On October 19th, over 450 guests joined Historic Hawai‘i Foundation at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel to recognize Beadie Kanahele Dawson as the 2019 Kama‘āina of the Year for her lifelong commitment to helping others. Beadie was honored for her leadership in the restoration of Iolani Palace, her pivotal role in the reorganization of Bishop Estate Trust and her advocacy to support the native Hawaiian community. […]
On Saturday, October 27, 2018, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation recognized MATSON as the 2018 Kama‘āina of the Year™ at an award presentation at the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, in Waikiki. Matson was honored for its 136 years of providing service to the Hawaiian Islands, and its role in establishing some of the most beloved historic buildings in Honolulu, including the Moana Surfrider and Royal Hawaiian Hotel. “Ever since Captain William Matson sailed his three-masted schooner Emma Claudina from San Francisco to Hilo in 1882, the Matson fleet has been a part of Hawai‘i’s support system and connection to the rest of the world,” said Kiersten Faulkner, executive director of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation. “The company has been part of events in Hawai‘i for over 130 years and contributed to many of the historic communities that make Hawai‘i unique. They have shaped the waterfront, helped establish the tourism industry, supplied the plantation economies of the previous two centuries, and continue to provide a lifeline of supplies for the islands.” Historic Hawaii Foundation’s Kama‘āina of the Year™ award was established in 1988 to honor individuals or organizations who have contributed to preserving Hawai‘i’s rich history and perpetuating the essence of Hawai‘i. The Kama‘āina of the Year program honors community members who have made unique and lasting contributions to preservation of Hawai‘i’s historic places and culture. The award was presented at the 44th annual fundraising benefit to support the programs and services of Historic Hawa‘ii Foundation. “Matson is proud of its Hawai‘i heritage and we are honored to receive this recognition from Historic Hawai‘i Foundation,” said Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO of Matson. This tribute video celebrates Matson's history and legacy in Hawai‘i [...]
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation was very pleased to honor Kelvin H. Taketa as the 2017 Kama‘āina of the Year™ at Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s annual fundraiser benefit on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Kelvin is chief executive officer of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation—the largest foundation in the state that works to transform lives and improve our communities. Since his appointment in 1998, the Foundation has become the leader in facilitating charitable investments in Hawai‘i and has earned distinction as a trusted community resource on charitable trends and best practices in Hawai‘i. In addition, the Foundation has launched several major initiatives with a coalition of local and national funders and government agencies to address critical issues and developed grant programs that have proven results and led to national recognition for the Foundation. In 2015, the Foundation administered more than $50 million for programs and initiatives in Hawai‘i. VIEW THE EVENT PHOTOS Prior to his role at Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Kelvin helped found The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii as its Executive Director and then managed the fundraising, government relations and communications functions for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the largest conservation organization in the world, out of its headquarters in Washington, DC. He then led the creation of TNC’s programs in the Asia/Pacific region. Kelvin has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards including his current service on Hawaiian Electric Industries, Hawaiian Electric Company, the Hawaii Leadership Forum and the Stupski Foundation in San Francisco. He has previously served on the Board of Grove Farm on Kaua‘i and the Independent Sector in Washington, D.C. A national leader and commentator about philanthropy and non-profit organizations, Kelvin has been selected by The Non-Profit Times [...]
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is pleased to announce that Lynne Johnson and Randy Moore were honored as the 2016 Kama‘āina of the Year™. The event was held on Saturday, October 1, at 6 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort in Waikīkī. For 29 years, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation has recognized individuals who have contributed to preserving Hawaii’s rich history. The Kama‘āina of the Year™ award presentation occurs at Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s annual fundraising event, now in its 41st year. The benefit furthers HHF’s mission to preserve and encourage the preservation of historic buildings, objects, sites and communities significant to the history of the Hawaiian Islands. Lynne Johnson is a lecturer in musicology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She serves as a trustee on the boards of the Mānoa Heritage Center, Honolulu Museum of Art and Hawai‘i Opera Theatre. Through her community service with these organizations, Dr. Johnson has been a strong supporter of art, culture, history and preservation in Honolulu. Randolph G. Moore is a retired business executive, middle school teacher and Department of Education administrator. He currently serves on the Board of Regents for the University of Hawai‘i. Mr. Moore held executive positions with Kāne‘ohe Ranch, Moloka‘i Ranch and Castle & Cooke. After retirement, he taught mathematics at Central Middle School, then transferred to the Department of Education, working as assistant superintendent for school facilities and support services. The couple was recognized in honor of their community service to Hawai‘i, including commitments to enhancements and improvements in arts and culture, land stewardship and educational sectors. The Kama‘āina of the Year event will feature themes of community engagement and involvement. Documentary filmmaker Robin Lung eloquently captures the grace, [...]
