2026 ARRL Field Day: From the Honolulu EOC to My Home Station

Field Day 2026 was a full day of operating, learning, and demonstrating the vital role amateur radio plays in emergency communications.

My day began at 7:00 a.m. at the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Emergency Operations Center (EOC).



The Honolulu DEM RACES team—including KH6LT (Mark Kaku), KH7EH, and NH7IT—activated the radio room to support the national ARRL Field Day exercise and a joint simulation with the Maui Emergency Management Agency.



 We successfully established communications with Maui’s team at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, simulating a total loss of internet, cellular, and Starlink connectivity. Throughout the morning, we exchanged voice traffic and Winlink radio emails, proving that amateur radio can bridge the gap when traditional systems fail.

Following the EOC operations, I visited the Emergency Amateur Radio Club of Hawaiʻi (EARCHI) and the Koolau Amateur Radio Club sites at Sand Island. It was a pleasure catching up with friends, reviewing antenna configurations, and watching new operators engage with the hobby.



I concluded the day at my home station in Kāneʻohe, operating under my callsign, KH6ML. Conditions on 20 meters were favorable, and I finished the event with the following results:


2026 Field Day Results

  - Callsign: KH6ML
  - Category: 1D (Commercial Power)
  - Location: Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu
  - Total QSOs: 120 (119 Phone, 1 Digital)
  - Bands Worked: 20m and 40m
  - Overall QSO Rate: 8.1 QSOs/hour (Peak: 51 QSOs/hour)
  - Longest Contact: VY2IRC, Prince Edward Island (8,598 km)
  - Reach: 26 U.S. States, 16 Canadian Stations, 8 Alaska Stations, and 2 Hawaiʻi Stations
  - Total Score: 292 points (including web submission bonus)


Field Day is more than just a contest; it is a critical exercise in resilience. Whether operating from a park, an EOC, or a home station, every participant helps improve our collective readiness for future emergencies.

A big mahalo to the Honolulu DEM RACES team, Maui Emergency Management Agency, EARCHI, and the Koolau Amateur Radio Club for a productive and enjoyable day. I am already looking forward to Field Day 2027 and will continue to refine my station and training in the meantime.

73,

Michael Miller, KH6ML

Holiday DX from Scotland: MM/KH6ML, Paisley ARC, Linburn Farm, and a Little POTA Adventure

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Holiday DX from Scotland: MM/KH6ML, Paisley ARC, Linburn Farm, and a Little POTA Adventure

Aloha from Scotland!

I’m Michael, KH6ML, from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. In late May 2026, my wife Lisa and I traveled to Scotland, and of course I had to bring amateur radio into the trip. Some of you I had worked before, and others became new contacts from the road as I operated holiday DX as MM/KH6ML.

Most of my operating was from the Erskine area, near Dargavel Road and Linburn Farm, where Lisa and I stayed during part of the trip. It was a beautiful base for radio, exploring Scotland, and meeting the local amateur radio community.

Linburn Farm and True Radio Hospitality

A very special mahalo goes to Graham, 2M0IJU, and his wife Liz, who hosted us at Linburn Farm for the trip. They made us feel welcome, gave us a great place to stay, and offered the restored farmhouse at a very fair price.

If you are the mellow, easygoing type, they may even be open to renting out the restored farmhouse to you as well. For us, it was the perfect kind of place: quiet, friendly, full of character, and close enough to connect with the local amateur radio community.

The Gear That Made It Happen

The members of the club went above and beyond. They loaned me an Icom IC-7300, a car battery, and a Tactical Delta Loop antenna, also known as the TDL.

The Tactical Delta Loop is a portable HF antenna designed for transportability, quick setup, and a small footprint. For a visiting operator like me, it was exactly the kind of setup that made field operating possible without bringing a full station from Hawaiʻi.

That generosity turned the trip from “maybe I can get on the air” into a real Scotland radio adventure.

Connecting with Paisley Amateur Radio Club

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was connecting with the Paisley Amateur Radio Club.

The club meets at:

Paisley Amateur Radio Club
Ferguslie Sports Centre
106 Blackstoun Road
Paisley, PA3 1EX
Website: https://gm0pym.wixsite.com/paisleyarc

I was lucky enough to attend two club meetings during the trip, and I felt welcomed right away. It is always a privilege to visit another amateur radio club, especially when traveling so far from home. The callsigns, accents, stories, station talk, local knowledge, and shared love of radio all made it feel like I was among friends.

