U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye will be given the Asia Pacific Community Building Award at the East-West Center Foundation's annual dinner on June 1. Advertiser library photo |January 2007

The honor recognizes individuals whose vision and professional and personal accomplishments exemplify the mission of the East-West Center. Past honorees include Mr. and Mrs. Houghton "Buck" Freeman of the Freeman Foundation, former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, the chairman of Tata Sons Limited and Indian business leader Ratan Tata, and former grand master of the Urasenke Tea Tradition Dr. Genshitsu (Soshitsu XV).

Sen. Inouye has been a steadfast supporter of the East-West Center and has been instrumental in promoting U.S. understanding and relations with the Asia Pacific region throughout his career.

The 2007 awards dinner at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom, themed The Magic of East & West, will begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored tables seating 10 are available at a cost of $2,000, $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000. Individual seats are $200.

Proceeds from the dinner help provide quality education for future U.S. and Asia Pacific leaders. Last year, more than 480 EWC students from 52 countries enhanced their leadership capabilities and increased their knowledge of the rapidly changing Asia Pacific region through their EWC experiences.