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation presented the 2015 Kama‘āina of the Year Award to Neil J.K. Hannahs at the 40th annual benefit on Saturday, September 26. Some 580 guests celebrated his achievements in community-based cultural land stewardship at the event at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation annually recognizes individuals who have contributed to preserving Hawaii’s rich history. The Kama‘āina of the Year™ event furthers Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s mission to preserve and encourage the preservation of historic buildings, objects, sites and communities significant to the history of the Hawaiian Islands. Hannahs directs the Land Assets Division of Kamehameha Schools, which is responsible for 358,000 acres of agriculture and conservation lands in Hawai‘i. Hannahs’ approach to land management is based on caring for the cultural, natural and water resources; creating sustainable systems to produce food, renewable energy and timber; supporting sustainable, community-based economic development, and fostering social enterprise development to engage Hawaiian stakeholders in these strategies. Hannahs directs the Land Assets Division of Kamehameha Schools, which is responsible for 358,000 acres of agriculture and conservation lands in Hawai‘i. Hannahs’ approach to land management is based on caring for the cultural, natural and water resources; creating sustainable systems to produce food, renewable energy and timber; supporting sustainable, community-based economic development, and fostering social enterprise development to engage Hawaiian stakeholders in these strategies. Tribute Video Event Photos Mahalo to our Sponsors POU HĀNA/LEAD HOAPILI/FRIEND KĀKO‘O/PATRON Mason Architects, Inc. WCIT Architecture Kualoa Ranch Hawai‘i Alexander & Baldwin, Inc./Grace Pacific LLC Hawaii Investment Ready The Howard Hughes Corporation First Hawaiian Bank [...]
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is pleased to announce that Steven C. Ai and Carol Ai May will be honored as the 2014 Kama‘āina of the Year™. The 27th annual Kama‘āina of the Year event is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2014, at 6 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort in Waikīkī. The event includes a cocktail hour, dinner, tribute to the honoree and musical entertainment. Steven, Carol and the Ai family are being recognized in celebration of the rich history of the family-owned, 115-year-old kama‘āina company that is an important and integral part of the singular culture of the Hawaiian Islands. City Mill has contributed towards the diversification ofthe local economy and perpetuates Hawaii’s values through its corporate philosophy. The Ai siblings exhibit a deep commitment to community in continuing the legacy started by their grandfather. The Kama‘āina of the Year event will celebrate ‘ohana, building community, and cultural preservation through community involvement. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation annually recognizes individuals who have contributed to preserving Hawaii’s rich history. The Kama‘āina of the Year™ event furthers Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s mission to preserve and encourage the preservation of historic buildings, objects, sites and communities significant to the history of the Hawaiian Islands. Steven & Carol Ai Tribute Video Mahalo to our Sponsors POU HALE/FOUNDER HOAPILI/FRIEND KĀKO‘O/PATRON Matson Foundation The Queen’s Medical Center Goodfellow Bros., Inc. Taubman Pūlama Lāna‘i Allied Builders System/Y. Hata & Co., Ltd. Mason Architects, Inc. WCIT Architecture Hawai‘i Pacific Health Kamehameha Schools Horizon Lines, Inc. KŌKUA/BENEFACTOR RM Towill Co. Group 70 International Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. Deloitte & Touche LLP/Joanna Kawamoto Haleakalā [...]
