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Auto show
‘Ohana Road’
wins big award

BILL Maloney has accepted a second national award for "Ohana Road," the locally produced automotive show he created and for which he serves as executive producer.

The 2004 International Automotive Media Awards gold medallion was presented for best automotive entertainment in the consumer video category, in ceremonies at Sardi's restaurant in New York City, earlier this month.

The show airs statewide at 7 p.m. Saturdays and 11 p.m. Sundays on KITV and occasionally on the Armed Forces Radio and Television Network, seen around the globe.

KITV President and General Manager Mike Rosenberg does not describe himself as a car enthusiast, but says "the show is really, really watchable. They've got a good formula going."

The Automotive News weekly trade journal, which Maloney called the bible of the car business, is also preparing a story about "Ohana Road" and its sponsor, Cutter Family Auto Centers.

The story will be "from the standpoint of the sponsor with a conscience, meaning, it's not just car dealers selling, it's Cutter talking about safety," improving gas mileage and other information for consumers, Maloney said.

Upcoming episodes of the show will feature appearances by Jay Leno and executives from Ford and General Motors as well as a salute to the 40th anniversary of the Mustang.

Lotsa dough

Four Honolulu advertising agencies were on pins and needles until this week's official announcement that Kraft Foods has chosen the Harris Agency LLC to represent its $2.4 million business in Hawaii and Alaska.

The account came up for review after more than three years of representation by Laird Christianson Advertising Inc., from which Harris namesake and founder Doug Harris departed in April.

Up to four new employees may be added to handle the account. "One of the most important things is our people, right -- when you get the growth opportunity you get good people to come with it," Harris said via phone from Kuala Lumpur.

Harris, whose company also represents KFC, was in Malaysia for an international KFC franchisee event and was presented with an international marketing award for his agency's "Snackers" campaign.