We also had a field day on the farm with the club, which was one of those radio memories that will stay with me. Good people, good radio, Scotland all around us, and the shared fun of seeing what we could work from the field.

POTA from Scotland

I also worked on some Parks on the Air activity while in Scotland. I did three POTA-related operations or attempts, but I was only able to get and give full credit for two of them.

That is part of portable radio. Sometimes the bands cooperate, sometimes time is short, sometimes logging details need extra cleanup afterward, and sometimes an activation becomes more of a story than a clean scorecard. I still consider it a success because the contacts were real, the learning was real, and the experience was outstanding.

The Scotland log eventually came together with a mix of voice, FT8, and VARA HF contacts. After some cleanup, the QRZ log accepted the contacts, including the VARA HF records that needed extra attention because of mode and band formatting.

Thank You to the Local Operators

A special mahalo to the operators and friends who helped make this trip memorable. I am listing calls and names only:

  •  2M0IJU —  Graham

  • 2M0NZB — Chris

  • GM5RDX — Eric

  • MM0XNC — Bob

  • MM7OAI — Kris

  • GM0NAE — Jim

  • MM0PJQ — Pat

  • MM1HMZ — Brian

  • Craig - Working to earn his call! 

Your hospitality meant a lot to Lisa and me. From the loan of the IC-7300, the battery, and the Tactical Delta Loop, to the farm hospitality, club meetings, field day, local guidance, and good conversation, you helped turn a vacation into a true amateur radio experience.

From Scotland to Hawaiʻi, radio continues to prove that distance is only part of the story. The real magic is the people.

Muckle thanks. Mahalo nui loa. Thank you.

73,
Michael Miller, KH6ML / MM/KH6ML
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

More Photos Later

Holiday DX from Scotland: MM/KH6ML, Paisley ARC, Linburn Farm, and a Little POTA Adventure

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Holiday DX from Scotland: MM/KH6ML, Paisley ARC, Linburn Farm, and a Little POTA Adventure

Aloha from Scotland!

I’m Michael, KH6ML, from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. In late May 2026, my wife Lisa and I traveled to Scotland, and of course I had to bring amateur radio into the trip. Some of you I had worked before, and others became new contacts from the road as I operated holiday DX as MM/KH6ML.

Most of my operating was from the Erskine area, near Dargavel Road and Linburn Farm, where Lisa and I stayed during part of the trip. It was a beautiful base for radio, exploring Scotland, and meeting the local amateur radio community.

Linburn Farm and True Radio Hospitality

A very special mahalo goes to Graham, 2M0IJU, and his wife Liz, who hosted us at Linburn Farm for the trip. They made us feel welcome, gave us a great place to stay, and offered the restored farmhouse at a very fair price.

If you are the mellow, easygoing type, they may even be open to renting out the restored farmhouse to you as well. For us, it was the perfect kind of place: quiet, friendly, full of character, and close enough to connect with the local amateur radio community.

The Gear That Made It Happen

The members of the club went above and beyond. They loaned me an Icom IC-7300, a car battery, and a Tactical Delta Loop antenna, also known as the TDL.

The Tactical Delta Loop is a portable HF antenna designed for transportability, quick setup, and a small footprint. For a visiting operator like me, it was exactly the kind of setup that made field operating possible without bringing a full station from Hawaiʻi.

That generosity turned the trip from “maybe I can get on the air” into a real Scotland radio adventure.

Connecting with Paisley Amateur Radio Club

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was connecting with the Paisley Amateur Radio Club.

The club meets at:

Paisley Amateur Radio Club
Ferguslie Sports Centre
106 Blackstoun Road
Paisley, PA3 1EX
Website: https://gm0pym.wixsite.com/paisleyarc

I was lucky enough to attend two club meetings during the trip, and I felt welcomed right away. It is always a privilege to visit another amateur radio club, especially when traveling so far from home. The callsigns, accents, stories, station talk, local knowledge, and shared love of radio all made it feel like I was among friends.

We also had a field day on the farm with the club, which was one of those radio memories that will stay with me. Good people, good radio, Scotland all around us, and the shared fun of seeing what we could work from the field.

