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Mayor praises firms for disaster plans

Mayor Mufi Hannemann presented awards to four agencies, companies and individuals for their dedication to community disaster preparedness. Those recognized included the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Macy's West Hawaii Region's Hawaii Hotel and Visitor Industry Security Association and Honolulu police officer Lisa Reed.

Dr. Nathan A.K. Wong, family physician and chief of Kaiser Permanente's Waipio Clinic, was elected president of the board of directors of 'Ahahui o na Kauka, the Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians.

Wong sailed as physician and crew member on the Hokule'a in 1980, 1987, 1992 and 1995 and serves on the board of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

Other 2008 officers of 'Ahahui o na Kauka are Drs. William R. Ahuna, vice president; J. Kuhio Asam, secretary; and Gayland Yee of Maui, treasurer.

Joining the board are Drs. Miriam Chang of Hauula and Michele K. Shimizu of Kahuku.

University of Hawaii-Manoa professor Kenneth L. Rehg is the new chairman for the Linguistic Society of America's Committee on Endangered Languages and Their Preservation. Rehg, a specialist in Oceanic linguistics, begins his one year-term in January.

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