and that's what News 8 is all about, having professionals who will take us to that next level," Fink said. "We know that Howard can take us to that next level."

Cooke's last KHNL news anchoring is tonight.