The Sea Grant College Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa was recently awarded the 2013 Dr. Arthur Chiu Award for Excellence in Hurricane Preparedness. The award is given annually to an organization, individual, or business that demonstrates innovation or excellence in hurricane preparedness for the community. This year, UH Sea Grant was selected for its efforts to make Hawaii’s communities safer through its work on the Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards. The free handbook provides detailed information on how to prepare the home for a hurricane and other natural hazards, and outlines cost-effective steps that can significantly reduce the risks to lives and property.

Chiu was a UH-Manoa engineering professor for four decades, an internationally recognized expert on the effects of wind on structures, and a longtime volunteer with the Hawaii State Hurricane Advisory Committee. More than 50,000 copies of the handbook have been printed and distributed to homeowners throughout the state, and this summer UH Sea Grant is distributing a second edition.

In other awards and recognitions:

» Sidney Kosasa (1919-2006) and his wife, Minnie, best known for establishing the ABC Stores chain, are the latest inductees to the Hawaii Food Industry Association’s Hall of Fame, which was established in 1995. Honorees have distinguished themselves by making significant contributions in their respective fields. Sidney and Minnie Kosasa were recognized at the 2013 HFIA Annual Convention, held last month at the J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa.

In 1949, the Kosasas formed a family corporation and opened their own pharmacy, Kaimuki Pharmacy on Waialae Avenue. A decade later, they owned eight drugstores on Oahu, including Kaimuki Pharmacy, the Thrifty Drugstore chain in Hawaii, and three concessions in the Gem department stores. The first ABC Store opened in 1964, and there are now 77. They’re in Hawaii, Las Vegas, Guam and Saipan.

Sidney Kosasa also served as president of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii and president of the Kuakini Health System. In addition, he was a member of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and served on the boards of Island Insurance Co., Central Pacific Bank and the Hawaii Visitors Bureau.

» The Honolulu Chapter of Executive Women International recently announced recipients of its 2013 Executive Women International Scholarship Program (EWISP) awards. A total of $13,000 in scholarships were awarded to outstanding Hawaii high school seniors.They include: Theresa Tasani, Leilehua High School (first place, $5,000); Kyle Cegler, Moanalua High School (second place, $3,000); and Diana Huynh, Roosevelt High School (third place, $2,000). This year, due to a special donation from corporate sponsor Hawaii Medical Service Association, EWI was able to award the five semifinalists $500 each.Scholarship semifinalists are: Layla Fidel, Pearl City High School; Connie Lee, Sacred Hearts Academy;Tiana Shiroma, Christian Academy; Natalie Subia, Farrington High School; and Jonathan Ueki, Punahou School.

In addition, a special $500 award was presented to Diana Huynh for winning the 2013 Lynette Tamaye Notebook award. The award is presented in memory of the late Lynette Tamaye, a past member of EWI’s Honolulu Chapter who was the executive secretary to David Pietsch Jr., president of Title Guaranty Escrow Services. The award, funded by Title Guaranty, goes to the student who submits a winning notebook based on creativity, visual appeal and artistic inventiveness.