Honolulu Hamfest Set for March 2

The Emergency Amateur Radio Club of Hawai`i (EARC-HI) invites the public to attend its annual Honolulu HamFest on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the National Guard Association Center, located at 891 Valkenburgh Street Honolulu, Hawai`i 96818.

The Honolulu HamFest is an event that showcases the hobby that is amateur or ham radio: electronics, equipment, experimenting, contesting and others. There’s lots happening at this year’s event:

  • Buy, sell, trade or giveaway related items during the swap meet that will last through the entire duration.
  • Learn more about radio communications, how to get into amateur radio, and sign up for a future class.
  • Support the EARC-HI by purchasing some of our merchandise or bid on some priceless equipment in the silent auction.

Interested in becoming a vendor, presenter, donor, or volunteer? Register at linktr.ee/earc_hi or contact wh6cph@gmail.com.

Hawaii Hams Receive Humanitarian Award from ARRL

The ARRL Board of Directors named Richard Darling, AH7G, and Barbara Darling, NH7FY, of Keaau, Hawaii as the recipients of the 2016 International Humanitarian Award during the meeting in Connecticut on January 20 and 21, 2017.

The Board cited the couple’s support of past International Humanitarian Award winner John Bush, KH6DLK/V63JB, and their “significant material support” to his efforts in the Federated States of Micronesia. “They have supported these ongoing efforts over many years with on-the-air activities including communication during weather events, including several typhoons, as well as other emergency activities, including assistance to boaters in trouble,” the Board’s resolution said.

This award is conferred upon an individual radio amateur or Amateur Radio group that has demonstrated devotion to human welfare, peace, and international understanding through Amateur Radio. The League established this annual award to recognize Amateur Radio operators who have used ham radio to provide extraordinary service to others in times of crisis or disaster.

The ARRL International Humanitarian Award recognizes Amateur Radio’s unique role in international communication and the assistance amateurs regularly provide to people in need.

John Bush, KH6DLK/V63JB received the award in 2012 and Richard and Barbara was an integral part of that team. Much of John’s work is in Yap state on the islands of Yap and Ulithi Atoll. John is also working with FSM to establish the Islands own Amateur Radio License Program. He has gotten several residences licensed under our FCC rules, which has been transferred to FSM. The reason is to be able to provide more communications to this very isolated nation. Richard Darling keeps a regular schedule with FSM stations and is, able to provide both health and welfare and emergency communications when needed.

The Federated States of Micronesia is an independent sovereign island nation and a United States associated state consisting of four states – from west to east, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae – that are spread across the Western Pacific Ocean. Together, the states comprise of around 607 islands that cover a longitudinal distance of about 1,677 miles or 2,700 km.

Richard and Barbara Darling provided material support in the form of money and material, which included books, food, clothing, sanitary supplies and equipment such as hardware, and equipment like antennas.

Richard provided weather warnings prior to several Typhoons, which, most recently, included Maysak and No’ul. He also kept communications going in the aftermaths. Another disaster Richard was active in was the sinking of a 58-foot boat in Western Chuuk Lagoon. William (V63YWR) is one of the newer FSM resident hams that Richard regularly talks to. William can get on the air now partially because of the solar panels, batteries and antennas that Richard and Barbara helped supply.

The health and welfare phone patches and messages go all over the United States and the emotion involved can be heard especially since some of the people have not talked to their relatives in several years. They speak in several Micronesian languages.

Even when John Bush is in his Hawaii Residence, it is difficult for him to talk to his friends and adapted relatives in FSM because his condo has strict no antenna CC&R’s. When he does talk to them he either uses Richard’s phone patch or his own mobile. During times of poor propagation, the only alternative is through Richard. This is but another reason why the Amateur Radio Parity act is so important.

Barbara is the ARRL QSL manager for Hawaii State and very active in the Big Island ARC while Richard is one of two DXCC card checkers for the State of Hawaii with over 300 countries confirmed himself. In addition, both have traveled extensively throughout the Pacific so are familiar with many islands along with the problems of both travel and communications.

The humanitarian support does not stop with providing voice communication. Richard and Barbara regularly purchase, pack and mail care packages to Yap. These contain food, clothing, medical supplies, diapers and other supplies that are not otherwise available to the islanders.

Congratulations to two very special people who make the world a better place!

By Stacy Holbrook (KH6OWL), ARRL Public Information Officer – Honolulu.

Big Island Hamfest set for November 12

hwars-repeaterThe Big Island Hamfest is the largest HAM event in Hawaii and is well attended by Big Island HAMS.

The 2016 event will be held on November 12, 2016 from 0900 to 1400 hours (9AM to 2 PM) at the Waimea Park facility on Kawahihea Rd, Kamuela.

This is an Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Sponsored Event and door prizes and refreshments will be available. Amateur Radio License testing will take place starting at 1300 (1 PM).

This event is sponsored locally by the Kohala Hamakua Radio Club and the Kona Amateur Radio Society.

For more information you can contact Steven Milner, WH6N, at wh6n@arrl.net.

Join ARES to Support Communities in Emergencies

ares-logoAround this time of year, the increased news about storms and hurricanes reminds us Amateur Radio can be called upon to play a role in emergencies. The ARRL sponsors ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), made up of Amateur Radio operators, who register their equipment and qualifications for possible community assistance during emergencies like major hurricanes. Many of us remember the important role Amateur Radio played when Iniki hit Kauai in 1992.

Trained ARES operators can be called on to provide volunteer communications services in times of disaster or civil emergency. Hawaii ARES is segmented into four counties, each organized into districts having an assigned District Emergency Coordinator (DEC). Members participate in net operations (on-the-air information gathering), exercises and training, activities organized at the district level in Hawaii.

ARES is open to all Amateur Radio operators. You don’t need to be a member of the ARRL to join ARES.

Please join us! Amateur Radio operators can enroll in the Hawaii Amateur Radio Emergency Service by selecting the “Register New Member” menu item under the Members menu on the Hawaii ARES web site: http://www.HawaiiARES.info

From Joe Speroni (AH0A) and Clem Jung (KH7HO).

Joe Speroni Elected Pacific Section Manager

joe-speroniCongratulations to Joe Speroni (AH0A). From the ARRL:

“Three new Section Managers and five incumbent Section Managers will begin new terms in their respective sections starting on April 1. The results of three contested elections in the winter election cycle were announced February 23, after ballots were tallied at ARRL Headquarters.

In the Pacific Section, Joe Speroni, AH0A, of Honolulu received 228 votes, to 103 for Kimberly Fendt, WH6KIM, of Mountain View received 103 votes. Speroni has been the Pacific Section’s Affiliated Club Coordinator and maintains a variety of Amateur Radio-related interests.

Outgoing Pacific Section Manager Bob Schneider, AH6J, of Keaau, decided not to run for another term of office after serving for the past 10 years. Schneider also had served earlier as Pacific SM from 1992 to 1996 and from 2002 to 2004.”

Read the full announcement here:
http://www.arrl.org/news/ballots-counted-results-announced-in-three-arrl-section-manager-contests

Pacific Section Report for November 2015

Bob-Schneider (AH6J) | Photo Courtesy ARRLThe following is the ARRL Pacific Section Manager report for November 2015 by Bob Schneider (AH6J).

SM Bob Schneider, AH6J, will not be running for reelection. The deadline for submitting Nomination Petitions is December 4, 2015 at 4PM EST. Ballots will be sent out by ARRL January 4, 2016. The new SM takes office on April 1, 2016.

