KGMB9 will compete for morning news viewers with the Sept. 17 launch of "Sunrise on KGMB9," co-anchored by Steve Uyehara and Grace Lee.

The wake-up show, a traditional mix of news, traffic and weather, means the CBS affiliate finally will join Honolulu's other network stations that have early morning programs.

Jeff Booth, current weekend weather anchor, will move to the morning slot, and business commentator Howard Dicus will join the "Sunrise" team. Dicus, formerly of Pacific Business News, was a veteran contributor of business news on rival KHON-2's morning newscast.

"We're still working on the rundown and the format of the show, but you can count on fresh zeal," said Chris Archer, KGMB9 news director. "We're not going to recycle stories from the day before; we'll be all about what happened overnight, what's happening now and what will happen today."

He said the station had been conducting a nationwide search to shape its broadcast team.

"Fresh is always a gamble, and while we did take a look at (prospects) from the Mainland, we realized that the best team we could assemble was right in front of us," said Archer.

Uyehara, who has been weekend sports anchor and a sports reporter, joined KGMB in 2002 and has had experience as an assistant producer, producer and news reporter.

Lee, who earlier had ties with KGMB, rejoined the station in June after three years at KCRA in Sacramento.

Booth has been weekend weather person for 2 1/2 years and often has done weeknight stints, too.

A field reporter also will be hired to join the broadcast on-camera team.

Archer said the station is particularly attracted to the "Sunrise" name because it was the title of the first daily live weekday telecast on KGMB back in 1952. "We want to bring morning news back to life in the state," he said.

"Sunrise" will air from 5 to 7 a.m. weekdays, replacing "The Daily Buzz." The CBS network news show will follow from 7 to 9 a.m. weekdays.

"We are totally committed to creating a morning show people will want to watch," Rick Blangiardi, KGMB9 president and general manager, said in a statement.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.