At a full-house ceremony held August 28, 2007 at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency for tourism, announced the recipients of the prestigious Keep It Hawaiʻi Recognition Awards. Awards were presented to individuals, organizations and businesses in recognition of their commitment to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. Recognizing long-term and exemplary commitment to perpetuating and preserving Hawaiʻi’s host culture, the 2007 Lehua Maka Noe Award was presented to the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Māmala Hoa. Māmala Hoa was honored for their tireless efforts in presenting the Kamehameha Day Celebration on Moku Ola (Coconut Island), Hilo for the last twenty-two years.

All nominations were judged on the following criteria: authenticity, usage, uniqueness, educational value, longevity, and commitment to the future. HTA’s Hawaiian Cultural Program Advisory Council (HCPC) which is comprised of members of the Hawaiian community and the visitor industry reviewed the nominations and selected the awardees.

HCPAC members include:

• Peter Apo, founding member of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA);
• “Brother Noland” Conjugacion, Native Hawaiian musician, artist and teacher;
• Robbie Kaholokula, tourism specialist, County of Kauaʻi;
• Leona Mapuana Kalima, cultural specialist-special projects, Office of Hawaiian Affairs;
• Cheryl L. Kaʻuhane-Lupenui, president and chief executive officer, YWCA of Oʻahu;
• Elizabeth Kapuʻuwailani Lindsey, PH.D., president and chief executive officer, Pono, LLC;
• Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, senior manager of government and community relations, Hawaiian Airlines;
• Ramsay Taum, special assistant to the Dean on Host Culture & Community Outreach, School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa; and
• Michael White, general manager, Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel.

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