ARRL Past Pacific Division Director Brad Wyatt, K6WR, of Los Gatos, California, passed away on November 10 after an illness. He was 86. An ARRL Life Member, Wyatt served as the Pacific Division Director from 1994 until 2000, when he decided not to run for another term. He previously served as Vice Director of the Pacific Division from 1992 to 1994. For a while he visited Hawaii regularly and had a condo on Maui.

Wyatt retired from IBM in 1984. He received his bachelor’s and master’s (MBA) degrees from Stanford University. Wyatt was a past president of the Los Gatos Kiwanis Club.

In November 2001, Wyatt’s article, “Remote Controlled HF Operation over the Internet,” appeared in QST. A year later, Wyatt and co-authors Stan Schretter, W4MQ, and Keith Lamonica, W7DXX, won the QST Cover Plaque Award for their collaboration on the article,”A Ham Radio Public Utility HF Station.”

Wyatt held DXCC from four different countries. Unfortunately he became less active during his last years because of antenna restrictions in his California home. This is yet another story of how CC&R restrictions hampered an active hams life.

This is from Ed Poppe, President of the Marianas Amateur Radio Club. I am sad to report that Lowell “Dale” Lacy, NH2KV, passed away quietly at home on Sunday morning October 20th. Please remember his wife, Luann and his family in your prayers. A memorial service was held in October. 73 Ed KH2L

Repeat story:

There is an outbreak of Dengue Fever on the Island of Hawaii. As of this writing there are over 100 cases reported. Ted Brattstrom, NH6YK, gave a short synopsis about the disease to BIARC members at their last meeting. There are five strains and infection with one type usually gives lifelong immunity to that one variety, but only short-term immunity to the others. Subsequent infection with a different form increases the risk of (very) severe complications. A third infection is life threatening. There is no commercially available vaccine. As of now, there is only one kind in Hawaii and mosquito eradication is the only real way of stopping it.

Your SM went to Pacificon in San Ramon, California. He got together with some hams from Oahu. They were KH6DT, AH6CP, KH6FV, KH7HO, AH6KD, KH6DQ & AH6RH. Their picture is on the Pacific Section Webpage. The ARRL staff estimated that about 5000 letters were generated and signed to various congress people asking for support for the Amateur Radio Parity act. The Vice Director of the Pacific Division Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT came to the Waimea Hamfest October 24th. We estimate that about 300 letters were generated there. They were all sent to ARRL HQ for hand delivery to the various senators and representatives.

Sunday, December 13, 2015 is this year’s Honolulu Marathon. Start time is 05:00W.

On behalf of the Honolulu Marathon Association we are asking for volunteers to provide radio communications for the Start-Line, designated Aid Stations along the race course, the Finish-Line area and Support Vans. The communication coverage we provide begins around 04:00W and into the afternoon up until about 15:00W.

Gregory Amancio, NH6ZS, honu1@juno.com

Repeat Story:

On the Island of Hawaii, the VOAD repeater on Mauna Kea (146.72-) has had its antenna replaced with a super strong one rated over 165 MPH. The Pepeekeo Repeater (146.88-) has been replaced with a new radio. The new Pepeekeo machine now requires a 100Hz tone to access. The cross island UHF link of the BIWARN system has been removed and will soon be replaced with a microwave unit. In the process of removing the link, the backup battery was cracked and acid leaked on the floor and had to be cleaned up with baking soda*. The Big Island Amateur Radio Club plans to next replace the Kulani (146.76-) machine. Hopefully this will happen by the end of the year. The last to be replaced will be the Naalehu unit (146.92-) however that will also involve building a new house for it. *Baking soda neutralizes acid however it will leave concrete bleached white.

The ARRL Board Of Directors met over the weekend of 7/ 17-18 in Windsor, CT. The BOD has approved a $10 increase in the League’s annual dues rate, effective January 1, 2016. In doing so, the Board adopted a recommendation of the Administration & Finance Committee. ARRL basic dues have been held at $39 a year since 2001. Now would be a really good time to get a life membership before the rate change on January first. A life membership is 20 times the yearly rate. A second alternative is to renew for the maximum of three years before the change.

Repeat from previous SM reports about the Amateur Radio Parity act of 2015:

US Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced H.R. 1301 on March 4 with bipartisan support. US Sen Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced S. 1685 on June 26, with Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) as an original cosponsor. Please contact the congress people representing you. You may send letters to ARRL – 225 Main St. – Newington, CT 06111 or use the local addresses of each congress person. It is best not to send the letters to their Washington address as security concerns cause a very long delay. The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 special web-page provides a clearing house for all information on these identical pieces of legislation. http://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-parity-act

The Senate Commerce committee, of which Senator Brian Schatz is a member, met November 18th. Unfortunately he voted against the bill. We are all very frustrated however it is not appropriate to send letters that can be interpreted as extremely negative. A follow up letter or phone call expressing disappointed is appropriate.

Please write letters NOW and send them to ARRL who will present them to the congress people. You may also write to their “local” office. Be sure to especially contact Senator Brian Schatz’s office to urge support of S-1685. A phone call or telegram would work best because of the short time available.

Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI)
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm 7-212
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 523-2061 & Washington office (202) 224-3934

Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
300 Ala Moana Blvd. Rm. 3-106
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 522-8970 & Washington office (202) 224-6361

Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
300 Ala Moana Blvd. Rm. 5-105
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 541-1986 & Washington office (202) 225-4906

Representative Mark Takai (D-HI)
300 Ala Moana Blvd Rm. 4-104
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808)-541-2570 & Washington office (202) 225-2726

Representative Amata Coleman Radewagen (AS)
1 Fagatogo Square
Fagatogo, AS 96799
Phone: (684) 633-3601 & Washington office (202) 225-8577

Representative Madeleine Bordallo (D) Guam
120 Father Duenas Avenue, Suite 107
Hagåtña, Guam 96910
Phone: (671)-477-4272 & Washington office: (202)-225-1188

Representative Gregorio Sablan (I) CMNI
Saipan Office
P.O. Box 504879
Saipan, MP 96950
Phone: (670) 323-2647/8 & Washington office: (202) 225-2646

The ARRL HF and VHF “Go Kits” are now back in Hawaii ready for deployment should another problem come up. Another HF and VHF “Go Kit” have been deployed to Guam. They will not be redeployed to CNMI at the present time as there is no one to take charge of the equipment in CNMI.

As was mentioned earlier, we are still looking for someone to be the Section Youth Coordinator (SYC)

MEETINGS & CLUB NEWS: December is when most Christmas parties are held so check with the various club websites or check with a member of your club for the latest info.

SPARC – The South Point ARC or “SPARC” meets on the first Sunday at Noon at Manuka State park. It is potluck. They are not affiliated with ARRL. Their next get together is December 6th. There is no website. Their “leader” Rick Ward, WH6FC, just returned from the mainland attending to his recently passed away brother’s affairs. Our condolence goes to the family.

RACES – 1st Monday starting 1830W at DEM, Honolulu County Bldg. basement.

KARC – The Kauai ARC meets on the first Monday at 1800W. The next meeting is December 7th at the KIUC Conference Room, 4463. There is also a weekly Saturday breakfast. They use to meet at the Feral Pig however it closed and the breakfast meeting is moved to Kalapaki Joes’s at Kukui Grove at 0700W. Check the website or check with a member for any updates. They are looking for a new place so it may change from week to week.

