Waikiki to Glow July 24

May 29, 2008

Contributed by Thomas Yoshida

Lamalama 'o Waikīkī, which translates to "glowing Waikīkī," will feature food, drinks, entertainment and a private showing of Waikīkī Nei, the newest and most exciting theatrical and multi-media show in Waikīkī. After the show, the theater is reconfigured to a nightclub and ultra lounge called Level 4, featuring state-of-the-art technology, aerialists and a dance environment like no other in Hawai'i. Attendees have VIP access to Level 4, and will be treated to a special performance by Henry Kapono, featuring music from his Grammy nominated and award winning DVD, The Wild Hawaiian! A portion of proceeds from the evening's sale of The Wild Hawaiian! DVD will be donated to the scholarship.

Exclusive VIP tables of ten at $10,000 and $5,000, and individual tickets at $250, $175 and $150 are available. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit www.Pauahi.org.

The gala is presented by the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA), the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) and the Ke Ali'i Pauahi Foundation (KAPF) which are joining forces to encourage youth with Hawaiian cultural knowledge to explore leadership opportunities in Hawai'i's visitor industry.

"Kamehameha Schools' mission is to improve the capability and well-being of the Hawaiian people through education. These scholarships will provide the means for such an education and promising leadership positions in our community that are deeply rooted in Hawaiian wisdom and ways," explains Dee Jay Mailer, Kamehameha Schools CEO and president of KAPF.

According to Ramsay Taum, director of external relations and community partnerships at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's School of Travel Industry Management (TIM), "Of the nearly 400 students currently enrolled in our TIM program, less than 7% are of Hawaiian ancestry. In order to ensure and promote an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience, it is essential that more Native Hawaiians assume leadership positions throughout the visitor industry."

In 2004, the Hawai'i Hotel and Lodging Association conducted a statewide survey of its 180 member properties to determine the ethnic make-up of their general managers, managers and department heads and chefs. The survey determined that only 11% of hotel general managers and 13% of managers or department managers were of Hawaiian or part-Hawaiian ancestry.

"This is a statistic that we need to improve upon," said Lulani Arquette, executive director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. "At NaHHA, we are committed to increasing Hawaiian leadership in our industry and this scholarship will open the door for many more Hawaiian students to enter this field."

Waikīkī Nei, the centerpiece of the evening benefit, is the brainchild of entertainment executive Roy Tokujo and former executive producer of Cirque du Soleil, Roger Parent, creators of Maui's 'Ulalena in conjunction with Las Vegas entertainment executive Todd Dougall. The show promises to be a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience featuring accomplished dancers, live musicians, acrobats and actors together with cutting edge lighting, sound, stage machinery and automation never before used in Hawai'i.

"Waikīkī Nei will be the talk of the town," said Tokujo of Royal Hawaiian Showroom, LLC. "It is a beautifully crafted production, authentic to our Hawaiian culture and will delight attendees both young and old, kama'āina or malihini.

Ke Ali'i Pauahi Foundation, a Hawai'i nonprofit corporation recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable support organization of Kamehameha Schools, will manage the Native Hawaiian Ho'okipa Scholarship.