Architects endowment established

Architects Hawaii Ltd. of Honolulu has established a $60,000 endowed scholarship at the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Architecture.

The funding will be used for student scholarships, travel, publications, specialized equipment, research, curriculum and program enhancement, as well as plans for future development of the school.

“;To commemorate our 60th anniversary, Architects Hawaii wanted to invest in the future of Hawaii by establishing this endowment at the University of Hawaii to promote excellence in education of new architects and excellence in architecture and design,”; said David Miller, president and chief executive officer of the firm.

Public relations entries sought

The Hawaii chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is accepting entries for the 2009 Koa Anvil Awards — for work completed in 2008.

The awards program recognizes outstanding public relations programs and tactics.

Additionally, nominations are being accepted for individual recognition awards — the Gregg W. Perry Public Relations Professional of the Year for a veteran practitioner and the Hokupaa Award for a relative newcomer to the industry.

Categories, rules and entry forms are available online at http://www.prsahawaii.com and the entry deadline is April 17.

Winners will be recognized at the annual banquet on July 16 at the Sheraton Waikiki.

First Hawaiian affiliate gets award

First Hawaiian Bank's investment affiliate, BancWest Investment Services, has been recognized with the 2008 Award of Excellence, by the Bank Insurance and Securities Association, the nation's largest trade association serving investment and insurance programs.

BancWest Investment Services was selected by the BISA board from among dozens of other peer programs across the U.S.

The award provides added confidence for First Hawaiian Bank's investment clients, said Don Horner, chairman and chief executive of First Hawaiian Bank.

“;BWIS continuously works with customers to develop strategies for retirement planning,”; Horner said. “;The program helps our clients achieve their objectives through consistent performance, growth and excellence in customer service.”;