MARC – Marianas ARC of Guam normally meets on the first Tuesday at KSTO studio on Nimitz Hill at 1900 Guam time. It will be Tuesday December 1, 2015. Their website shows pictures of the VHF and HF “Go Kits” which are now in Guam at the KSTO studio. It will be a forward deployment in case of an emergency in the Western Pacific. We learned during the recent Hawaii deployment to FSM that transporting the kits is not easy and can be expensive. (The Hawaii kits are now on the Island of Hawaii should the need arise.) If you would like to take an Amateur Radio exam in Guam or have questions, call Mike Wendt, WH2M at 671-477-6737. Testing is by appointment and normally takes place before the monthly meeting about 5PM. Hafa Adai from Guam, where America’s Day begins.

Representative Bordallo, Madeleine of Guam has signed on as a cosponsor of HR-1301 on 09/16/2015. We and all the Hams in the US want to say “THANK YOU VERY MUCH”.

There is another website for Guam and the Northern Marianas (CNMI) with emphasis on HF operations. It is the Mariana Islands DX Association, NH2DX. It has many pictures as well as history stories. The population for the islands is small so they are to be congratulated for putting together such a nice webpage. They are not an ARRL affiliated club and they don’t have regularly formal meetings.

WHARG – West Hawaii Amateur Radio Group meets on the 1st Wednesday on even Months at 1930W at Waimalu Diners in the Waimalu Shopping Center. Their next get together will be December 2nd. The WHARG is a “Hawaiian-style” group of hams interested in amateur radio and good fellowship. No rules, no officers, no dues. They are not an ARRL affiliated group.

KHRC – The Kohala-Hamakua Radio Club meets on two schedules. Odd months are 2nd Sunday in Kapa’au at 1400W. Even months are 2nd Wednesday in Waimea at Keck Bldg. at 1900W. The next meeting will be Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at 1900W at the Conference Room, Keck Observatory Headquarters, 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743

In the past KHRC has met at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy Energy Lab. KHRC helps sponsor the HPA school radio club. The HPA Energy lab is the only one of its kind in the world. Since HPA is a private school, it is not open to the public.

MARC – Maui ARC usually meets on the 2nd Wednesday at CD Hq. at 1900W. Next meeting will probably be a Christmas party at a private residence. No information is available at this time so contact the club directly.

Directions can usually be received on 147.020 (+600-no tone). Exam schedule: Saturday December 5, 2015 @ 0900W. Contact Mel, kh6h@arrrl.net or call 808-250-4591.

KARC – The Koolau ARC meets on the 2nd Sat. at 0930W at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Park in Kaneohe, Oahu. Next meeting will be December 12th.

BIARC – The Big Island ARC website needs updating. They meet on the 2nd Saturday at 1400W at the Keaau Community Center. The next meeting will be the Christmas party on November 12th at 1400W at the Community Center and that has been verified. At the October meeting elections were held and the new officers will be installed. November 12 (after dark), the Keaau Christmas parade will be held. This means some streets will be closed so parking and movement around town is limited. Best advice is come early. We will try to get the party started on time and even a little early.

Doug Wilson, KH7DQ, will have another Technician class starting January 13, 2016 and the exam will be February 12. Contact Doug for details.

EARC – The Emergency ARC (Oahu) normally meets on the 3rd Tuesday at the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 46 located at 891 Valkenburgh Street in Honolulu. This will be December 15th at 1900W. Parking is limited so come early.

HARC – The Honolulu ARC meets on the 3rd Sat. at 0900W on odd months (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, and Nov) at the Monterey Bay Cannery restaurant. The next meeting will be January 16th.

The Waikiki ARC meets every Tue at 0700W for breakfast at the Monterey Bay Cannery in Aiea. It has only the ARRL club website.

KARS – Kona Amateur Radio Society meets on the 4th Sunday at 1400W in Wawaloli Beach Park at NELHA. It is a picnic potluck. Next get together is December 27th. The food theme is Party Food. For questions please contact Van NH7IT at 808-345-5008 or e-mail NH7IT@arrl.net. For additional information contact Stuart KH7DX at 808-896-1290.

PERC – The Puna Emergency Radio Club meetings are irregular. They use to meet on the 4th Saturday at 1000W at the Hilo Coffee Mill. We will publish the new schedule when it becomes available. They have a net every Wednesday at 1900W on two meters.

HARC (The Hilo ARC) – They meet daily 0630-0830W at Jack in the Box Hilo. This club is the oldest on the Island of Hawaii however there was a break in existence of several years until former Section Manager Dean Manley, KH6B and several others reactivated it. They also sponsor the Council of Radio Club which meets once monthly. Please contact Dean for more information. Part of the Hilo ARC operations is also the Hawaii QRP Club.

There has been no news from The American Samoa Radio club or Molokai ARC recently.

The Civil Defense Amateur Radio Club (Honolulu) has no regular meetings. Their mission is to provide ARRL Volunteer Examiner testing services for amateur radio operators on the island of Oahu. The goal is to continually build up the pool of available emergency communicators available during times of emergency. Testing is on the third Wednesday of selected months; contact Ray Moody, AH6LT, moody@hawaii.edu or phone 941-9239. Advance registration is required to pass building security at the Red Cross building. Schedule for 2016 can be found in the VEC page of ARRL. It is: 01/20/2016 at 1830W at the American Red Cross building (in back of Diamond Head) AGAIN No walk-ins.

Cal-Pac RC upgraded the Mauna Loa site antennas and took the six meter beacon off the air. It will be back sometime in the future however it has not been decided if it will be put back at Mauna Loa. The picture of the KH6HME memorial brick at ARRL HQ is in the photo files at the bottom of the Pacific Section website along with other pictures of the Mauna Loa site. The brick was donated by BIARC member Chuck McConnell, W6DPD of Fresno.

The USS Missouri BB-63, the world’s last and most famous battleship, is moored on Pearl Harbor’s historic Battleship Row. Today the Missouri is open to the public and serves as a reminder of America’s proud legacy of strength, honor, sacrifice, and freedom. The official sites of the “MIGHTY MO” can be found at www.ussmissouri.org for general info and www.KH6BB.org for info on the radio room.

REPEAT OR REFERENCE INFORMATION:

The Pacific Section webpage is http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/pacific-section. It now contains this SM report. Each affiliated club should fill in an activities report to ARRL at least once every year. For more information go to: http://www.arrl.org/club-update. Your SM is always looking for news so be sure to update him too. Even if your group is not ARRL affiliated, send a report. If you have notable activities send along a jpeg picture and description (please). At the bottom of the Pacific Section webpage is a picture gallery.

Hawaii’s Official Amateur Radio Repeater Coordination Site is: http://www.hawaiirepeaters.net/

Ron Hashiro’s webpage always has a good collection of news of local happenings. See: http://www.qsl.net/ah6rh/am-radio/in-hawaii.html

There is a new feature telling about the history of the early repeaters in Hawaii especially Diamond Head 146.88. Go to Ron’s page and click on The EARC Diamond Head 146.28/146.88 MHz Repeater.

Section Manager Report: March 2015

Bob-Schneider (AH6J) | Photo Courtesy ARRLThe big news is the introduction of HR-1301.  “The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015” — HR-1301 — has been introduced in the US House of Representatives. The measure would direct the FCC to extend its rules (PRB-1) relating to reasonable accommodation of Amateur Service communications to private land use restrictions.

US Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced the bill March 4 with 12 original co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle — seven Republicans and five Democrats. Kinzinger also sponsored “The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2014, which died at the end of the 113th Congress. H.R. 1301 is an essentially identical piece of legislation. The ARRL BOD executive members and several ARRL officers went to Washington DC to familiarize House members about the critical need for this bill.  Bob Vallio, W6RGG, (Pacific Division Director)  was there and reports the three House Office building are huge and he did a “lot” of walking.  He commented that ARRL members really got their money’s worth from this effort. The group went in mid-March.  As of this moment there is no parallel bill in the Senate.

Be sure to go to the ARRL webpage on HR-1301and write letters to your representative.  Send them to the ARRL for presentation to your representative.  The problem with writing directly to Washington is that because of security, mail to congress sometimes takes as much a two months to get delivered.

Our Section Manager, which represents all ARRL members in the Pacific Ocean areas, wrote letters to the two representatives from Hawaii along with letters to the two Senate members and the three non-voting House members from Guam, American Samoa and Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.  (They may not be able to vote but they can co-sponsor bills.)  We really need their  help as last year’s effort ended with no action.

03/28/2015 – Cyclone Pam update

In an effort to coordinate relief efforts in Vanuatu in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Pam, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has deployed emergency telecommunication equipment to the Pacific Ocean island nation. The category 5 storm devastated parts of Vanuatu on March 13. The ITU has dispatched 40 satellite phones, 10 broadband global area network terminals, and 35 solar panels.

“The frequency and intensity of disasters is increasing worldwide with a disproportionate impact on developing countries,” said ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao. “ITU is encouraging governments, especially those in developing countries, to invest in telecommunication infrastructure that is resilient to disasters.”

Brahima Sanou, the director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, said the tropical storm had “paralyzed telecommunications and affected rescue and rehabilitation efforts.” He said the ITU was committed to assisting member states restore telecommunication links in the aftermath of natural disasters “to facilitate humanitarian response to support the affected populations.”

Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Joe Natuman thanked the ITU for the support. He said that all 83 islands in the Vanuatu archipelago suffered substantial devastation as a result of Tropical Cyclone Pam. “As communications are down, the ITU emergency equipment, which we have received and distributed throughout the country, will help us coordinate the relief efforts as well as report the situation in outer islands,” he said. Vanuatu’s population of 267,000 is spread over 65 islands. Some 47,000 people live in the capital, Port Vila  on Éfaté Island.


As you probably know, ARRL deployed two “Go Kits” to Hawaii Island to help support communications here in the aftermath of the threatened lava flow coming toward the town of Pahoa and the two near hits of hurricanes.  The HF kit is presently deployed in lower Puna in the expectation that it will end up on the “other side” of the flow should it continue.  The VHF kit is in reserve and will be deployed through CD should the need arise.  We should all have a deployable “Go Kit” available for emergency use.  In the meantime we have done several “show and tell” presentations to encourage people to build their own kits.  While ARRL kits are available for emergencies, there is always a transportation problem getting them to their destination.  That is why it is always better to have kits locally available.

Again we are now well into 2015, Most club dues are payable (overdue?).  Check with your local club.  If it is not affiliated with ARRL PLEASE try and convince the members to become an ARRL affiliated club.  There are many benefits to being an ARRL affiliated club.  Please Join ARRL if you are not a member.  If we are united in our effort we have a chance in getting HR-1301 passed.  The need is desperate.

The Pahoa Lava flow has not changed since last month.  The lava flow warning has been downgraded to a “Watch”.  This means there is no immediate threat for the foreseeable future.

As was mentioned earlier, we are still looking for someone to be the Section Youth Coordinator (SYC).  It is a new, section-level ARRL Field Organization appointment that is available and ready to be filled as soon as we have someone for the position.  Here are the appointment guidelines that describe the requirements and responsibilities:  http://www.arrl.org/section-youth-coordinator  

If you are interested or know of someone who would be just right for the job, let the SM know.


 

The Big Island International Hamfest is scheduled at Keaau Community Center  for Saturday April 11th from 9AM to 2PM.  Testing is expected to start around noon or a little after.  The event is free however it is mandatory that everyone register.  There is a box for donations to help with the rental cost.

SPARC – The South Point ARC or “SPARC” meets on the first Sunday at Noon at Manuka State park. It is potluck.  They are not affiliated with ARRL.  They don’t have a website (yet).  Next is April 5th .

KARC – The Kauai ARC meets on the first Monday at 1900W.  Website is:  http://www.kauaiarc.org/   next is April 6th . There is a weekly Saturday breakfast at The Feral Pig located in Harbor Mall at Nawiliwili at 0730W. Next is April 4, 11, 18 & 25.

MARC – Marianas ARC of Guam meets on the 2nd Tue.  At KSTO studio on Nimitz Hill at 1900 Guam time.  Next is April 14th. Website is http://www.ah2g.net/ .   If you would like to take an Amateur Radio exam or have questions, call Mike Wendt, WH2M at 671-477-6737.  Testing is by appointment and normally takes place before the monthly meeting about 5PM.    Hafa Adai from Guam where Americas Day begins.

There is another website for Guam and the Northern Marianas (CNMI) with emphasis on HF operations.  It is the Mariana Islands DX Association, NH2DX.  It has many pictures as well as history stories.  The population for the islands is small so they are to be congratulated for putting together such a nice webpage.   http://www.guam.net/pub/midxa/ . They are not an ARRL affiliated club and they don’t have regularly formal meetings.

KHRC– (Kohala-Hamakua) The Kohala-Hamakua Radio Club (KHRC) meets on two schedules.    Odd months are 2nd Sunday in Kapa’au at 1400W.  Even months are 2nd Wednesday in Waimea at Keck Bldg. at 1900W. Next meeting is April 8th (Waimea).  Webpage is http://www.hamradioandmore.com/khrc.htm .  In the past they have met at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy Energy Lab.  KHRC helps sponsor the HPA school radio club.  The school has a general webpage which is:  http://www.hpa.edu/ .   The HPA Energy lab is the only one of its kind in the world.  Since HPA is a private school, it is not open to the public.

MARC – Maui ARC meets on the 2nd Wed. at CD Hq. at 1900W.  Web = http://www.kh6rs.org/ . Next meeting is April 8th.  For exams contact Mel, kh6h@arrrl.net or call 808-250-4591 Last month your SM was able to visit the meeting.  Thank you for your hospitality.

KARC – The Koolau ARC website is: http://www.karc.net/ .  They meet on the 2nd Sat. at 0930W at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Park in Kaneohe, Oahu.  Next meeting will be April 11th.

BIARC – The Big Island ARC website is: www.biarc.net .   They meet on the 2nd Sat.  At 1400W at the Keaau Community Center.  The next meeting will be replaced with the Big Island International Hamfest on Saturday April 11th and will run from 9AM to 2PM.

EARC – The Emergency ARC (Oahu) website is:  http://earchi.org/event_listing.html    they meet on the 3rd Tue.  At 1900W at the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 46.  They next meet  April 21st.

HARC – The Honolulu ARC website is: http://ham.aditl.com/harc .  They meet on the 3rd Sat. at 0900W on odd months (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, and Nov) at the Monterey Bay Cannery restaurant.  The next meeting will be May 16th.

The Waikiki ARC meets s every Tue at 0700W for breakfast at the Monterey Bay Cannery in Aiea. It has only the ARRL club website:  http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/waikiki-amateur-radio-club/type:club .

