Beyond his academic pursuits, Brian is deeply involved in amateur radio. He serves as president of the amateur radio club (DS0KEB) https://www.qrz.com/db/DS0KEB at his school Eulji University Bio Medical Engineering Seocho, Seoul, South Korea and is also the secretary of the Youth Committee of the Korean Amateur Radio League (DS0YIC). With so much in common, we couldn't pass up the opportunity for an eyeball QSO while he was here in Honolulu!
Brian stopped by Tiki’s Grill & Bar, where we had the chance to chat before heading out in my truck—fully equipped with amateur radio gear. It turns out Brian also holds a U.S. callsign, so I gave him the opportunity to get on the air while he was here.
We started with VHF repeaters, where he made a few contacts, followed by a UHF DMR session. I also showed him my Icom 7300, which I use for HF contacts right from my truck. He was able to experience firsthand how I have my mobile setup configured—one of the best ways to showcase the versatility of amateur radio.
After getting on the air, we headed back to Tiki’s, where I hosted Brian for a cocktail and pupu to complete the experience. Of course, we also exchanged QSL cards and stickers, a tradition that helps strengthen the connections we make over the air and in person.
Meeting Brian was a great reminder of how amateur radio can bridge cultures and create friendships across the globe. Whether through HF, repeaters, or digital modes, our shared passion for radio communication unites us—no matter the distance.
Mahalo, Brian, for the QSO and visit! Hope to catch you on the air again soon—perhaps on HF from Korea!
73!
Michael
KH6ML
At Tiki’s Grill & Bar, we take pride in crafting every dish from scratch, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the hands of a dedicated kitchen team. One example of our commitment to handmade excellence is our Ginger Chicken Aioli, a flavorful sauce that’s just one of the elements in our special Makana Pupu dish—the gift from our Chef to each table at dinner.
Every morning, our prep crew—the unsung heroes of the kitchen—begin their day by chopping, slicing, and mixing ingredients to create the building blocks of our menu. Scarlett, one of our incredible prep team members, recently prepped a fresh batch of Ginger Chicken Aioli, carefully layering cilantro, ginger, green onions, garlic, and basil before finishing it with a pour of hot oil to unlock its full depth of flavor.
When I asked Scarlett if this was a difficult sauce to make, she smiled and said, "No, but you do have to follow the recipe to ensure that you get everything correct. It does take time to chop the herbs and garlic to the right size." That’s the secret—attention to detail and respect for the process. She was a little shy about being in the photo.
This isn’t just any sauce—it’s a labor of love. Our prep team produces 500 to 800 portions daily, ensuring that every dish served at Tiki’s carries the same level of care and quality. The Makana Pupu dish, offered as a gesture of hospitality, is a small but powerful representation of our commitment to the Aloha spirit—delivering fresh, handcrafted flavors to every guest who dines with us.
Mahalo to our incredible prep crew—you may not always be in the spotlight, but your dedication makes every meal at Tiki’s a true Ohana Experience.
#TikisGrill #ScratchKitchen #HandmadeWithAloha #makeohanahappen
This morning at 7:30 AM HST, I finally succeeded in making radio contact with Progress Base (RI1ANE) in Antarctica! This moment was a culmination of several previous attempts, all of which had ended in frustration—but not today. With my morning coffee in hand and my trusty setup humming, I was able to reach Igor Taranenko at Progress Station, a Russian research facility situated at the Larsemann Hills Antarctic oasis on the shore of Prydz Bay.
The Contact
Conditions this morning were not ideal for voice communication, so I used FT8, a digital mode designed for making contacts under weak signal conditions. Using WSJT-X, Igor and I exchanged the following:
This allowed both of us to verify not only the success of the contact but also the impressive range of our signals, bridging a distance of 13,595 km (8,447 miles) at a bearing of 297° between my station in Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Progress Station in Antarctica.
My Setup: For those who love the technical details:
A Bit About Progress Station The station is perched on the shore of Prydz Bay, surrounded by a landscape of ice, rock, and an incredible history of human perseverance and scientific exploration. Learn more about this amazing research station on its Wikipedia page.
Another DXCC Entity Achieved This contact also adds a new DXCC entity—Antarctica—to my log, helping me work toward additional endorsements for the DXCC Award. Each country or DX entity represents a unique achievement in the world of amateur radio, and this one is particularly special due to the extreme remoteness and challenging conditions of the location. Currently, I have 154 confirmed country or DX entities. The Joy of Radio Communication
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I wanted to share a fun and fulfilling activity I did after work today! I headed up to the beautiful Pali Lookout to spend an hour participating in POTA (Parks on the Air). For those who aren’t familiar, POTA is a ham radio program that encourages operators to set up and operate from designated parks. The goal is to connect with other operators around the world while showcasing the natural beauty of these locations. It’s a fun way to combine the outdoors with amateur radio!
