Communication Breakdown; Other / Unknown
Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
I was westbound at 3;500 FT over the town of Makawao 10 miles east of Kahului Airport speaking with HCF Approach. I requested a direct transition to Waikapu Valley from my current position; and was granted the transition.  HCF advised of two aircraft inbound for landing to Kahului over Maalaea shoreline.  I responded that I had both targets and maintaining visual.  Over the town of Waikapu; just south of the Tropical Plantation at 2;500 FT; 80 KTS; HCF advised there was a Stationair doing aerial survey five miles off my three o'clock and turning. (HCF did not say which direction they were turning.)  I acknowledged and was cleared to switch radio frequencies to common.  At this point I was just west and outside the 5 mile ring of Kahului's airspace.  Approximately 10 seconds later I looked right and saw the Stationair off my right door 50 feet below me and 50 feet to the right of me closing southbound.  I immediately climbed 100 FT to avoid any collision.  I switched back to HCF to see if the Stationair had me in sight and they replied that the Stationair was talking to Kahului Tower.  I asked Kahului Tower if the Stationair had me in sight and the pilot of the Stationair replied; 'No I didn't and that was close!'  There was no response from Kahului Tower.  I switched back to common and continued my flight. I later found out that the Tower had transmission problems telling the Stationair of my location; so he was unaware of my proximity.  The pilot of the Stationair advised the Tower that their transmissions were garbled.The Tower should have tried harder to contact the Stationair and advise him to climb or descend and advise him of conflicting traffic.  HCF should have held on to me until I had traffic in sight and advised me he was one mile away versus five miles away.  Both the Stationair pilot and myself should have been more diligent in seeing and avoiding.
General aviation pilot describes the circumstances leading up to a NMAC five miles west of PHOG at 2;500 feet.