Hawaiian Airlines was honored on National Philanthropy Day as Hawaii’s Outstanding Corporation in 2002 for its comprehensive, yearlong commitment to giving back to the community.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Aloha Chapter made the presentation at a luncheon Friday, November 22, recognizing Hawaii’s outstanding philanthropists for this year.

Hawaiian was nominated by the Honolulu Symphony, which has benefited from the airline’s support as a premier sponsor for the past four years. In submitting its nomination, the Symphony stated that without Hawaiian’s support it would not be able to present a full season of outstanding guest artists from around the world.

“Hawaiian Airlines and its employees take great pride in the company’s longstanding tradition of community support and involvement. We’re grateful for this honor and pleased to continue assisting community-minded organizations dedicated to serving the needs of Hawaii and its people,” said John W. Adams, Hawaiian’s chairman, chief executive officer, and president.

Hawaiian annually sponsors more than 30 organizations benefiting a wide range of interests and community goodwill, such as Bishop Museum, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaii, Easter Seals, Hawaii Nature Center, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, and the Merrie Monarch Festival.

The company also participates in numerous community events in Hawaii and the transpacific markets served by the airline, comprised of nine western U.S. gateway cities and Tahiti and American Samoa. In addition, Hawaiian regularly provides support to the favorite charities of its employees.

Along with Hawaiian Airlines being named Outstanding Corporation, the 2002 Award Winners honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Aloha Chapter were:

Outstanding Philanthropist - The People of Hawaii /// President’s Award - Masaru “Pundy” Yokouchi /// Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser - Randolph “Randy” G. Moore /// Outstanding Small Business - Valley Isle Motors, Ltd. /// Outstanding Fundraising Professional - Kathryn Nelson /// In Memoriam Award - Myron “Pinky” Thompson

Founded in Honolulu 73 years ago, Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii’s longest-serving and largest airline. The nation’s 12th largest airline, it is also the second-largest provider of passenger service between the West Coast and Hawaii.

Hawaiian Airlines takes pride in its innovative onboard service programs that highlight and promote the people and culture of Hawaii. The airline has earned numerous international awards for service in recent years, including the 2001 Zagat Survey’s award for Best Overall U.S. Airline in the Premier category, and the 2001 Diamond Award for In-Flight Service from Onboard Services magazine. Hawaiian was rated third highest in Travel & Leisure magazine’s most recent ranking of the Top 10 U.S. Airlines.

Additional information on Hawaiian Airlines, including previously issued company news releases, is available on the airline’s Web site at www.HawaiianAir.com.

——-