I parked my truck right in the parking area where the slot is, and the wind was absolutely blasting—classic Pali weather! It added an extra challenge to the setup, but with my trusty Icom IC-7300 radio and a Ham Stick antenna for 20 meters, I managed to get on the air.
In just 47 minutes of operating time, I made 21 contacts on phone mode (voice). The experience was even better as I added some new countries to my DXCC (a ham radio award for confirming contacts with at least 100 different countries).
Here are some stats from my activation:
In addition to the long-distance (DX) contacts, I also made a few local connections on VHF, chatting with friends here on the island.
POTA is such a rewarding experience—it’s a great way to enjoy Hawaii’s stunning scenery while connecting with other radio operators around the globe. If you’re ever curious about ham radio or want to tag along on one of these activations, let me know.
You can check out the exact location I was at on Google Maps: Pali Lookout Location. https://maps.app.goo.gl/K9jzyByUQu59StBP7
2024 CQ World Wide DX Contest
CQ World Wide 2024 HF Contest: A Personal Record for KH6ML
This past weekend, I joined thousands of operators for the CQ World Wide High Frequency Contest, the biggest amateur radio competition globally. Over 35,000 participants were on the air, each of us aiming to make as many contacts across as many DXCC entities and CQ Zones as possible. This year, I surpassed my previous record by a significant margin, achieving 181 contacts with operators in 51 countries and entities—all from my home station!
Using my trusty Icom IC-7300 set to 100 watts and a simple G5RV Jr. wire antenna, I took on the challenge, proving that even with a modest setup, you can reach operators around the world. Although I took breaks and kept close to my usual sleep schedule, the weekend was packed with exciting QSOs and new connections.
5W Samoa VE Canada CT Portugal
9A Croatia VK Australia CX Uruguay
BY China VP2M Montserrat YJ Vanuatu
C2 Nauru W USA YL Latvia
D4 Cape Verde XE Mexico YU Serbia
DL Deutschland ZF Cayman Is EA Spain
DU Philippines ZL New Zealand EA8 Canary Islands
E7 Bosnia EI Ireland F France
FK New Caledonia FM Martinique G England
HA Hungary HL South Korea I Italy
JA Japan KH6 Hawaii KL7 Alaska
KP4 Puerto Rico LU Argentina LY Lithuania
LZ Bulgaria OE Austria OH Finland
OH0 Aland OK Czech Rep. OZ Denmark
PA Netherlands PJ4 Bonaire PY Brazil
S5 Slovenia SM Sweden SV Greece
UA Russia EU UA0 Russia AS V2 Antigua and Barbuda
For amateur radio enthusiasts, the CQ WW isn’t just a test of skill; it's a reminder of the unique camaraderie our hobby brings. Even amid the intensity of a contest, the friendships we forge reach far beyond borders and languages. Now, I’ll wait eagerly as the logs come in to see where I rank. Until then, I’m celebrating a personal best and looking forward to next year’s competition!
SSB is always the last full weekend of October.
2025: October 25 - 26
2026: October 24 - 25
2027: October 30 - 31
Chef Ronnie delighted the attendees with three exquisite dishes:
Hawaii Beef Bolognese, Moringa Pappardelle, Pecorino Romano
Vegan Moringa Pappardelle, Vegan Alfredo, Small Kine Farms Crimini Mushrooms
Polenta Nera con Polpo (Braised Octopus & Black Polenta), Pickled Island Veggies, Olive Frite, Romesco
The event was hosted on Wednesday, June 26, at the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Ho’okupu Center. We appreciated being asked to cook at this event and to be a part of such an enlightening and impactful discussion.
It was interesting to hear from key stakeholders in the industry speak:
Kyle Caires, Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii
Nicole Galase of the Hawai’i Cattlemen’s Council, Hawai’i Rangeland Stewardship Foundation, and Hawai’i Beef Industry Council
Timothy Luton of Maui Cattle Company
James Nobriga of Nobriga Ranch
Ryan Torres of Y. Hata & Co.
Taylor Kellerman of Kualoa Ranch Hawai’i
Great to see so many supporters including @uluponoinitiative, @cpb_hawaii, @alexanderbaldwinhi, @bayerhawaii, @kamehamehaschools, @unitedfishingagency, and the State of Hawaii. Thank you to @sgwinespirits, @alohabeerco, and @fijiwater for their in-kind support.
#EatThinkDrink #Beef #BeefProduction #LocalFlavors #AgriEvent #HawaiiAgriculture #HawaiiAgFoundation #CentralPacificBank #ETD25 #eatthinkdrinkhawaii
The first full weekend of June marks an exhilarating event for amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide—the Digital Mode Contest. This year, on June 1-2, 2024, I, KH6ML, had the pleasure of participating from my home in Kaneohe, on the beautiful island of Oahu, using my trusty Icom IC-7300 HF Radio.