KARS – Kona Amateur Radio Society webpage is:  http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/~veillet/hwars.html.  They meet on the 4th Sun. at 1400W in Wawaloli Beach Park at NELHA. It is a picnic potluck.  Next get together is April 20th.   For questions please contact Van NH7IT at 808-345-5008 or e-mail NH7IT@arrl.net .

In addition to the regular KARS monthly meeting they now have a breakfast at 808 Grindz restaurant in Kopika Plaza on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 0830W. For additional information contact Stuart KH7DX at808-896-1290. Your SM was able to attend their meeting this month.

PERC – The Puna Emergency Radio Club website is: http://perchawaii.com/   their meeting is on the 4th Saturday of each month at 1000W at the Hilo Coffee Mill.  Next is April 25th.

HARC – The Hilo ARC:  They meet daily 6:30-8:30 AM at Jack in the Box Hilo.  This club is the oldest on the Island of Hawaii however there was a break in existence of several years until former Section Manager Dean Manley, KH6B and several others reactivated it.  They also sponsor the Council of Radio Club which meets once monthly.  Please contact Dean for more information.

There has been no news from The American Samoa Radio club or Molokai Club in recent times.

The Civil Defense Amateur Radio Club (Honolulu) has not regular meetings.  Their mission is to provide ARRL Volunteer Examiner testing services for amateur radio operators on the island of Oahu. The goal is to continually build up the pool of available emergency communicators available during times of emergency.  Testing is on the third Wednesday of selected months; however, contact Ray Moody, AH6LT moody at:hawaii.edu or phone 941-9239.  Advance registration is required to pass building security at the Red Cross building.  Schedule for 2015 can be found in the VEC page of ARRL.  It is: 06/17/2015, 08/19/2015and 11/18/2015 at 1830W at the American Red Cross building (in back of Diamond Head)  AGAIN No walk-ins.

Cal-Pac RC upgraded the Mauna Loa site antennas and took the six meter beacon off the air.  It will be back shortly however it has not been decided if it will be put back at Mauna Loa.  The picture of the KH6HME memorial brick at ARRL HQ is in the photo files at the bottom of the Pacific Section website along with other pictures of the Mauna Loa site.  The brick was donated by BIARC member Chuck McConnell, W6DPD of Fresno.


REPEAT OR REFERENCE INFORMATION:

The Pacific Section webpage is:  http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/pacific-section.  It now contains this

SM report.  Each affiliated club should fill in an activities report to ARRL at least once every year.  For more information go to:  http://www.arrl.org/club-update .  Your SM is always looking for news

So be sure to update him too.  Even if your group is not ARRL affiliated, send a report.   If you have notable activities send along a jpeg picture and description (please).  At the bottom of the Pacific

Section webpage is a picture gallery.

Hawaii’s Official Amateur Radio Repeater Coordination Site is: http://www.hawaiirepeaters.net/ .

Ron Hashiro’s webpage always has a good collection of news of local happenings.  See:
http://www.qsl.net/a/ah6rh/am-radio/in-hawaii.html .  There is a new feature telling about the history of the early repeaters in Hawaii especially Diamond Head 146.88.  Go to Ron’s page and click on The EARC Diamond Head 146.28/146.88 MHz Repeater

Local Hams win Yasme Excellence Award

yasme-foundation

Two Hawaii hams were recognized for their work in advancing amateur radio. According to the ARRL, the Yasme Foundation released its list of the latest Yasme Excellence Award winners, which included:

  • Kimo Chun, KH7U, for 20 years of behind-the-scenes support to DXpeditions to Pacific entities — including logistics, organization, equipment, local contacts, and planning.
  • Dick Flagg, AH6NM, for his years of working with the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program and its predecessor Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX), and for supporting NASA’s Radio Jove project, both designed to introduce Amateur Radio to students and the general public.

The Yasme Excellence Award is awarded to individuals who through their own service, creativity, effort and dedication have made a significant contribution to amateur radio. The contribution may be in recognition of technical, operating or organizational achievement, as all three are necessary for amateur radio to grow and prosper. The Yasme Excellence Award is in the form of a cash grant and an individually-engraved crystal globe.

The Yasme Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized to conduct scientific and educational projects related to Amateur Radio, including DXing (long distance communication) and the introduction and promotion of Amateur Radio in developing countries. For additional information about The Yasme Foundation, visit our website at www.yasme.org.

ARRL Pacific Section Report for January 2014

Bob-Schneider (AH6J) | Photo Courtesy ARRLThis report is for December 2013 and January 2014. Happy Holidays and we hope your 2014 New Year will be great. Did you see the weather on the mainland? Lucky we live in Hawaii!

This July 2014 is the ARRL Centennial convention in Hartford CT. Your SM plans on being there. Is anyone else going?

This year’s, January 5, Kids day was somewhat of a disappointment. Maybe next year we can do better.

The K9W Wake Atoll Commemorative DXpedition Tops 100,000 Contacts.

There is a new Technician Class Question Pool Released. See the ARRL webpages for details.

From last month SM report we mourn the loss of Dr. Fred Lam, KH6GG on Nov. 8, 2103. Normally we wouldn’t repeat old news, however “Doc” was very important in Hawaii Ham Radio History.

W1AW/KH6 will be on the air from KH6LC’s location starting February 5 and August 20 for one week.

BIG NEWS!

Bob Vallio; W6RGG & Pacific Division Director, informed us that the nomination of Ron Hashiro, AH6RH, for Pacific Division Ham of the year was approved and an announcement was made at Pacificon during the weekend of October 11-13. Unfortunately, Ron Hashiro was unable to attend Pacificon to receive the award. Your SM presented the award to Ron at the January 21st meeting of EARC. A big congratulation goes to Ron for receiving this award. As Bob Vallio, Pacific Division Director, said there was no question of who should receive the award this last year after reviewing the many contributions that Ron has made to improving Amateur Radio. Your SM also made visits to the Waikiki ARC breakfast at Monterey Bay Cannery restaurant and the Battleship Missouri Amateur Radio Club, KH6BB. Be sure and look at the newest pictures on the Pacific Section Website.

After weeks of deployment the Philippines Amateur Radio Association (PARA) and HERO (Ham Emergency Radio Operations) Network stood down November 27, 2013. This means that avoiding 7.095 LSB is no longer necessary. Remember that good operating practice requires that you listen before transmitting to make sure the frequency is clear. Due to the extensive damage things will not be back to normal for a long time.

Kona Amateur Radio Society (KARS) webpage is: http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/~veillet/hwars.html. KARS has changed its meeting date. It now meets on the forth Sunday, which will be February 23, from 2PM to 5PM at Wawaloli Beach Park at NELHA. The theme for the potluck will be Cajun (Mardi Gras) food. Please bring a favorite dish to share. There is a new picture of KARS on the Pacific Section webpage. Go to the bottom and click view all. For questions please contact Van NH7IT at 808-345-5008 or e-mail NH7IT@arrl.net

This year’s 2013 Big Island International Hamfest was hosted by KARS however the event is a co-operative affair with all Big Island clubs helping. ASM Stuart Johnson, KH7DX, this year’s chair wanted to thank everyone for coming and helped especially members of BIARC for bringing refreshments and supplying the VE material. It is time to start planning for next year which will be hosted by Kohala Hamakua Radio Club. Thank you all, and see you next year. 73, 88’s Stuart, KH7DX

The Kohala Hamakua Radio Club (KHRC) website: http://www.hamradioandmore.com/khrc.htm
Their website has been updated and continues to be updated however some “lag” is to be expected in new happenings. The radio classes announced in the last SM report have finished and the class tested on October 27. Nine people took the test with six receiving a Technician license. The next meeting will be Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 7PM (W) at the Conference Room, Keck Observatory, 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743.

