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Hemmings’ alter ego
calls in to talk show again"Sonny from Kapolei" was back on the radio last week, but this time, Sen. Fred Hemmings identified himself.
Earlier, Hemmings (D, Waimanalo-Kailua) was roundly criticized after calling up the Mike Buck afternoon talk radio on KHVH radio to question fired University of Hawaii president Evan Dobelle in a thick pidgin accent.
Hemmings said he was "Sonny from Kapolei," but Dobelle saw through the ruse and asked if this was Sen. Fred Hemmings.
The veteran state politician owned up but then said his cell phone cut off and he wasn't able to continue his call.
Last Wednesday, Hemmings was back on KHVH radio, this time calling a morning talk show hosted by Sen. Colleen Hanabusa (D, Nanakuli-Makua) and Sen. Sam Slom (R, Diamond Head-Hawaii Kai).
"I called in as Sonny from Kapolei, but then I said, 'This is Fred Hemmings, calling as Sonny from Kapolei,'" Hemmings said.
"Sonny had a good talk with Sen. Shalom and Sen. Hana-Girl," Hemmings joked.
In the future, Hemmings said, he will stay away from the radio pseudonyms because "I don't think I can do a very good job of being incognito anymore."
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