COURTESY THE SCHILLER AGENCY LLC A paniolo enjoyed the festivities at the Parker Ranch Fourth of July Rodeo, which won a Kahili Award in the events category yesterday.

Winners keep
Hawaii real

State tourism officials laud
those who honor and preserve
island culture and heritage

List of winners

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Star-Bulletin staff

The book "Kohala Aina" by Sophia Schweitzer and Mike Gomes was the big winner of the 13th annual Keep It Hawaii program luncheon yesterday.

The duo's work received the best-of-show trophy as well as a Literary Arts Kahili award.

The book discusses the history and present-day status of the Big Island's Kohala Coast, from the earliest Polynesian settlements through European contact and missionary influence; to the growth of Parker and Kahua ranches, sugar plantations and the current boom in growth.

The Kahili for "Kohala Aina" was one of two presented in the category and one of 13 overall. Sixteen certificates of merit also were awarded at the program luncheon sponsored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority in conjunction with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.

The Keep It Hawaii program was initiated in 1991 as a way to formally recognize businesses, organizations and individuals who work to preserve and perpetuate Hawaii's unique culture in 15 categories, from accommodations to attractions and products to productions.

Entries, geared toward both visitors and residents, were judged by 40 volunteers over a two-week period.

Winners will gain additional publicity through Hawaii Magazine, which will publish a "Kahili Corner" series highlighting awardees, beginning this summer.

Hawaii Magazine is published every other month in California for Hawaii enthusiasts. It boasts a readership of 200,000 via subscription and newsstand sales.

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Keep It Hawaii 2004 Awards

The top award, Best of Show, was won by Sophia Schweitzer and Mike Gomes for "Kohala Aina," published by Mutual Publishing. Other winners were:

Accommodations

Kahili Award >> Kapalua Bay Hotel, "Creating Memories of Aloha Through Hookipa"
Certificate of Merit >> Aston Hawaii Hotels & Resorts, Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel

Architecture

Kahili Award >> American Savings Bank, Main Branch at Bishop Street
Certificate of Merit >> Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Outrigger Waikiki's Rejuvenation

Attractions

Certificate of Merit >> Bishop Museum
Certificate of Merit >> Polynesian Cultural Center, the Alii Luau

Environmental preservation

Kahili Award >> Mauna Lani Resort, Mauna Lani Brochure, The Plants of Kalahuipuaa Fishponds

Events

Kahili Award >> Parker Ranch, 4th of July Rodeo
Kahili Award >> Ukulele Guild of Hawaii, Annual Ukulele Exhibition
Certificate of Merit >> Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hula Oni E
Certificate of Merit >> Hula Grill, Youth Ukulele Contest

Historic Preservation

Kahili Award >> Lahaina Interpretive Plan Team, Ala Hele Moolelo O Lahaina - Lahaina Historic Trail
Certificate of Merit >> Wailea Marriott, Kuula Stone

Internet

Kahili Award >> Mauna Lani Resort, www.maunalaniculture.org

Literary Arts

Kahili Award >> The Madden Corp., "Kamehameha - The Boy Became a Warrior King"
Kahili Award >> Sophia Schweitzer and Mike Gomes "Kohala Aina"

Media/Print

Kahili Award >> Hana Hou! Magazine, "Making Hula History"
Certificate of Merit - Hana Hou! Magazine, "Way of the Warrior"

Performing Arts & Shows

Kahili Award >> Polynesian Cultural Center, The Alii Luau

Products

Kahili Award >> Martin & MacArthur
Certificate of Merit >> Keola Beamer, "Ki Hoalu - Loosen the Key - Keola Beamer"
Certificate of Merit >> Polynesian Cultural Center, "Lei O Mano" displays

Programs

Certificate of Merit >> Duke's Waikiki, Annual Hookahiko Award
Restaurants
Certificate of Merit >> Hilton Waikoloa Village, Malolo Lounge
Certificate of Merit >> Tiki's Grill & Bar

Special

Certificate of Merit >> Hawaii Ecotourism Association and University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, "Ke Ala Moae - The Tradewind Trail"

Visual Arts

Kahili Award >> Hilton Hawaiian Village, Fine Art Collection
Certificate of Merit >> Joss Descoteaux, "Paddling in Hawaii"
Certificate of Merit >> Matthew Kaopio, "Hawaiian Family Legends"

Source: The Schiller Agency LLC