POTA from Scotland

I also worked on some Parks on the Air activity while in Scotland. I did three POTA-related operations or attempts, but I was only able to get and give full credit for two of them.

That is part of portable radio. Sometimes the bands cooperate, sometimes time is short, sometimes logging details need extra cleanup afterward, and sometimes an activation becomes more of a story than a clean scorecard. I still consider it a success because the contacts were real, the learning was real, and the experience was outstanding.

The Scotland log eventually came together with a mix of voice, FT8, and VARA HF contacts. After some cleanup, the QRZ log accepted the contacts, including the VARA HF records that needed extra attention because of mode and band formatting.

Thank You to the Local Operators

A special mahalo to the operators and friends who helped make this trip memorable. I am listing calls and names only:

  •  2M0IJU —  Graham

  • 2M0NZB — Chris

  • GM5RDX — Eric

  • MM0XNC — Bob

  • MM7OAI — Kris

  • GM0NAE — Jim

  • MM0PJQ — Pat

  • MM1HMZ — Brian

  • Craig - Working to earn his call! 

Your hospitality meant a lot to Lisa and me. From the loan of the IC-7300, the battery, and the Tactical Delta Loop, to the farm hospitality, club meetings, field day, local guidance, and good conversation, you helped turn a vacation into a true amateur radio experience.

From Scotland to Hawaiʻi, radio continues to prove that distance is only part of the story. The real magic is the people.

Muckle thanks. Mahalo nui loa. Thank you.

73,
Michael Miller, KH6ML / MM/KH6ML
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

More Photos Later

MESH-SMS

Emergency Backup Messaging Through Mesh Networks

When traditional communications are down or limited, staying connected matters. This service is designed to support low-volume operational messaging during communications outages or degraded service conditions.

In these situations, a local mesh network may be used to help users send short messages to family or friends. These messages may let someone know they are safe, request assistance, or share a basic status update when normal voice, text, or internet-based communications are unavailable.

This system is not used for marketing or promotional messaging. Its purpose is operational, informational, and readiness-focused.

How the Service Is Used

This messaging capability may be used for:

  • Welfare check messages, such as letting family or friends know you are okay
  • Assistance requests when normal communications are unavailable
  • Communications system status updates
  • Mesh network or Winlink readiness notices
  • Operator-requested outbound SMS relays tied to communications support
  • Periodic testing of communications pathways, message routing, and supporting equipment to confirm systems are functioning before they are needed in a real-world event

Messages are intended to be brief, relevant, and situation-driven.

Testing of Pathways and Equipment

This service may also be used for routine readiness testing. Testing helps confirm that communications pathways, software, radios, gateways, power systems, and related equipment are working as expected.

Testing may include:

  • Verifying that messages can move successfully through the mesh network
  • Confirming that equipment such as radios, gateways, and supporting computers are operational
  • Checking message routing between mesh, Winlink, and SMS pathways
  • Confirming that backup communications methods remain available if primary methods fail
  • Validating that operators can send and receive short status messages during planned drills or readiness checks

These tests are operational in nature and are intended to improve reliability and preparedness.

Who Receives Messages

Messages are sent only to recipients who have directly provided their phone number and requested to receive these communications. Consent may be collected through verbal confirmation, written form, or digital request and is recorded by the operator or organization.

Only opted-in recipients will receive messages.

Opt-Out and Support

Recipients may opt out at any time by replying:

STOP

Recipients may request assistance by replying:

HELP

Example Messages

  • KH6ML Mesh Alert: Your contact is safe and checking in through our communications system. Reply STOP to opt out.
  • KH6ML Ops Update: Traditional communications may be limited. This is a status or assistance message sent through our mesh communications system. Reply STOP to opt out.
  • KH6ML System Notice: MESH-API and Winlink status are operational. Reply HELP for help or STOP to opt out.
  • KH6ML Readiness Test: This is a communications pathway and equipment test message to confirm system availability. Reply STOP to opt out.

Privacy and Responsible Use

This service is intended to support communications resilience, especially in times when standard systems may be unavailable. It is not intended for advertising, sales, or promotional campaigns.

Message frequency varies based on operational need, including readiness testing, drills, and real-world communications support.

