KTUH: Back to the Beginning!

Why Back to the Beginning?

Because it’s a reminder of why KTUH was founded over 55 years ago: to give students the chance to lead,
create, and connect with our community through music and media. Every pledge you make goes directly
toward keeping this mission alive—supporting student leadership, strengthening our broadcast, and building
opportunities that truly change lives.

Stories like Lily’s are the reason Radiothon matters. Lily, a recent KTUH scholarship recipient, says, “The KTUH scholarship...gave me a sense of encouragement and support from the community.” Your support directly impacts students like Lily, helping them succeed. When you give to KTUH, you’re investing not only in great radio but also in the students who make it possible.

And as Fred recalls, KTUH all started when he and two other second-year engineering students, Ken Kuniyuki and Chris Harrison, caught the “radio bug.” They stumbled upon the old KUOH FM studios and equipment, like a time capsule from the 1950s, tucked away in Hawaii Hall and forgotten by the Speech-Communications Department. They successfully lobbied to reactivate the FM station, starting with AM broadcasts to the dorms – a miracle, considering Chris built the transmitters, connecting them to the building’s electrical system! For almost three years, they worked to secure an FM license. This was during the Vietnam War protests, making it a challenging process. Finally, on July 7, 1969, KTUH went on the air. They had refurbished the old 10-watt FM transmitter, spun vinyl records from their own collections, and did remote broadcasts from places like Kennedy Theater and the Diamond Head Crater Festivals. Fred became KTUH’s first General Manager, Ken the Operations Director, and Chris the Chief Engineer, laying the foundation for KTUH’s enduring presence.

Mahalo for believing in us, and for helping us keep going Back to the Beginning—where students, music, and community come together loud and clear.