Hawaii Public Radio's semiannual pledge drive will begin at 6:19 a.m. Wednesday on KHPR 88.1, and sister station KIPO 89.3 will join the effort at 7 a.m. The drive is scheduled to run for ten days.

"Challenge 2010 is gathering pre-drive steam as early contributions arrive every day," said HPR president and general manager Michael Titterton, in a press release. "We always hope for an early finish. ... However, in the event we don't get one, we are prepared to go for as long as necessary to reach the final goal of $786,000."

Early pledges may be made on a secure line at www.hawaiipublicradio.org or by calling 955-8821 during business hours.

Also, those who would like to participate as volunteers by answering telephones during the pledge drive should contact the membership services department by calling 955-8821 or e-mailing membership@hawaiipublicradio.org.