UH Intern at Tiki's to Hawaii Wedding Leader: Celebrating Natalie Christensen

UH Intern at Tiki's to Hawaii Wedding Leader: Celebrating Natalie Christensen


There are some people you meet early in their journey and you just know they are going to do something special. Natalie Christensen is one of those people. Today, Natalie is a Partner + COO at Aloha Bridal Connections, a Hawaiʻi wedding planning company that describes itself as a team of experienced wedding planners and day-of coordinators and notes that it has celebrated with more than 1,250 couples from all over the world. Natalie’s own ABC bio also shares that she and Lauren have helped lead the company through 1,300+ weddings as of 2025.

For all of us at Tiki’s Grill & Bar in Waikiki, it is especially meaningful to see that success. Natalie was an intern from the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and even back in 2014 it was clear she had the talent, professionalism, and drive to go far. Her internship evaluation showed strong marks in areas like initiative, work quality, work accomplishment, and work attitude, and those same strengths still define great hospitality professionals today.

During her time with Tiki’s, Natalie worked on an impressive range of projects that touched both marketing and operations. She created employee bio sheets to help welcome new hires, made sales calls to past clients to better understand their experiences, supported promotional postings and photography for special events, gathered and organized sports calendar data for sales outreach, helped launch the HibisKiss drink with menu copy and promotional video support, collected employee social media information to strengthen brand visibility, researched guidebooks and sales proposals, and even contributed to planning materials tied to the statewide relaunch of the Primo beer brand. Looking back, those projects were more than intern assignments. They were early signs of someone who understood branding, guest experience, communication, organization, and follow-through.

What makes Natalie’s story even better is how naturally it connects to the work we do at Tiki’s today. I recently had the chance to do a surprise site inspection with Natalie at Coconut Club, our very private event venue space on the 21st floor with what feels like a 190-degree view of Diamond Head and so much of the beauty Waikiki has to offer. Tiki’s private events materials describe Coconut Club as perched on the 21st floor with unobstructed ocean and Diamond Head crater views at the Twin Fin Hotel, making it a remarkable setting for private events, wedding-related gatherings, and celebrations in Waikiki.

Seeing Natalie in that setting felt full circle. Here was someone who once contributed to Tiki’s as a student intern, now returning as a respected leader in Hawaiʻi weddings and luxury event coordination. It was a reminder that the hospitality, wedding, and events world in Honolulu can be a small one, but it is also a relationship-driven one. Great people grow, stay connected, and continue creating memorable experiences across Waikiki, Oʻahu, and beyond.

Natalie’s current role at Aloha Bridal Connections reflects the same qualities we saw years ago. ABC shares that Natalie focuses on operations, team support, client communication, vendor relationships, and planning services for its Elite clientele. The company’s story also traces back to college, with Natalie sharing that she met Lauren at UH Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business, while ABC’s About page says the business began in 2013 out of a college dorm room.

A big mahalo also goes to Lauren Ellis Michaels for the introduction. Lauren’s entrepreneurial journey with Aloha Bridal Connections has deep University of Hawaiʻi roots as well, and that connection makes this story even more special from a local business and alumni perspective. The Hawaiʻi wedding industry is built on trust, referrals, relationships, and reputation, and this is one of those stories that reflects all of that.

At Tiki’s Grill & Bar, we love seeing former team members and interns grow into leaders across Hawaiʻi hospitality, Waikiki weddings, private events, and destination celebrations. Natalie Christensen is a wonderful example of that. From her early days as a Shidler intern to her leadership role at one of Hawaiʻi’s best-known wedding planning teams, her journey reflects the kind of growth, heart, and excellence that makes our islands’ hospitality community so special. For those looking at Waikiki wedding planners, Oʻahu day-of coordinators, or even memorable private event venues in Waikiki with Diamond Head views, it is inspiring to see how these worlds continue to come together through talented professionals like Natalie.

NBA Player Anthony “AC” Carter Returns to Hawaiʻi: UH Coaches Luncheon at Tiki’s Grill & Bar

Anthony “AC” Carter is the kind of name that instantly takes UH fans back to the glory days — and this week it was an honor to have him with us at Tiki’s Grill & Bar in Waikīkī ahead of his jersey retirement.

