Bryan Muñoz of KNDI 1270 AM Honolulu

 

Bryan Muñoz, operations manager of KNDI radio AM 1270 Honolulu. 

Over the past couple months, I've gotten to know Bryan, and learned a lot about the history of the station, and his own personal connection.  Bryan sat down with me recently, as he wants every opportunity to promote the station.

DAN: Why is KNDI special?

BRYAN: It is one of the most unique radio stations.  The people of Hawai`i came here from so many different ethnic groups.  This station was created to support all of them.  I like the mission and vision of how it was originally founded.  I appreciate that the original owner was a Christian.

 

KNDI's BACKSTORY:  Founded in 1960, KNDI ("Candy") was the first radio station with an all-female staff.  It first broadcast under a tent outside in Waikiki [now in its own building].  KNDI was bought in 1988 by employee Leona Jona.  Leona had come to Hawai`i as a refugee of the Hungarian Revolution, and spoke no English.  Today, there are hosts and programs in 12 languages. 

 

Leona envisioned a station that celebrated and empowered the diverse ethnic and cultural groups of Hawai`i. She sought out as many diverse broadcasters as possible.  For example, when she took over, there were Filipino, Japanese, Samoan, and Micronesians all coming here, and didn't speak English.  She wanted them to have a place they could get resources and information.  She had a heart for all the people.  Back in the 70's and 80's, KNDI would be the hub where you could tune in and learn where to go, in your language.  We didn't have internet then.

Barbara Bishop, one of the first broadcasters

Leona Jona, prior owner and visionary

DAN: What do you do here?

 

BRYAN: Jack of all trades!  I've been here 20+ years, and before that I came with my dad.  I first came here because I was my dad's reliever, I was his backup DJ.  Then I became technician under Leona.  From there, my dad got sick and I had to take on his program full time.  As the years went by, I took on other roles, such as sales, production, overnight security, custodian, maintenance.  

DAN: What's your show called?

 

BRYAN: I kept it from what it was in the 70's and 80's - "Fun-O-Rama."  It's an extravaganza.  Filipino and English songs.  Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.  Ilocano, Tagalog, a little Visayan.

 

DAN: What do enjoy most about your job?

 

BRYAN: I love working with the multi-ethnic mission and people.  I love working with my co-workers.  I love serving the community of Hawai`i and its multi-ethnic nature.  I am a Christian, and I am able to share on air about my faith, here and there.  Some places you are not able to share your faith, but I can here.

 

DAN: So you are yourself, you don't have to hide?

 

BRYAN: Yes.

 

DAN: That's the point of the whole station, people can be themselves and not have to hide?

 

BRYAN: Yes.

 

DAN: Can you talk about your dad?  He was a famous DJ here?

 

BRYAN: Yes.  He was a famous DJ in the Philippines as well.  Alongside my mom.  She was popular as well.  Her name is Evangeline Antonio Muñoz.  There have been a handful of other DJs here that were also popular in the Philippines.

 

When my dad came to KNDI, he was one of the main Filipino hosts that really made it blow up.  He drew a lot of listeners to the show and the station.  He would do live drama.  People would write love letters and he would act out the drama.  He would play songs that fit the letter in between.

 

There was one story of this guy who had come from the Philippines, and was missing his love he had left back home.  And back then, there was no internet.  My dad read a love note from this guy.  Lo and behold, she was listening to the show. She said, "That's me!" and was able to contact my dad and get connected.  That's how powerful radio was back then.

 

My dad was an interpreter and businessman.  He helped out a lot of people.  He had a store in Kalihi which was like a mini Seafood City back then.  The store had a lot of service, and was a hub central to get all of what Filipinos needed.  He sang, was in a band, very active in the community.

 

He passed in 2021.  He had his third stroke in 2009, and that's when my boss Leona asked me to take on his show.  While he was therapy, he was on air with me.  And then would call in from the care home and give me advice. 

 

 

DAN: How did you get the nickname or handle, "Firecracker"? 

 

BRYAN: My cousin gave me that name because my dad's name was "Kid Dynamite."

 

DAN: What do you do for fun?

 

BRYAN: Breakdancing.  I teach at a dance studio at Windward Mall called 24-7 Danceforce Studio.  

 

I also like learning martial arts, especially Filipino martial arts. The escrima school I've learned from is Hawaii Derobia Escrima Academy.   It's like MMA.  There will be a presentation at the Filipino festival in Waipahu coming up [May 3], you can see it demonstrated there. 

 

Dan's EndNote: Since moving to Waipahu, I have become a contributor on a regular weekly radio program on KNDI called Liwliwa Ti Biag (Ilocano) or Aliw Ng Buhay (Tagalog) or Spice of Life (English).  We broadcast from 7-9pm on Monday nights.  Ours is a variety show, geared mainly for the Filipino community.  My co-hosts live and work in Waipahu.