A veteran radio and television broadcaster and a former police chief will he honored for their longtime support of Palama Settlement this month at the third annual Malama Palama Gala.
Proceeds from the fundraiser, set for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Royal Hawaiian, will help support programs for the low-income community’s keiki, teens, kupuna and families, a news release said. The gala includes a silent auction and reception prior to dinner and entertainment.
The honorees are Emme Tomimbang, who was raised in the Kalihi-Palama area, and Francis Keala, who has served on Palama Settlement’s board of trustees.
During Tomimbang’s years at Central Intermediate School, she learned how to swim, socialize and begin the formation of her young teenage life at Palama Settlement, the release said.
“It was at Palama where I learned how to socialize, and I even attended my first dance there.” Tomimbang said. “Palama provided us a place of trust and continuity and offered very important programs that helped to guide us later in life.”
The former KITV and KHON-TV news reporter is also the founder and president of Emme Inc., a local video and production company; and the host and executive producer of the popular series “Emme’s Island Moments.”
The Oahu-born Keala graduated from Saint Louis School and the University of Hawaii. He entered the Honolulu Police Department in 1956 and was promoted to the chief’s post in 1969. Keala retired in 1983. He served on Palama Settlement’s board of trustees in the 1980s.
“While my dad was the chief of police, he received a lot of support from folks in the community,” said Mark Keala, the honoree’s son. “When he retired, he wanted to give back to those that had given so much to him.”
Prices for a table of 10 start at $2,500; individual reservations are $250 per person. To make a reservation, call 848-2502 or visit 808ne.ws/1PP3IES.
