The Hawaii Tourism Authority will spread $3.3 million of its product enrichment funding across 128 programs statewide.
“HTA’s funding is supporting organizations devoted to enriching and strengthening our communities through exceptional and memorable experiences for residents and visitors. We are proud to support the groups and volunteers who make these programs possible, and admire their efforts to share the Hawaiian culture, protect our precious environment, and host community festivals that showcase Hawaii’s distinctive appeal,” George Szigeti, HTA president and CEO, said in a statement.
Awards were based on requests for proposals issued by the HTA in August. Some 31 awards were issued through HTA’s Kukulu Ola — Living Hawaiian Culture Program, which provides funding to help community groups, practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and artists perpetuate the host culture. Applicants under HTA’s Aloha Aina Program received 30 awards to foster community-based management, protection and revitalization of Hawaii’s natural resources. HTA’s Community Enrichment Program funded 67 statewide projects, festivals and events.
For the full list of participating organizations, visit 808ne.ws/HTAawardees.
Auto lunch to feature Rolf, auto show news
Dave Rolf, executive director of the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association, will be the featured speaker Monday at the monthly Auto Lunch Bunch.
He will highlight new models coming to the First Hawaiian International Auto Show, which will be held March 24-26 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
The Auto Lunch Bunch will start at noon at the Waikiki Yacht Club — at the entrance to Ala Moana Beach Park at Atkinson Drive — at 1599 Ala Moana Blvd.
The theme for the lunch’s Kars at the Kurb is 707 Horsepower Are Us. Featured will be a 707-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT8 Hellcat and Dodge Charger SRT8 Hellcat, plus a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 8 with a Hemi V-8 with 470 horsepower from Cutter Dodge.
To RSVP for the lunch, contact Ed Kemper at 225-2965 or email him at edracers@aol.com. The cost for the event, which includes meal, iced tea, tax and tip, is $18.
ON THE MOVE
CommPac has hired Mari Galiher as an account executive as well as a social media strategist. She was previously an investigator and marketing intern for Galiher DeRobertis Ono, now known as Galiher DeRobertis Waxman.
First Insurance Co. of Hawaii has announced the following promotions:
>> Holly Araki is the new assistant vice president of IT. She previously oversaw the IT development teams for FICOH’s new and legacy systems. After more than 20 years at Bank of Hawaii, Araki became manager of customer applications at FICOH in 2014.
>> Kei Kobayashi is the new assistant vice president of strategic planning. Since joining FICOH in 2015 as a manager, Kobayashi led the company’s strategic planning efforts. He previously was manager of Tokio Marine’s international business development department in Tokyo.