After playing basketball at the University of Hawaiʻi, AC went on to a 13-year NBA career, suiting up for the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, and Toronto Raptors.

Now here’s the part that tells you who AC is off the court.

This luncheon came together because UH Coach Jackson Wheeler reached out to my partner, Kelly McGill, to set it up. Jackson has known Kelly since Kelly first started playing football at UH, and the two have remained close over the years. It turned into a meaningful gathering of coaches, athletic supporters, and people who’ve been part of AC’s journey — all with an oceanfront view in Waikīkī so they could relax, reconnect, and talk story the way Hawaiʻi does best.

One more connection point that made the day even better: Javan, one of our servers, took basketball as a college course with Coach Jackson Wheeler. When Javan saw him walk in, he immediately greeted Coach Wheeler with a hug. That’s Hawaiʻi right there — the way relationships carry forward across years, across roles, and into moments like this.

At Tiki’s, these are the gatherings we love: UH Athletics + Waikīkī + great food + the ocean. Two of our partners were student-athletes, and all three of us have been long-time UH supporters in many different ways — so welcoming the UH ohana isn’t just business. It’s personal.

If you’re planning a reunion luncheon, team meal, or small private gathering in Waikīkī, Tiki’s Grill & Bar is built for it — iconic views, true aloha service, and a setting that turns a meal into a memory.

Tiki’s Grill & Bar (Waikīkī): https://www.tikisgrill.com/

#TikisGrill #WaikikiDining #UniversityOfHawaii #RainbowWarriors #UHathletics #HonoluluRestaurants #WaikikiBeach  #GroupDining #PrivateEvents #MakeOhanaHappen

Tiki’s Grill & Bar appears on Hawaii News Now to share its island-style Thanksgiving menu.

Chef Ronnie Nasuti and bartender Duke Sneed on Hawaii News Now showcasing Tiki’s Grill & Bar’s Thanksgiving dinner plate.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar appears on Hawaii News Now to share its island-style Thanksgiving menu. 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and for anyone looking to skip the hours in the kitchen, Tiki’s Grill & Bar is ready to serve up a holiday feast with all the island flair you love. This week, Chef Ronnie Nasuti and bartender Duke Sneed joined Grace Lee on Hawaii News Now to give viewers a first look at our Thanksgiving menu—and the segment was as delicious as it was fun.
See the full video: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/video/2025/11/18/tikis-grill-bar-is-serving-thanksgiving-meal-those-wanting-opt-out-cooking/

A Thanksgiving Dinner in Waikiki With All the Fixin’s at Tikis

Chef Ronnie showcased our full Thanksgiving plate, created for guests wanting a memorable holiday meal without the stress of cooking. This year’s menu features:

  • Brined Roasted Tom Turkey with all the traditional fixin’s
  • Sausage, Apple & Hawaiian ʻUlu Dressing
  • Yukon Gold Potato & Tarragon Gratin
  • Moloka‘i Potato Purée
  • Sage Chardonnay Pan Gravy
  • Fresh Cranberry & Star Anise Orange Relish
  • Bacon, Macadamia Nut & Pineapple Brussels Sprouts

And for dessert, Chef brought out one of the highlights of the holiday menu—our dreamy Pumpkin Tres Leches topped with Spiced Crème and Dulce de Leche. It’s Thanksgiving indulgence at its finest.

[caption id="attachment_111" align="alignnone" width="1024"]A family with children eating and enjoying the ocean view at an outdoor table at Tiki's Grill & Bar.
This is what it's all about! A family enjoying a great meal and a beautiful view. At Tiki's, our ohana welcomes yours, creating a space for great food and even better memories. 

If you’re searching for Thanksgiving dinner in Waikiki, where to eat on Thanksgiving in Honolulu, or restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Hawaii, Tiki’s offers the perfect island-style holiday experience. Plus, our full lunch and dinner menus will also be available.

A Rising Star Behind the Bar: Duke Sneed’s First Morning Show Appearance

The morning show wasn’t just about the food—it was also a milestone moment for our young bartender, Duke Sneed. It was his first time representing Tiki’s Grill & Bar on air, and he absolutely crushed it.

Duke showcased one of our newest fall cocktails, a drink that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of the season while still keeping things tropical.

