TheBuzz Erika Engle

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PacificBasin to create
new promotional
shopping magazine

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HONOLULU-based PacificBasin Communications LLC will publish a new magazine called "Shop America."

AAA and Las Vegas-based Shop America Alliance, which promotes tourism and shopping, chose PacificBasin to develop the magazine, which will promote the alliance's shopping centers, retailers and restaurants.

The publication's twice-yearly, 100,000-copy press run will be distributed at 12 AAA travel desks in California, the Midwest, New England, Florida, Dallas and Hawaii, according to PacBasin president and publisher John Alves.

It is going to be written and directed by the managing editor of Ala Moana magazine, Kathryn Drury, with Honolulu Magazine Editor John Heckathorn serving as editorial director, Alves said.

Back on the air

Eyebrows were raised as far away as Wisconsin yesterday, when KINE-FM 105.1 morning show listeners heard longtime entertainer and broadcaster Kimo Kahoano on the air and over the ether via Internet streaming.

A far-flung mainland listener hopefully thought the change meant Kahoano's permanent return to the airwaves.

Instead, regular morning show host and state Democratic Party Chairman Brickwood Galuteria has taken a week's vacation to attend the party's national convention in Boston, according to Mike Kelly, vice president and general manager of station owner Cox Radio Hawaii.

"We thought Kimo would be a good guy to fill in for Brickwood," said Kelly. Galuteria will return to the morning show next Monday.

Media breakup

The partnership formed to create Aloha Radio Group LLC for the purchase of Hilo's KHWI-FM 92.7 is no more. The company is now a family business, run by Frank and Janette Hooton and renamed Aloha Broadcasting Co. They bought out their partner, Nelson Ray Parker, former general manager of the station. The purchase closed last week.

Parker took up publication of "Motorhead" magazine earlier this year. "He really wanted to focus on that because I think that's more where his passion is," said Frank Hooton. Parker did not return calls.

Longtime radio programmer-turned-insurance broker Alan Oda is serving as acting program director while his radio veteran wife Gina Lynn is on during the midday.

Mornings and afternoons on KHWI feature radio personalities Augie Tulba and John James, both of KDNN-FM 98.5. Technology and bosses at KDNN parent company Clear Channel Hawaii allow their voices to be in two places at once.

"We're happy to let our people earn some money doing outside projects and it's a different market," said Chuck Cotton, Clear Channel market manager.

Other air talent from Honolulu and Hilo are auditioning for permanent gigs at KHWI, which plays Hawaiian-style and reggae favorites, Hooton said.

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Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at: eengle@starbulletin.com