The county’s Kaua‘i Made program was honored Thursday in O‘ahu for its logo design and Web site. The honors, handed out by the Hawai‘i chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators at its 21st annual ‘Ilima Awards banquet, are
The county’s Kaua‘i Made program was honored Thursday in O‘ahu for its logo design and Web site. The honors, handed out by the Hawai‘i chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators at its 21st annual ‘Ilima Awards banquet, are the first for the relatively new program.
Begun July of last year, Kaua‘i Made promotes locally made products and currently has 77 members. The logo — hands holding a ho‘okupu, or traditionally packaged gift wrapped in ti leaves — helps identify locally made goods, while the Web site, www.kauaimade.net, provides information and access about member products to both visitors and residents.
Office of Economic Development Director Beth Tokioka, who accepted the awards on behalf of the county, said the honor lends awareness and credibility to the Kaua‘i Made program. This is important, she said, because many consumers seek out authentic Kaua‘i goods.
“People who visit want to take something back that is made here,” Tokioka said Friday.
According to Steve Golden, Hawai‘i chapter president of the International Association of Business Communicators, the Kaua‘i Made logo received perfect scores during judging, which was handled by Sacramento, San Francisco, Oregon and Nebraska chapters.
“The logo meets the objective as a marketing program that supports the high-quality of authentic Kaua‘i goods,” Golden said.
The logo’s design, created by Honolulu-based Starr Seigle Communications, reflects the diversity of the island’s goods, Tokioka said.
“We like that it represents something culturally significant … and it can represent a wide variety of products,” she added.
The International Association of Business Communicators offers to its members nationwide professional development programs on managing crisis communications, media relations, podcasting, ethics and the latest communications vehicles for businesses. Non-members such as Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development can be nominated for awards.
Golden said the 40-member Hawai‘i chapter aims to expose a whole new industry to what others are doing and raise the bar.
Nurses, acupuncturists and social workers
urged to renew licenses online
Hawai‘i’s 24,000 nurses, acupuncturists and social workers can renew their professional licenses online at the state’s Commerce and Consumer Affairs Department Web site. In fact, the state prefers that they do.
The push to go electronic began a few years ago, and between 2003 and 2005, participation nearly doubled, according to a department press release.
Professionals eligible for the online renewals include acupuncturists, advanced practice nurse recognition, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and licensed bachelor, clinical and standard social workers.
License holders will receive instructions in the mail and have until June 30 to complete the process. After that date, applications must be submitted by mail or in person to the department’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division in Honolulu.
For more information, visit: pvl.ehawaii.gov/renewals or call 274-3141, followed by 63000 and the # sign.
Hawaii Medical Service Association
has success with interactive TV
In this multi-media age, even watching TV can be an interactive experience.
The Hawaii Medical Service Association recently announced that more than 100,000 people have viewed its health-related videos on digital cable. The Oceanic Time Warner channel, called HMSA Now, was developed two years ago to educate viewers on health issues.
The program, which can be viewed on channel 344, currently offers almost 300 videos on topics ranging from heart disease to losing weight to Alzheimer’s. Information on health events across the state and healthful cooking segments are also available.
Gas prices on the rise statewide
Gas prices are up 5 cents statewide since last week, according to AAA Hawaii. The increase follows a two-month-long upward trend.
The average price around the state as of Friday is $3.16. Honolulu reported a 5 cent rise to $3.08, Hilo reported a 5 cent drop to $3.77, and gas prices rose 9 cents to $3.44 in Wailuku, according to a press release.
A representative from AAA Hawaii said data for Kaua‘i is not reported because there is not enough local participation in the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch program to report prices.