Eric Grabowski, KH6CQ, DEC for North Hawaii, has been sending out periodic reports on the North Hawaii repeater project and other happenings in his area. The repeater will be located on the northwestern slope of Mauna Kea at a Parker Ranch Pump site. The frequency 147.84/24 has been coordinated but is not published since the repeater is not yet in operation. In his report Eric details the hardware he already has and what he still needs. If you would like to donate or just get information contact Eric.

Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) School Radio Club received their ARRL affiliation during the last school year. Your Pacific Division Director and your Pacific Section Manager send their congratulations.

The Kauai ARC website is: http://www.kauaiarc.org/ See webpage for details of all events and a map.
Kauai Amateur Radio Club meets on the first Monday of the month at 7 PM. at KIUC Office, 4463 Pahee Street in Lihue. Their next meeting will be February 3, 2014 at 1800W at KIUC Main Office, 4463 Pahee Street in Lihue. Don’t forget the Saturday breakfast at The Feral Pig (formerly The Tiki Room and Main Street Diner) located in Harbor Mall at Nawiliwili. Folks begin arriving around 0730. Remember to get your parking ticket validated (while the attendant is hardly ever there for Saturday breakfast, it’s a good idea to validate just in case).

Saturday, February 8, 2014. 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Hanalei to Ha’ena Disaster Resilience Outreach event.

Saturday, February 22, 2014. 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Kauai Amateur Radio Club will be holding a one day study session followed by a License Exam under the auspices of W5YI-VEC.

Monday, March 3, 2014, 6:00 PM, Kauai ARC Monthly Meeting at KIUC Main Office, 4463 Pahee Street in Lihue.

The KARC 2014 officers are:

  • President – Randall Blake – WH7ZI
  • Vice Pres. – John Montalbano – KH6JMM
  • Secretary – Dick Olsen – KH6DO
  • Treasurer – Robert B Anderson – KH6AS
  • Repeaters – Ron Crown – KH6JI
  • ASM – Jerry Hill – KH6HU
  • Activities – Elaine Albertson – AH6TA

The Emergency ARC website is: http://www.earchi.org | EARC meets on the 3rd Tuesday (except June & Dec). The next EARC General Membership meeting will be February 18 at 7PM at the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 46, located at 891 Valkenburgh St. There is a Potluck. Contact G.Lo at wh7bte@yahoo.com and let her know what you are bringing. Results of Elections for 2014 held on October 15th. Their term starts January 1, 2014.

  • President: Chris NH7QH
  • Vice President: Wayne KH6MEI
  • Secretary: Gloria KH6GLO
  • Treasurer: Steve NH7ZD
  • Board Members: Jim KH6JKG – Darrell KH6XL – Trent N2OBM – Ralph NH6PY – Allen KH7AL – Steve KH6WG – Michael KH7DO

The Honolulu ARC website address is: http://ham.aditl.com/harc. A second website is http://www.dxzone.com/dx23796/honolulu-amateur-radio-club.html however it is more generic and sponsored by Dxzone. HARC meets on the 3rd Saturday at 9:00 AM on odd months (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, and Nov). They are now meeting at Monterey Bay Cannery which overlooks the watercress farm on the west side of the shopping center. There is lots of free parking and it is easy to reach. The next meeting is March 15, 2013.

The Koolau ARC website is: http://www.karc.net/. They meet on the second Saturday at 9:30 AM. At Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Park in Kaneohe. The next meeting is going to be Saturday, February 8th

The Waikiki ARC seems to have only the ARRL club listing website at: http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/waikiki-amateur-radio-club/type:club That site contains a lot of information. Their last report to ARRL was Aug 14, 2013 so it very current. They meet every Tue at 7AM for breakfast at the Monterey Cannery at 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Unit FSI in Aiea. Thanks to William N. Kendall KH6OO for the latest information and keeping the website up to date. Your SM was able to attend their meeting January 21 and had the Mahi with eggs. After all, the restaurant claims their specialty is fish.

The Maui ARC website is: http://www.kh6rs.org/  Thank you for the regular updates and especially the Field Day update and picture. See it at the bottom of the Pacific Section webpage in the picture section. Their regular meeting is on the second Wednesday of each month which will be February 12th at 7PM in the basement of the CD EOC in the Maui County building also known as 200 South High St.

The Maui Amateur Radio License Examination Schedule has been updated for 2014. Persons planning to take an Amateur Radio license examination should pre-register at least two weeks before the scheduled exam date. Send email to kh6h@arrl.net or call Mel, KH6H, at 250-4591 and leave voice mail, including your email address. If no one pre-registers, the exam session will be cancelled. Maui VE (volunteer examiner) sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Maui County Civil Defense Emergency Operating Center, 200 S. High Street in Wailuku.

  • Saturday, April 5, 2014
  • Saturday, August 2, 2014
  • Saturday, December 6, 2014

IMPORTANT: A new question pool for Technician Class exams will be used effective July 1,

The Big Island ARC website is: www.biarc.net . They meet at 2PM on the 2nd Saturday Monthly at 2 PM at the Keaau Community Center. Their next meeting is on February 8th. For the next license class and testing scheduled Contact Milt, AH6I, at 965-6471 for more information.

The 2014 Club Officers are:

  • President – Bill Hanson – N0CAN – 989-4700
  • Vice President – Milt Nodacker – AH6I -965-6471
  • Treasurer- George Bezilla – WH6EFN – 961-6323
  • Secretary – Leigh Critchlow – WH6DZX – 930-7330
  • Two Year Director – Toni Robert – N0INK – 937-2183
  • Two Year Director – Barbara Darling – NH7FY – 982-9126 resigned – position open
  • One Year Director – John Buck – KH7T – 885-9718
  • One Year Director – Mary Brewer – WH6DYW – 985-9595
  • One Year Director – John Bush – KH6DLK/V63JB – 935-5500

The Hilo ARC: They meet daily 6:30-8:30 AM at Jack in the Box Hilo. This club is actually the oldest on the Island of Hawaii however there was a break in existence of several years until former Section Manager Dean Manley, KH6B and several others reactivated it. They also sponsor the Council of Radio Club which meets once monthly at various restaurants in East Hawaii for breakfast.

Hawaii Council of Radio Clubs breakfast is on Saturday Feb 1 at 8AM at Lava Rock café in Volcano.

The Hawaii QRP club: They also meet daily with a listed time of 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM at “Jack In the Box” however the time varies depending on who comes. It is very informal.

The Marianas ARC website is: https://sites.google.com/site/ah2gmarc/home however it is out of date. They meet on for first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Their next meeting is February 4th. Beware of the dateline when figuring time and date as they are one day ahead of Hawaii. The meeting is at the KSTO radio studio on Nimitz Hill. There is plenty of parking behind the building on the lower level. Entry to the meeting room is from the south side of the building. There is also another website with some Guam information however it is also sadly out of date. MARIANA ISLANDS DX ASSOCIATION NH2DX The website www.guamham.com does not work. There is no testing scheduled for the next meeting.

The South Point ARC or “SPARC” meets on the first Sunday at Noon at Manuka State park. Their next meeting will be February 2. They are not affiliated with ARRL. They don’t have a website.

There has been no news from The American Samoa Radio club or Molokai Club in recent times.