Caramel Apple Spiced Sour

2 oz Kōloa Kauaʻi Spice Rum
2.5 oz apple juice
1 oz Caramel syrup
.75 oz lemon juice
1 fresh egg white

Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin. Froth with a frother, then dry-shake. Shake with ice and pour into a saloon double old-fashioned glass. Grate fresh cinnamon over the top as the garnish.

Made with local rum from Kaua‘i, this cocktail balances caramel, apple, warm spices, and bright citrus. And the best part? It can be made full strength or as a zero-proof mocktail—perfect for families, designated drivers, or anyone looking to enjoy festive flavors without the alcohol.

His enthusiasm, creativity, and on-camera ease made it clear: we’ll be seeing a lot more of Duke in future Tiki’s segments.

Reserve Your Thanksgiving Plate

Demand is high every year, so reservations are a must for our Thanksgiving special. Whether you're a local looking for a stress-free holiday meal or visiting Waikiki and craving a festive feast with island style, Tiki’s Grill & Bar has your Thanksgiving covered. Tikis.com 

 

Chasing the World from Kaneohe: My 2025 CQ World Wide DX Contest Adventure


Every October, tens of thousands of radio operators around the globe switch on their transceivers for one of the biggest events in amateur radio — the CQ World Wide DX Contest. For one weekend, hams everywhere try to talk to as many other countries (“DX” means long-distance) and zones as possible.

This year, I joined in from Kaneohe, on the island of O‘ahu, using my Icom IC-7300, running 100 watts into a G5RVjr wire antenna strung up between a kukui nut tree and a pool-cleaning pole I found on the side of the road! My station isn’t fancy — just simple gear, a bit of creativity, and a lot of aloha. I log all my contacts on my Mac mini using RUMlogNG, which helps keep track of who I reach and where they are.
The contest runs for 48 hours straight — and during that time, the airwaves are buzzing with voices from every corner of the world. From Japan to Italy, from Brazil to Russia, signals skip across the atmosphere, bouncing off layers of charged particles high above the Earth. It’s like magic — science and nature working together to connect people across oceans and continents.
There’s something special about those moments when a weak signal suddenly becomes clear, and a voice from across the planet says your call sign back to you.
Where in the World Did My Signal Go?
I was able reached operators in 26 different DXCC entities — essentially, 26 countries or territories officially recognized in the ham-radio world. Here’s where my signal landed this year:
🇺🇸 United States (mainland) 🇨🇦 Canada 🇷🇺 Russia 🇮🇹 Italy 🇷🇸 Serbia 🇸🇮 Slovenia 🇭🇷 Croatia 🇧🇬 Bulgaria 🇭🇺 Hungary 🇨🇿 Czech Republic 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇮 Finland 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇱🇻 Latvia 🇪🇪 Estonia 🇵🇹 Portugal (Madeira) 🇬🇷 Greece 🇧🇷 Brazil 🇦🇷 Argentina 🇯🇵 Japan 🇨🇳 China 🇶🇦 Qatar 🇦🇺 Australia 🇳🇨 New Caledonia 🇺🇸 Alaska 🇺🇸 Hawai‘i
        

          

                    

          
        


          

          

            
          

        




Between making contacts, I had to work — so getting on the air was a welcome way to relax and reset. The world come alive through your headphones.
        

          

                    

          
        


          

          

            
          

        


Mahalo to the contest organizers and everyone who made contact with me. If you’re ever visiting Hawai‘i, come by for some radio talk, local food, and maybe a Mai Tai or two. 
Save the dates for next year’s contests 2026: October 24 – 25
Until then — 73 (best regards) from Kaneohe!
    – Michael, KH6ML

Paying It Forward: Inspiring the Next Generation of Culinary and Hospitality Professionals

Sharing Real-World Lessons with Future Hospitality and Culinary Leaders

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Kapi‘olani Community College, invited by Winnie Law, CHE, Hospitality and Tourism Instructor, to speak with an incredible group of Hospitality and Culinary Arts students.

The students were engaged, curious, and full of thoughtful questions about what it takes to succeed in the hospitality and culinary industry. Together, we explored a range of topics — from cost control to leadership and professional growth — all grounded in real-world experience.

