Now in its 17th year, the Keep It Hawai‘i Recognition Awards honors individuals, community organizations and businesses for:

· Demonstrated commitment to honor and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and community by strengthening the relationship between the visitor industry and the Hawaiian community, and

· Creative and responsible efforts to showcase the Native Hawaiian culture, presenting or providing visitors and residents with opportunities to experience the authentic culture.

Dr. Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikiki Aquarium; show some of the cultural-related exhibits such as Hawaiian Monk Seal Habitat, Hawaiian Marine Communities, Hunters on the Reef and Diversity and Adaptations Exhibits.

Lauhala weaving presentation by Frank Masagatani, oldest student of Keep It Hawaii award honoree Aunty Gladys Grace, and Caroline Alfonso, president of ‘Ulana Me Ka Lokomaika‘i, the organization founded by Aunty Gladys to perpetuate the “old style lauhala weaving and the Hawaiian value of sharing ones gifts.”

Carol Wilcox and Vicky Hollinger, who compiled the songs for He Mele Aloha: A Hawaiian Song Book, and Vicky will perform one of the songs on her ukulele.