The Civil Defense Amateur Radio Club’s mission is to provide ARRL Volunteer Examiner testing services for amateur radio operators and test takers residing on the island of Oahu. The goal is to continually build up the pool of available emergency communicators available during times of emergency. Testing is usually on the third Wednesday at 6:30 PM however contact Ray Moody, AH6LT moody at hawaii.edu or phone 941-9239. Advance registration is required to pass building security.

Next exam is: Tuesday (?) March 18, 2014 – 6:30 pm, American Red Cross HQ at Diamond Head Road.
This is probably Wednesday March 19th since all exams are on Wednesday. Check with Ray to be sure.

  • June 18, 2014, 6:30 pm, American Red Cross HQ on Diamond Head Road
  • August 20, 2014, 6:30 pm, American Red Cross HQ on Diamond Head Road
  • November 19, 2014, 6:30 pm, American Red Cross HQ on 4155 Diamond Head Road

Cal-Pac RC recently upgraded the Mauna Loa site antennas and temporarily took the six meter beacon off the air. It will be back shortly however it has not been decided if it will be put back at Mauna Loa. The picture of the KH6HME memorial brick at ARRL HQ is in the photo files at the bottom of the Pacific Section website along with other pictures of the Mauna Loa site. The brick was donated by BIARC member Chuck McConnell, W6DPD of Fresno.

REPEAT OR REFERENCE INFORMATION:

The Pacific Section webpage is: http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/pacific-section. It now contains this SM report. Each affiliated club should fill in an activities report to ARRL at least once every year. For more information go to: http://www.arrl.org/club-update . Your SM is always looking for news so be sure to update him too. Even if your group is not ARRL affiliated, send a report. If you have notable activities send along a jpeg picture and description (please). At the bottom of the Pacific Section webpage is a picture gallery.

Hawaii’s Official Amateur Radio Repeater Coordination Site is: http://www.hawaiirepeaters.net/

Ron Hashiro’s webpage always has a good collection of news of local happenings. See:
http://www.qsl.net/a/ah6rh/am-radio/in-hawaii.html

73,
Bob Schneider – AH6J
ARRL Pacific Section Manager
ARRL – The national association for Amateur Radio™

ARRL Pacific Section Report for August 2013

Bob-Schneider (AH6J) | Photo Courtesy ARRLThe following is the ARRL Pacific Section Manager report for August 2013 by Bob Schneider (AH6J).

The Pacific Section webpage is here. It now contains this SM report. Each affiliated club should fill in an activities report to ARRL at least once every year. Inactive clubs need only send in an activities report to be current. For more information go here. Your SM is always looking for news so be sure to update him too. At the bottom of the Pacific Section webpage is a picture gallery with some new pictures. Even if your group is not ARRL affiliated, send a report of your activities directly to your SM. If you have notable activities send along a jpeg picture and description (please).

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: For those of you in the Keaau area on August 31, there will be a Puna Regional Emergency Preparedness Fair. It will be held at Keaau High School from 9AM to 3PM. There will be many exhibits by various organizations. There should be food and door prizes. The main goal is to teach things that can be done in case we have an emergency, especially a widespread events such as a large earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, hurricane or whatever. We (hams) will be located just outside the screened in recreation area. As you know we recently had a brush with Tropical Storm Flossie. The entire state was put in a Tropical Storm Warning. Fortunately at the last moment it veered and lost strength. There was some damage from power outages, lightning, wind and flooding. It could have been a lot worse.

Kona Amateur Radio Society: KARS meets on the third Sunday, which will be Sept 15, from 2PM to 5PM at Wawaloli Beach Park at NELHA. The September theme is Mediterranean (end of Ramadan). Please bring a favorite dish to share. For questions please contact Van NH7IT at 808-345-5008 or NH7IT@arrl.net

This year KARS (Kona Amateur Radio Society) will be Hosting the next Big Island International Hamfest in Waimea (aka Kamuela on Hawaii Island), on October 5th. 2013. They will be forming a planning/working group from club members to organize the event; parking, vendor placement, set up, testing, refreshments etc. Kohala – Hamakua Radio Club (Waimea) will be joining them on this project. Of course, they will also be getting help from BIARC and SPARC (Hilo and Kau) as well as other groups on Hawaii Island. The venue is the Waimea recreation center, which is the same location as in several past Swap Meets. The tentative schedule will be as follows:

  • 8:00 am Breakfast at Hawaiian Style Café (come early as they tend to be crowded)
  • 9:00 am Vendor setup
  • 10:00 am doors open
  • 12:00 pm guest speakers, forum, presentations (we need your input)
  • 1:00 pm license testing
  • 2:00 pm wrap up clean up

There is always a good turnout from both sides of the island for this as well from off Island. There is always a lot of great used ham radio gear, meeting old friends and meeting new ones. Contact Stuart, KH7DX 808-896-1290 or kh7dx@arrl.net or via this group with your offer of assistance for this, all ways fun project. More updates as they come in, and thanks for supporting HAM Radio in these Hawaiian Islands. This comes from Stuart, KH7DX.

The Kohala Hamakua Radio Club (KHRC): The next club meeting will be in Kapa’au on the second Sunday which is Sept 8 at 1400W (2:00PM) in the Conference Room, (Enter in rear of Gym Building), Hisaoka Gym, King Kam Park, Kapa’au.

Eric Grabowski, KH6CQ, DEC for North Hawaii, has been sending out periodic reports on the North Hawaii repeater project and other happenings in his area. Eric lives in Waikoloa and the repeater will be located on the northwestern slope of Mauna Kea at a Parker Ranch Pump site. The frequency 147.84/24 has been coordinated but is not published since the repeater is not yet in operation. In his report Eric details the hardware he already has and what he needs. For those of you unfamiliar with how to put up a repeater, this planning, permission and general paperwork part of the process can be harder than actually putting up the machine. He is still short money to complete the project. If you would like to donate or just get information contact Eric.

Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) School Radio Club ARRL affiliation has been approved by the ARRL board of directors and the certificate has been mailed to the club. We would like to do a formal presentation however HPA is now on summer break. While HPA has several pages of website there is none specifically for the School Radio Club (yet). Kohala Hamakua club meets on alternate months at the alternate energy building on the HPA campus.

The Kauai ARC: Monday, September 2, 2013, 7:00 PM, is the Kauai ARC Monthly Meeting at KIUC Main Office, 4463 Pahee Street in Lihue.

Don’t forget the Saturday breakfast at The Feral Pig (formerly The Tiki Room and Main Street Diner) located in Harbor Mall at Nawiliwili. Folks begin arriving around 0730. Remember to get your parking ticket validated (while the attendant is hardly ever there for Saturday breakfast, it’s a good idea to validate just in case). Saturday, August 31, 2013. 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Kauai Amateur Radio Club will be holding a one day study session followed by a License Exam

The Emergency ARC: Check this website for more information.

EARC meets on the 3rd Tuesday (except June & Dec). The next EARC General Membership meeting will be September 17th at 7PM at the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 46, 891 Valkenburgh St. Honolulu. TOPIC: TBA. There is a Potluck. Contact G.Lo at wh7bte@yahoo.com and let her know what you are bringing. See you there!

EARC/ARRL HAMFEST & Swap Meet will be on Saturday September 14, 2013 at the FRA. It will open at 8 am for buyers, 7 am for sellers. Seller’s tables will be a donation of $10.00. More info posted soon. This is the same day as the Koolau and BIARC regular meetings. The word is this was the only day available.