Talking About the Business Behind the Kitchen

We discussed how understanding food and labor costs is essential for running a successful operation. I asked the students what methods they’ve already learned or heard about — either through school or work — for managing labor effectively. Their answers showed strong awareness of scheduling, cross-training, and productivity.

I then added some insights from my own experience — practical ways to balance efficiency, morale, and profitability without sacrificing service or quality. We also talked about accountability, and I challenged them to think about what it means when the numbers don’t add up after inventory. I shared examples of how small mistakes — or sometimes deliberate actions — can cause discrepancies, and how important it is to address issues early and build a culture of honesty and ownership.

Percentages, Dollars, and What Really Matters

I emphasized the importance of understanding both percentages and dollars. Percentages tell you how you’re performing, but at the end of the day, it’s the dollars that count — because, as I told them, you can’t deposit percentages in the bank. That line earned a few smiles, but it also made the point clear: knowing your financials is key to sustainability and success.

Professionalism, Growth, and Involvement

We had a great conversation about professionalism, including cell phone use at work, and how small habits reflect bigger attitudes toward responsibility and respect. I encouraged the students to get involved on campus — join clubs, network, and attend industry events to build connections and confidence early.

They asked a powerful question: “How do you move up in a company?” My answer was simple: do your job well every day, and ask for more. Ask to learn more, volunteer to do things that aren’t part of your current job. In school, you pay to learn — but once you enter the workforce, you get paid to keep learning. The people who grow the fastest are the ones who stay curious and take initiative.

I shared examples of how in this industry, growth can happen quickly: a hostess can become a manager in just a few years with hustle and dedication, and a dishwasher can rise to sous chef with focus and drive. Every opportunity is a stepping stone when you approach it with the right mindset.

My Journey and a Grateful Mahalo

I also shared a bit about my own path — how my journey began at Maui Community College, where I received a wonderful educational foundation that shaped my career. Returning to speak with students reminded me how far that strong start can take you.

A heartfelt mahalo to Instructor Winnie Law for the invitation, the warm hospitality, and the beautiful kukui nut lei I was gifted — a meaningful symbol of knowledge and light. It was an honor to connect, share, and hopefully inspire the next generation of Hawai‘i’s hospitality and culinary professionals.

2025 HAWAII QSO PARYT Hawaiʻi Stations – Working the World!

My Experience in the 2025 Hawaiʻi QSO Party
by KH6ML – Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu 

This year I once again participated in the The Hawai`i QSO Party (HQP)  https://www.hawaiiqsoparty.org/ — a contest designed to promote HF operation from our islands and give the rest of the world a chance to work KH6 on the bands. I operated from my home QTH in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, as KH6MLusing 100 watts and a wire antenna — and still had incredible reach across the U.S. and around the world.


📡 The Numbers

  • Total QSOs: 145

  • Operating Modes: SSB and FT8

  • DXCC Entities Worked: 16

  • U.S. States Worked: 18

  • Coolest DX Contact: C21TS (Nauru) – ~2,810 miles

  • Farthest Europe DX: Germany & UK – over 7,200 miles

🌍 Countries Worked

Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Nauru, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom

🇺🇸 U.S. States Worked

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaiʻi, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin

🌟 Highlights from the Airwaves

While contesting is often about the numbers, the real joy came from the stories that unfolded during the weekend.

🧳 I had some great conversations with hams who had lived in or visited Hawaiʻi — many with strong ties:

  • One op was born in Hawaiʻi and moved to the mainland in the 1960s.

  • Several were military veterans who had been stationed in Hawaiʻi — from Pearl Harbor to Kaneohe MCBH.

  • I had a QSO with a ham who's touring the U.S. with a traveling museum exhibit about the history of Aloha shirts — complete with vintage examples and cultural context.

  • Another shared stories of hitchhiking Oʻahu’s North Shore and beachcombing in the 1970s while working seasonal gigs.

These kinds of connections are what really make the HIQP more than just a contest — it’s a shared celebration of Aloha spirit, history, and community.

🤙 Mahalo

Big mahalo to all the ops who found KH6 on the bands. Whether you're chasing DX, collecting states, or just dropping in to say “aloha,” it was a pleasure making the contact.

If you’re in Hawaiʻi, or plan to visit, keep an antenna in your go-bag — you never know who’s listening on the other end.

73 and Aloha,
Michael – KH6ML