Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce

Since 1979, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce (KKCC) has been honoring outstanding individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations in West Hawai‘i for dedication and hard work in the community.  Pualu in the old Hawaiian dictionary means, “to work together.” This year’s winners have demonstrated working together by making the community a better place for all of us to live.

Winners are chosen by the Pualu Awards committee from nominations received by Chamber members and the general public. There are eight winners in seven categories and honorees were tapped at the recent KKCC annual membership and installation luncheon at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

Community Education
Community Education Award honors an individual or organization that promotes and supports education and enrichment programs that develop personal skills and lifelong learning. The recipient is Bank of Hawaii for its Smart Money Seminars.

The current economic climate dramatically increased the need for financial education and this program helps individuals and families make better financial decisions by providing them with the tools and knowledge to better manage their personal finances. The free, easily accessible financial literacy program utilizes a wide range of media to reach a broad audience base while focusing on topics including budgeting, credit, homeownership, retirement, business planning and fraud.

Environmental Awareness
Environmental Awareness Award is in recognition of an individual or organization that exhibits sensitivity and concern for the environment through innovative environmental practices. KKCC presented two awards in this category.  
 
Teaching through example easily defines the character of our first recipient. As a member of the chamber’s Kuleana Business committee, Holly Algood brought an idea to the chamber that would offer the community education on building, landscaping and decorating techniques that are earth friendly, would showcase local businesses that provide environmentally sustainable services and products and would raise awareness of sustainable practices happening right here in our local community. As Chairperson of the first Kona-Kohala Grand Green Homes Tour, Holly Algood not only championed the event from start to finish but also offers herself as an example of sustainable living via her home, her business and her way of living life.

The next recipient, Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides, again shows its respect for the ocean by offering “Manta Talks” at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. These half-hour talks are offered six nights per week and include a PowerPoint that shares important information and little known facts about these amazing marine animals.

Business Innovation
Business Innovation Award recognizes a business or organization that is committed to improving or enhancing employee’s lives, or exhibits creative product development, marketing or customer service.

This year’s recipient is an organization that converted a community vision into a business microenterprise that not only employs community members, but uses its business revenue to revitalize and maintain a prime community asset. Through the non-profit community organization KUPA or Kama’aina United to Protect the Aina, Friends of Ho’okena Beach Park was established. This sustainable business venture executed a Memorandum of Understanding with the County to “adopt” and assume management of Ho’okena Beach Park.  With the on-site presence of their Aloha Patrol, the park is clean and safe, and camping permits and a concession stand generate revenue and create employment.

Lifetime Service
The Lifetime Service Award honors an individual who has made a lifelong commitment to the community exemplified by their personal and/or business achievements.

Edwin T. Ueda truly exemplifies the phrase “service above self.”  His lifetime commitment to Kona can be shown by his aggregate of 147 years of volunteer service in various clubs and organizations: 23 years with Kona Hongwanji Mission as a Cub Scout Master; 42 years with the Lions Club of Kona and Leo Club advisor for Konawaena High School; 14 years as director of Pulama Ia Kona Heritage Preservation Council; 20 plus years as a director with the Kona Adult Day Center; and 48 years of service on the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors. Ueda served for 30 years as Land Manager for Kamehameha Schools/ Bishop Estate.

Visitor Industry Marketing

Visitor Industry Marketing Award is presented to that person or group who diligently works to promote the visitor industry in West Hawai‘i.

Recognized as the industry’s oldest and most successful food festival in Hawaii, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival honors Kona’s cultural heritage and recognizes the accomplishments of Kona coffee pioneers, farmers and artisans. The Festival promotes ag-tourism annually during the November shoulder season by hosting over 40 special events during its 10-day schedule.  Innovative marketing programs include the Kona Coffee Country Driving Tour, a Kona Coffee Cookbook and the Festival’s self-published 32 page magazine.

Culture & Heritage Award
Culture & Heritage Award taps an individual or organization that has exhibited, through its actions, practices that promote island traditions and preserves our multi-cultural heritage.

The first recipient in this category exudes aloha for her culture. As founder of the lauhala weaving club, “Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona” Aunty Elizabeth Maluihi Lee wants to ensure the art of traditional lauhala weaving is perpetuated from generation to generation. Through her annual retreats, her weaving classes and her community involvement, Aunty Elizabeth shares her knowledge of this craft in her own caring and nurturing way. She has a style all her own and her hats are sought after with their unique “Aunty” look.

The next recipient in this category successfully undertook the arduous challenge of designating Ali‘i Drive as a Hawai‘i Scenic Byway. Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast covers the entire length of Ali‘i Drive - seven miles with seven centuries of Hawaiian royalty, archaeological, historical and cultural traditions. It was approved as the state’s second scenic byway in January and congratulations to Kailua Village Business Improvement District and the Local Byway Committee for securing this designation. 

Chamber Member of the Year.
Chamber Member of the Year Award names the individual who advocates, promotes and supports the mission of the chamber through active participation on committees, events, membership and/or community service.

Paul Horner of the Keauhou Beach Resort is this year’s recipient. He joined the KKCC Board of Directors in 2009, became a vice president in 2010 and chairs one of the chamber’s biggest fundraising events, the annual golf tournament.  The growing success of this tournament for the past two years lies solely with Horner-mahalo!