KAHU-FM 91.7 has returned to the airwaves in Pahala, Naalehu and other isolated areas of Hawaii island’s southern half.

Hawaii Public Radio bought the previously silent station earlier this year and restored radio service to the southernmost part of the United States Wednesday.

The station carries the HPR-2 program stream originated on KIPO-FM 89.3 in Honolulu.

“It is absolutely essential that this population be served, particularly when it comes to emergencies and civil defense,” said Michael Titterton HPR president and general manager.

While KAHU initially will only be heard in the Ka’u District, HPR plans to incrementally rebuild and expand the station’s signal coverage throughout East Hawaii. HPR-2 can be heard in West Hawaii KIPM-FM 89.7 and KHPH-FM 88.7.

The HPR-1 program stream can be heard on all islands.