Mahalo to all who attended our 2011 “Kama‘aina of the Year™” annual benefit honoring the late Herb Kawainui Kane. On October 22, Herb Kawainui Kane was honored for his life’s work as an artist, historian, and one of the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. While still working as a graphic artist in Chicago, Kane began researching Polynesian canoes and voyaging that ultimately brought him back to Hawai‘i and the creation of his life’s work of paintings depicting Polynesian canoes and other aspects of Hawaiian culture. Kane also helped design and build Hokule‘a, a traditional double-hulled voyaging canoe that made its inaugural voyage from Hawai‘i to Tahiti without modern navigation aids in 1976. His work of meticulously researched and detailed depictions of historic events in Hawai‘i’s history are on display in museums, private collections and public places in Hawai‘i, notably a series of 14 paintings of voyaging canoes in Hawai‘i State buildings and his well-known painting of Pele at the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The U. S. Postal Service issued seven postage stamps of his paintings, including the stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hawai‘i statehood. Kane was born in Minnesota on June 21, 1928 and raised on Hawai‘i Island and died in Kona on March 8, 2011. Herb Kane is the 24th recipient of the Kama‘aina of the Year™ award, which honors individuals who have made unique and lasting contributions to the preservation of Hawaii’s historic places and cultural resources. The event is Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s annual fundraiser and proceeds support the preservation of historic sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Photo by Karin Stanton | Hawaii247.com Mahalo Sponsors: LEAD SPONSOR: [...]
On Saturday, November 3, Senator Akaka was honored as the 2012 Kama‘aina of the Year in recognition of his public policy work that has been essential to the preservation of Hawaiian heritage for future generations. He is the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the United States Senate. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Akaka has worked tirelessly to improve the lives and sustain the culture of Native people in Hawai‘i and throughout the United States. For his lifetime of service to the people of Hawai‘i and the nation, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is proud to honor Daniel Kahikina Akaka as its 2012 Kama‘aina of the Year. “Through Senator Akaka’s steadfast leadership to assure equal treatment for Native Hawaiians, the Hawaiian history, language, culture and places have been sustained,” said Robert Iopa, President of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation. “We will miss his wisdom and focus on preserving the Hawaiian culture not only through his work but also by the personal example he sets by living his life with aloha.” Senator Akaka is the 25th recipient of the Kama‘aina of the Year award, which honors individuals who have made unique and lasting contributions to the preservation of Hawaii’s historic places and cultural resources. The event is Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s annual fundraiser and proceeds support the preservation of historic sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Mahalo Sponsors: HOAPILI/FRIEND: Princess Abigail Kawananakoa Office of Hawaiian Affairs The Chickasaw Nation KAKO‘O/PATRON Alexander & Baldwin/Matson Group 70 International Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) Hawaii Pacific Health Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. Kamehameha Schools Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP Mason Architects, Inc. Queen’s Health System Taubman Topa Management [...]
On Saturday, September 28th, Tim Johns was honored as the 2013 Kama‘āina of the Year in recognition of his distinguished career in helping to preserve, perpetuate and celebrate the natural, cultural and historic resources of Hawai‘i. As past president and CEO of Bishop Museum, Tim provided leadership of the State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. As former Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, he was responsible for the conservation and stewardship of public lands, historic properties and cultural resources. “Tim’s community activities include perpetuating the ranching and agricultural history of the Islands, and his commitment to natural resource protection—including cultural and historic landscapes—is evident in his community service,” said Frank Haas, HHF Board President. “For his lifelong support and dedication to preserving the historic, cultural and natural heritage of Hawai‘i, HHF is proud to honor Tim Johns as its 2013 Kama‘aina of the Year.” Historic Hawai‘i Foundation annually recognizes individuals who have contributed to preserving Hawai‘i’s rich history. The Kama‘aina of the Year™ event furthers Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s mission to preserve and encourage the preservation of historic buildings, objects, sites and communities significant to the history of the Hawaiian Islands. Mahalo Sponsors: POU HALE/FOUNDER: HMSA Hawaii Gas HOAPILI/FRIEND: Bank of Hawaii KAKO‘O/PATRON Topa Management Company Kobayashi Group/MacNaughton Group/BlackSand Capital WCIT Architecture Pulama Lana‘i Goodfellow Brothers, Inc. Mason Architects, Inc. AECOM Aulani Resort Group 70 International Taubman Hawai‘i Visitor & Convention Bureau ProService Hawai‘i Hawaii Pacific Health Carlsmith Ball LLP Kyo-Ya Hotels & Resorts LP HGEA Tim & Robin Johns Lend Lease/Hickam Communities & Island Palm Communities KOKUA/BENEFACTOR Consuelo Foundation Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel Kuiwalu Consulting Kane‘ohe Ranch [...]
