HONOLULU -- In celebration of its 75th Anniversary of continuous service in Hawaii this year, Hawaiian Airlines has committed major funding to Aloha Festivals, the nation's only statewide cultural festival, as a way to thank the people of Hawaii for their support throughout the years.
Hawaiian Airlines has signed up as Statewide Presenting Sponsor of Aloha Festivals, a landmark Hawaii tradition for almost 60 years, from 2004 through 2006. Hawaiian will provide more than half a million dollars in support over three years, mainly in cash.
“In recent years, non-profits throughout America have found it increasingly difficult to find and sustain corporate sponsorships and Aloha Festivals has been no exception. We were facing possibly the most difficult year in our history this year when Hawaiian Airlines approached us with an offer to help. They wanted a way to contribute something significant to the community for their anniversary, and we're honored that they've chosen to support Aloha Festivals,” said Leolani Kini, President of Aloha Festivals.
“This is more than a promise of financial support,” said Mark Dunkerley, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hawaiian Airlines. “It's a commitment from our entire company to help invigorate and promote Aloha Festivals over the next few years as a world class cultural celebration. In addition to substantial cash support, we are offering marketing expertise that we hope will bring others to this most important endeavor.”
Dunkerley characterized the relationship as a partnership. “Our organizations are deeply rooted in this community – Hawaiian Airlines is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Aloha Festivals its 58th – and we share an interest in the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaii's heritage and traditions.”
“With the strength of Hawaiian Airlines behind us, our goal over the next three years will be to provide kama‘aina and visitors alike with a growing number of enriching experiences and insights into the customs and traditions of our islands,” said Kini.
Founded in 1946, Aloha Festivals is the only statewide festival celebration in America. The popular showcase of Hawaii's culture, history, and music is marked by approximately 50 signature events statewide from mid-September through October. Anchor events are the Downtown and Waikiki Ho‘olaulea, and the Floral Parade in Waikiki.
“Aloha Festivals is a celebration of our special way of life in Hawaii,” said Dunkerley. “It brings residents and visitors together in a way that world-class festivals do and we want to help restore its stature as a major attraction to visitors during Hawaii's slower fall season.”
In 1998, Hawaiian Airlines made a similar three-year financial commitment to another local cultural icon: the annual King Kamehameha Celebration. The company is also a strong supporter of the Merrie Monarch Festival, the Honolulu Symphony and many other organizations that help form the cultural fabric of Hawaii.
“These organizations and events are among Hawaii's treasures. To lose them, would be to lose part of what makes us so unique,” said Dunkerley.
This year's theme for Aloha Festivals is No Na Kamali‘i (For The Children).
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines, the nation's number one on-time carrier, is recognized as one of the best airlines in America. Business travelers recently surveyed byCondé Nast Traveler rated Hawaiian Airlines as having the best in-flight service and meals of any U.S. carrier. Hawaiian was recently ranked fourth best in the nation overall by Travel + Leisure.
Celebrating its 75th year of continuous service, Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii's largest and longest-serving airline, and the second largest provider of passenger air service between Hawaii and the mainland U.S. Hawaiian offers nonstop service to Hawaii from more mainland U.S. gateways
than any other airline. Hawaiian also provides approximately 100 daily jet flights among the Hawaiian Islands, as well as service to Sydney, American Samoa and Tahiti.
Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (AMEX and PCX: HA). Since the appointment of a bankruptcy trustee on May 16, 2003, Hawaiian Holdings has had no involvement in the management of Hawaiian Airlines and has had limited access to information concerning the airline.
Additional information on Hawaiian Airlines is available at www.HawaiianAir.com.