Hawaii Army Museum Society Recognizes Outstanding Contributions to Military and Civilian Communities
HONOLULU (November 14, 2014) – Today, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) was honored by the Hawaii Army Museum Society with its Ihe Award at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The award was accepted by the Chamber’s retiring Vice President of Military Affairs, Col. Charles Ota, USAF, (Retired), on behalf of the MAC.
The event recognizes military contributions in Hawaii, with the Ihe Award presented annually for sustained, outstanding contributions to the military and civilian communities, and continued dedicated service to the people of Hawaii. The ihe, or spear, used by ancient Hawaiians was always at warrior’s side and symbolizes the preparedness to meet every challenge.
“Since its establishment in 1985, the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council has worked tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve the military’s presence in Hawaii,” said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii president and CEO, Sherry Menor-McNamara. “The MAC has been the leading organization for shaping Hawaii’s commitment to supporting the needs of the military and national security strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. It is an incredible honor to receive the prestigious Ihe Award and we’re pleased that the MAC’s efforts, along with the work of our various committees and stakeholders, are being recognized today.”
“The MAC has a long-standing tradition of support to the military community and carrying the message of the military’s value to Hawaii,” said the President of the HAMS Board of Trustees, General (Retired) David A. Bramlett. “We’re pleased that the award is being accepted by Charles Ota on behalf of the MAC, who has been an indispensable component.”
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s MAC has played a key role to support several initiatives to benefit military families and preserve the military presence in Hawaii including: support of the Joint Venture Education Forum (JVEF), established to improve educational opportunities for children of military service members attending public schools; actively petitioning to prevent the closure of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in 2005; supporting the Army’s continued use of training areas in Hawaii; transforming Military Appreciation Week; partnering to revise Hawaii’s antiquated animal quarantine law; working with community organizations in supporting the military’s deployments and redeployments; as well as reviewing state bills and resolutions to reinforce those assisting the military.
For more information on the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council, please visit http://cochawaiimac.org/.
As the leading “Voice of Business” in Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is the state’s largest organization advocating for businesses in Hawaii. Established in 1850, the Chamber works on behalf of its approximately 1,000 member companies and the business community, as a whole, to advance the state’s economic climate and help businesses succeed. The Chamber supports its members with training, business building and networking opportunities; coordinates advocacy activities for members’ involvement; and serves as a liaison between civilian and military communities in Hawaii.
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Contact: Lori Abe
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