The Honolulu ARC: Their website is down again. The only website we could find was here and the generic ARRL site given to each affiliated club but there is very little new information in them.

HARC meets on the 3rd Saturday at 9:00 am on odd months only (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, and Nov). There normal meeting place of Sizzlers and then GoCo in Aiea have both shut down. Their next meeting will be Sept 21. John Peters, K1ER, president of Honolulu ARC, suggested that for its next meeting they go to Monterey Bay Cannery which overlooks the farm on the opposite side of the shopping center. There is lots of free parking and it is easy to reach. They have a similar Meeting room, similar menu, and similar prices.

The Koolau ARC: They meet on the second Saturday at 9:30 AM. At Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Park in Kaneohe. The next meeting is Saturday, September 14 starting at 9:30AM.

HAWAII QSO PARTY: There has not been enough time to get the results of the Hawaii QSO party. From what we have heard, it was a success with propagation up and down. Joe, AH0A, said that the latest version of HI QSO Rules is on line. If you want to use any of these programs, down load it now and get your gear ready for next year. In addition to the N1MM logging program, two new ones are being adopted: SD and Genlog. The contest website is http://www.hawaiiqsoparty.org/ . Logs should be submitted by September 30, 2013.

The Waikiki ARC seems to have only the ARRL club listing website here. That site contains a lot of information. Their last report to ARRL was Aug 14, 2013 so it very current. They meet every Tue at 7AM for breakfast at the Monterey Cannery at 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Unit FSI in Aiea. Thanks to William N. Kendall KH6OO for the latest information and keeping the website up to date.

The Pacific Radio Amateur Transmitting Society no longer has an ARRL club listing so we will drop it from our list.

The Maui ARC: Thank you for the regular updates and especially the Field Day update and picture. See it at the bottom of the Pacific Section webpage in the picture section. Their regular meeting is on the second Wednesday of each month which will be September 11th at 7PM in the basement of the CD EOC in the Maui County building also known as 200 South High St. (Except December).

The Maui RACES repeater on 147.02+ MHz requires a sub-audible tone of 103.5 Hz for access. The 146.94- MHz repeater requires a 110.9 Hz tone. There is a repeater map on the MARC website. This is a good source of repeater information for Maui County.

The Maui Amateur Radio License Examination Schedule for this year is: Saturday, December 7, 2013. Persons planning to take an Amateur Radio license exam should pre-register at least two weeks before the scheduled exam date. Send email to kh6h@arrl.net or call Mel, KH6H, at 250-4591 and leave voice mail, including your email address. If no one pre-registers, the exam session will be cancelled. Maui VE (volunteer examiner) sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Maui County Civil Defense Emergency Operating Center, 200 S. High Street in Wailuku. Exam dates and location are subject to change. Pre-registered candidates will be notified of changes in the exam date or location. Before the exam, you will receive a confirmation email with more information, including directions to the exam site. The 2013 ARRL/VEC exam fee is $15. Bring a check or cash.

The Big Island ARC: They meet at 2PM on the 2nd Saturday Monthly at 2 PM at the Keaau Community Center. Their next meeting is on September 14th. On August 31 BIARC will be participating in the first ever Puna Regional Emergency Preparedness Fair (PREP) at the Keaau High School from 9 AM to 3 PM. Bob, AH6J and Gregg, WH7FC are the co-leads. If you can be of assistance please help as much as you can.

Milt Nodacker, AH6I, is now the lead examiner and instructor for BIARC. Another set of Technician classes’ starts Thursday September 5 at 6:30 PM for two hours each for 6 weeks at the Orchidland LDS meeting hall. Contact Milt Nodacker, AH6I, at 965-6471 for more information or write nodacker@gmail.com

The Hilo ARC: They meet daily 6:30-8:30 AM at Jack in the Box Hilo. This club is actually the oldest on the Island of Hawaii however there was a break in existence of several years until former Section Manager Dean Manley, KH6B and several others reactivated it. They also sponsor the Council of Radio Club which meets once monthly at various restaurants in East Hawaii for breakfast.

The Hawaii QRP club: They also meet daily with a listed time of 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM at “Jack In the Box” however the time varies depending on who comes. It is very informal.

The Hawaii DX Association has become less active with the loss of several key members. These two websites are still active however the tripod site has an excess of advertisement and is almost unusable. They both contain good information.

The Marianas ARC: However it is out of date. They meet on for first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Their next meeting is September 3, 2013. Beware of the dateline when figuring time and date as they are one day ahead of Hawaii. The meeting is at the KSTO radio studio on Nimitz Hill. There is plenty of parking behind the building on the lower level. Entry to the meeting room is from the south side of the building. There is also another website with some Guam information however it is also sadly out of date. MARIANA ISLANDS DX ASSOCIATION NH2DX The website www.guamham.com does not work.

The South Point ARC or “SPARC” meets on the first Sunday at Noon at Manuka State park. Their next meeting will be September 1, 2013. They are not affiliated with ARRL.

There has been no news from American Samoa in the last several months.

Hawaii’s Official Amateur Radio Repeater Coordination Site is:

http://www.hawaiirepeaters.net/

Coming events:

  • Sat August 31, 2013 Puna Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Fair
  • Sat September 14, 2013 EARC Hamfest
  • Sat October 5, 2013 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test
  • Sat October 5, 2013 Big Island International Hamfest in Waimea (Kamuela)
  • Fri October 25, 2013+ CQ World Wide Contest – Phone
  • Sat November 2, 2013+ ARRL Sweepstakes Contest – CW
  • Sat November 16, 2013+ ARRL Sweepstakes Contest – Phone
  • Fri November 23, 2013+ CQ World Wide Contest – CW
  • Fri December 6, 2013+ SKYWARN Recognition Day
  • Sun December 8, 2013 Communications for Honolulu Marathon. Email Greg NH6ZS for more details.
  • Fri December 13, 2013 ARRL 10 Meter Contest

Ron Hashiro’s webpage always has a good collection of news of local happenings. See:

http://www.qsl.net/a/ah6rh/am-radio/in-hawaii.html

The Civil Defense Amateur Radio Club’s mission is to provide ARRL Volunteer Examiner testing services for amateur radio operators and test takers residing on the island of Oahu. The goal is to continually build up the pool of available emergency communicators available during times of emergency. Testing is usually on the third Wednesday at 6:30 PM however contact Ray Moody, AH6LT moody at hawaii.edu or phone 941-9239. Advance registration is required to pass building security. Next exam is November 20, 2013, 6:30 pm, American Red Cross HQ on Diamond Head Road. Be sure to ask Ray for complete instructions and what you will need.

Cal-Pac RC members Jim, K6MIO, Dean, KH6B and Fred, KH7Y, put the KH6HME memorial station on the air from Mauna Loa 8,200 foot level during Field Day. We have confirmation that the memorial brick for Paul Lieb, donated by W6DPD, is now in place at the ARRL HQ patio. See the picture on the bottom of the Pacific Section webpage.

Check the ARRL webpages for news about the Wake Island DXpedition. The Daily DX reports that two Pacific Island DXpeditions are preparing to activate in October and November. The much-anticipated K9W Wake Island DXpedition has announced its tentative operating schedule, with times based on Wake Island times and dates (Wake is 12 hours ahead of UTC). According to its website, the team expects to kick off operations on or about October 7 and operate until October 18. Check the K9W operating plan for specifics. Wake Island is number 14 on the ClubLog Most Wanted list.