Hilo program wins
top HVCB honor

Star-Bulletin staff

The Hawaiian EDventure Program, a cultural and educational program created by the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Destination Hilo, won the top award in this year's "Keep It Hawaii" competition run by the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau.

The program, winner of the "Best of Show" award, brings Big Island visitors in touch with Hawaiian culture by bringing them together with kupuna, or elders. Hawaiian EDventure's "Going Back to Our Roots" program also won the award for events and programs, at last week's annual HVCB event.

The Pomaikai, a special award in the eighth annual HVCB program to promote the protection of Hawaiian culture, was awarded to Continental Airlines Inc. as a "business that creates good fortune." Continental was recognized for creating new jobs through its investments in new flights to the islands and a new maintenance facility at Honolulu Airport, among other things.

A total of 14 awards in 15 categories and 19 merit certificates were awarded.