The Hawai’i Visitors & Convention Bureau recently announced the kickoff of the 11th Annual Keep It Hawai’i program honoring businesses, organizations and individuals for significant contributions to preserve, protect and enhance Hawai’i’s culture and spirit of aloha. “Now more than
The Hawai’i Visitors & Convention Bureau recently announced the kickoff of the 11th Annual Keep It Hawai’i program honoring businesses, organizations and individuals for significant contributions to preserve, protect and enhance Hawai’i’s culture and spirit of aloha.
“Now more than ever, the essence of the Keep It Hawai’i program takes on special meaning,” said Tony Vericella, HVCB president and chief executive officer.
“Keep It Hawai’i plays a significant role in our overall efforts to keep Hawai’i top of mind with visitors to the islands,” he continued.
“And the sharing of what is genuine and significant about Hawai’i’s history, cultural heritage, and the unique qualities of life in the islands are key messages that contribute to travelers consistently recognizing our islands as one of the world’s leading destinations,” said Vericella.
The Keep It Hawai’i program features 18 categories, including the addition this year of two new categories: landscaping and products.
The continuing categories are accommodations, architecture, attractions, environmental preservation, annual events, historic preservation, Internet, landscaping, literary arts, broadcast media, print media, performing arts and shows, products, programs, restaurants, retail, special, and visual arts.
All entries are evaluated on the use of appropriate cultural themes in programs and activities that provide positive impact and enhance value to the visitor experience in Hawai’i.
Approximately 50 volunteers from the visitor industry, recognized authorities on cultural and arts, and past Kahili Award recipients all serve as judges. Last year, the program attracted 113 entries, with 18 Kahili Awards and 24 Certificates of Merit awarded.
The deadline to submit entries is Monday, Jan. 28. The 2002 Keep It Hawai’i Awards Luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 4, in the Mauna Kea Ballroom at the Hawai’i Prince Hotel Waikiki.
For more information, or to request an entry packet, please contact: Keep It Hawai’i c/o The Schiller Agency, 206 Merchant St., Honolulu, HI 96813-2922, call 1-808-539-5720, fax 1-808-528-5720, or e-mail: mds@tsg-hawaii.com.
