The pioneering broadcaster and former Hawaii Congressman died February 4th in San Diego. His family released a statement saying the 85 year old Heftel had “been in failing health for awhile and died of natural causes.” Heftel is remembered for his groundbreaking stint as the owner of KIMN/Denver before he moved to Hawaii to become one of the islands’ most successful radio and TV broadcasters. Following a decade in politics in Hawaii, Heftel returned to the mainland — specifically Las Vegas — where he rekindled his broadcast ownership career and was one of the first in the industry to recognize the future potential of Spanish-language broadcasting in the U.S. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin has more on the life of Cecil Heftel HERE.