Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce announced its 2016 Pualu Award winners Friday, June 24 at the annual installation banquet at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
The Hawaii Island Humane Society was tapped for Business Innovation, an award that recognizes a business or organization committed to improving or enhancing employee’s lives, or exhibits creative product development, marketing or customer service.
Hawaii Island Humane Society recently started a field trip program for shelter dogs. At the Kona location, visitors and residents may check out a shelter dog for the day. This creative approach supports the well-being and adoption of shelter dogs and is a benefit for the people who get to take care of a furry friend for the day.
The Environmental Awareness Award recognizes an individual or organization that exhibits sensitivity and concern for the environment through innovative environmental practice and this year’s recipient is the Office of Maunakea Management.
The mission of this organization is to “achieve harmony, balance and trust in the sustainable management and stewardship of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve through community involvement and programs that protect, preserve and enhance the natural, cultural and recreational resources of Maunakea while providing a world-class center dedicated to education, research and astronomy.”
It is one of the few agencies that demonstrates its commitment through documented actions in the implementation of programs and management actions required by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. This includes the 2009 Comprehensive Management Plan. The Office of Mauna Kea Management has also launched a volunteer program to participate in the stewardship of Mauna Kea by pulling invasive weeds at Halepohaku. It does outreach to elementary schools, rotary clubs, chambers of commerce and community associations.
The Thirty Meter Telescope is the recipient of the Community Education Award, which honors an individual or organization that promotes and supports education and enrichment programs that develop personal skills and lifelong learning.
This year’s recipient believes education benefits all and is active in promoting and supporting educational and enrichment programs on Hawaii Island. The Hawaii Island New Knowledge Fund was launched in 2014 to better prepare Hawaii Island students to master science, technology, engineering and mathematics. TMT contributes $1 million to Hawaii Community Foundation and Pauahi Foundation so they have the autonomy to administer grant funds and determine scholarship recipients independently.
VASH, Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii Island, is the recipient of the visitor industry marketing award, an accolade presented each year to a person or group who diligently works to promote the visitor industry in West Hawaii.
VASH supports visitors who have been victims of crime, have experienced the death of a loved one, have medical emergencies or other adversities while visiting Hawaii Island. VASH has provided housing for those who have to extend their visit because of a medical emergency, worked with victims of theft who no longer have a form of ID to board a plane and assisted visitors who have gotten stuck in South Point when they took their rental car to a place they shouldn’t have.
The Culture and Heritage Award is presented to an individual or organization that has exhibited, through its actions, practices that promote island traditions and preserves our multi-cultural heritage. This year’s recipient is Kai Opua Canoe Club’s Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Race.
It is the largest long-distance outrigger canoe race in Hawaii and it has qualified as the world’s largest canoe race. It attracts over 2,500 paddlers and families and supports crews from around the world.
The race also includes a Kailua Village cultural walk, cultural craft fair and luau.
This year’s Chamber Member of the Year is a longstanding community member who started her company in Kona over 25 years ago. Debbie Baker has been an active Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce member for over 25 years and has contributed greatly to its success. She served on the board of directors for well over a decade serving as treasurer, chair woman from 2011-13 and double terms as past-chairwoman. Her recent tenure as chairwoman guided the chamber board and membership through the tumultuous recession.