The contest's goal is simple yet engaging: make contact and exchange QSO information with other amateurs using any digital mode (excluding RTTY) that supports the 4-digit Grid Square exchange. The contest spans several bands, including 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters. As a Technician, I was limited to the 10 and 6 meter bands, per FCC rules. One of the unique aspects of this contest is that automated operation is not permitted—each contact must involve direct initiation by the operator on both sides. This rule ensures that the spirit of genuine communication and interaction is maintained.
The contest kicked off at 1800 UTC on Saturday and concluded at 2359 UTC on Sunday. This provided ample time for operators across the globe to connect, exchange grid squares, and experience the camaraderie that defines the amateur radio community.
Despite the challenges posed by solar weather, I was able to make 130 contacts, reaching a variety of countries, or as we call them in the amateur radio community, DXCC entities. The thrill of making successful QSOs under varying conditions is an experience like no other. Here are the entities I managed to contact:
This contest was sponsored by the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), an organization that has been instrumental in promoting and supporting amateur radio for over a century. Being a member of the ARRL has numerous benefits that enhance my amateur radio experience:
Resources and Education: The ARRL provides a wealth of educational materials and resources that help me stay informed about the latest in amateur radio technology and practices. Their publications, such as QST magazine, are invaluable for learning new techniques and keeping up with the community.
Advocacy: The ARRL advocates for the rights and interests of amateur radio operators at the national and international levels. They work tirelessly to protect our frequencies and ensure that amateur radio remains a vital and recognized service.
Community: Being part of the ARRL connects me with a vast network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for amateur radio. This sense of community is essential for exchanging ideas, finding support, and fostering lasting friendships.
Contests and Awards: The ARRL organizes numerous contests and awards programs that provide exciting opportunities to challenge myself and improve my skills. These events are a great way to stay engaged and motivated in the hobby.
Participating in the Digital Mode Contest was a remarkable experience. It allowed me to connect with fellow amateurs from diverse parts of the world, exchange information, and enhance my skills in digital communication. The contest not only tested my abilities as an operator but also reinforced the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of changing solar conditions.
Amateur radio is more than just a hobby; it's a way to build bridges across cultures and geographies, fostering a sense of global community. I look forward to future contests and continuing to embrace the spirit of amateur radio. Until next time, 73 from KH6ML!
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Chef Ronnie from Tiki's Grill & Bar will be showcasing his culinary talents at the upcoming "Beefing Up Hawaiʻi: Grazing Toward Increased Production" event.
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Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Hoʻokupu Center, located at 1125 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813.
This exciting event is part of the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation’s EAT THINK DRINK series, which delves into the heart of Hawaiʻi’s beef industry through a fusion of innovation, community, and flavor. It promises to be an evening of learning, delicious food, and great company.
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Kyle Caires, an Associate Extension Agent at the University of Hawaiʻi’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), will deliver an insightful keynote address. Dr. Caires will explore the history and evolution of Hawaiʻi’s beef industry, dating back to its inception in 1793, and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that local beef producers face today.
In addition to the keynote speaker, Dr. Kyle Caires, we are honored to have an esteemed panel of industry experts joining us. Nicole Galase, Managing Director of the Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council, will share her insights on rangeland stewardship and beef industry initiatives. Timothy Luton, General Manager of the Maui Cattle Company, will discuss the challenges and opportunities of grass-finished beef production. James "Jay" Nobriga, a Maui native and experienced Beverage Distribution Manager, brings his deep-rooted knowledge of local agricultural practices. Ryan Torres, Global Category Manager – Protein for Y. Hata, will provide a comprehensive view of managing protein categories and supporting the local cattle industry. Our discussion will be moderated by Taylor Kellerman, who has extensive experience in Hawaii’s tropical agriculture sector.
Culinary Delights:
Indulge in savory dishes crafted by some of Hawaiʻi's favorite chefs, featuring island-raised beef. Chef Ronnie will be among the talented chefs presenting their creations, offering a unique taste of locally sourced ingredients.
Early Bird Tickets:
Don’t miss out on early bird pricing! Secure your tickets now and join us for a memorable evening.
What's Included:
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Hoʻokupu Center, 1125 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813
Central Pacific Bank
Alexander & Baldwin, Bayer, Elite Parking Services, Hawai‘i Longline Association, Kamehameha Schools, Lendlease, State of Hawai‘i, Ulupono Initiative, United Airlines, United Fishing Agency Ltd., Y. Hata & Co., Ltd.
Additional support from Aloha Beer, Fuji Water, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
Join us for an evening of education, inspiration, and exquisite flavors. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing the best of Hawaiʻi’s beef industry with you!
Purchase Your Tickets Today!
For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://www.hawaiiagfoundation.org/events/eat-think-drink/
or contact info@hawaiiagfoundation.org.
See you at the event!
