HONOLULU — To celebrate its 75th Anniversary of inter-island air service in Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Airlines is providing funding for the statewide Aloha Festivals. The funds come at a time when some events on Kaua‘i and elsewhere set for this fall
HONOLULU — To celebrate its 75th Anniversary of inter-island air service in Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Airlines is providing funding for the statewide Aloha Festivals.
The funds come at a time when some events on Kaua‘i and elsewhere set for this fall were on the verge of being cutback.
Wallis Punua, Kaua‘i Island Manager for Aloha Festivals, said Friday, “I’m elated that Hawaiian Airlines is a major sponsor. The sustainability of Aloha Festivals is much more secure now and the partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, including their marketing and their portfolio of marketing capabilities is really going to be a great asset.”
Punua said the organization plans to work hand-in-hand with the airline in developing the statewide series of festivals.
“This partnership will benefit the State of Hawai‘i, Aloha Festivals and island of Kaua‘i greatly,” Punua said.
He said the Aloha Festival Kaua‘i celebration is set for September 7-17. Plans include events at major hotels and a ho‘olaulea. He said local merchants are invited to become sponsors of Kaua‘i events.
In the funding plan with Hawaiian Airlines the airline has become a statewide Presenting Sponsor of Aloha Festivals. Known also as Aloha Week, thefestivals have become a landmark Hawai‘i tradition over the past 60 years.
The airline funding runs from 2004 through 2006, with Hawaiian providing more than half a million dollars in support over three years, mainly in cash.
“In recent years, non-profits throughout America have found it increasingly difficult to find and sustain corporate sponsorships and Aloha Festivals has been no exception. We were facing possibly the most difficult year in our history this year when Hawaiian Airlines approached us with an offer to help. They wanted a way to contribute something significant to the community for their anniversary, and we’re honored that they’ve chosen to support Aloha Festivals,” said Leolani Kini, President of Aloha Festivals said in a press release.
“This is more than a promise of financial support,” said Mark Dunkerley, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hawaiian Airlines. “It’s a commitment from our entire company to help invigorate and promote Aloha Festivals over the next few years as a world class cultural celebration.
In addition to substantial cash support, we are offering marketing expertise that we hope will bring others to this most important endeavor.”
Founded in 1946, Aloha Festivals is the only statewide festival celebration in America.
The popular showcase of Hawai‘i’s culture, history, and music is marked by approximately 50 signature events statewide from mid-September through October. Anchor events are the Downtown and Waikiki Ho‘olaulea, and the Floral Parade in Waikiki.
