Hawaii's only full-power community radio station, KKCR-FM 91.9, 90.9 and 92.7, is going into its November membership drive with a new station manager and some serious funding to raise.

The transmission facilities of sister-station KAQA-FM 91.9, which simulcasts KKCR programming, have been heavily damaged and are in need of replacement. KAQA provides crucial reach for KKCR, from Kilauea to Kapaa to the west side of Kauai, according to a coverage map on file with the Federal Communications Commission.

The stations require multiple frequencies because terrain shielding doesn't allow one signal to go islandwide.

Simply paying for electricity to keep multiple signals powered up and pouring out programming is heady enough for any radio station, but most keep things going by selling commercial time.

However, KKCR and KAQA are noncommercial stations run by the nonprofit Kekahu Foundation Inc. and are listener- and grant-supported. Of a volunteer base of about 100 people, nearly 70 do on-air work.

The foundation's radio mission includes preservation of the Hawaiian culture, as well as reflecting the diversity of the local and global communities.

Most programming is locally originated.

KAQA is operating at reduced power to keep its transmitter from overheating, which it did in late August.

In an FCC filing seeking authorization for reduced-power operation, consulting engineer Don Mussell wrote that damage to the transmitter building atop Mt. Kahili caused a water intrusion that, in turn, caused the transmitter to overheat.

Power was reduced remotely to allow for a safe operating temperature.

“;A subsequent inspection showed extensive damage to the transmitter and building,”; Mussell wrote. Temporary repairs were made to prevent further damage.

To say the transmitter building is in a remote spot is an understatement. It is accessible only by helicopter, as weather permits.

Rainfall at Mt. Kahili is typically 300 inches per year.

You do the math.

Or, simply visit Mussell's Web page showing the transmitter site, to gain an appreciation for the hardiness required of broadcast engineers.

“;The building is falling apart and the transmitter needs to be replaced,”; said John H. Gordon, Kekahu board president.

Resolving the situation will be a sort of baptism by fire for new station manager Jerry Brocklehurst, who joined the station Wednesday.

Outgoing station manager Gwen Palagi will stay on through the Nov. 6 through 17 fundraising membership drive to ensure a smooth transition.