Hilo’s KPUA-AM 670 has yanked the Rush Limbaugh program off the air in Hilo, effective immediately.

The cancellation comes in the wake of Limbaugh’s offensive remarks about a Georgetown University student who testified in favor of health plan coverage for birth control. The radio host’s comments ignited a political firestorm. He later apologized for the remark.

In a statement, KPUA president and general manager Chris Leonard said:

“We have always encouraged spirited discussion about national and local issues on KPUA and from time to time those discussions may be deemed by some to be objectionable. We are strong believers in the first amendment and have recognized Mr. Limbaugh’s right to express opinions that often times differ from our own, but it has never been our goal to allow our station to be used for personal attacks and intolerance. The most recent incident has crossed a line of decency and a standard that we expect of programming on KPUA whether it is locally produced or a syndicated program like the Rush Limbaugh show. 

While much of the national debate regarding this issue is now being framed in political terms, the decision for us is one of decency and responsibility. Regardless of one’s political views on the issue being discussed, we feel the delivery was degrading and the continued comments over several days to be egregious. As a result, we are discontinuing the Rush Limbaugh program on KPUA effective immediately.”