Hawaii Tourism Authority names its award winners
Star-Bulletin staff
The Hawaii Tourism Authority presented its 17th annual Keep It Hawaii recognition awards yesterday, with the highest accolade going to the Kamehameha Investment Corp.
Kamehameha won the coveted Koa Award for its "Ho'iho'i Kulana Wahi Pana -- Restoring Sacred Places" project.
In addition, 17 Kahili awards and 26 Lehua Maka Noe certificates of merit were presented to individuals, organizations and businesses in recognition of their commitment to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture.
Six lifetime achievement He Kuleana Ke Aloha awards were presented for personal commitment and dedication to ensuring that the Hawaiian culture is perpetuated for generations to come.
Honorees included:
» Lolena Nicholas -- Native Hawaiian speaker and longtime kumu at Punana Leo language immersion preschools;
» 'Ohana Pahinui -- A family with a rich musical legacy started by the late Gabby "Pops" Pahinui;
» Cox Radio's AM 940 -- Traditional Hawaiian music radio station committed to playing authentic Hawaiian music along with programming of specific interest for the public's education and enjoyment;
» Brothers Cazimero -- Hawaiian music duo committed to a foundation of traditional Hawaiian authenticity in all of their music;
» 'Ohana Wa'a -- Group of people committed to deep-sea voyaging who come together in unity to continue on in the ocean traditions of Native Hawaiians;
» The late Wright Bowman, Jr. -- Master canoe builder and founder of the Friends of Hokule'a and Hawai'iloa.