Since 2001, the Technology Industry Awards program has honored the top executives and companies in Hawaii who have had the most significant impact on the technology industry within the past year.

"The awardees are chosen by an elite panel of judges that select the winners based on their contributions to economic growth for the state of Hawaii, participation in community service initiatives, and understanding the role of technology in their daily lives" said Lincoln Jacobe, founder of the Technology Industry Awards and founder and CEO of the Pacific Technology Foundation.

Nominations are now being accepted in the following categories:

· Technology Company of the Year - recognizes the contributions of a single organization to create and sustain excellence in every facet of corporate achievement: technological innovation, economic growth, jobs creation, leadership in the community, and community service

· Technology Community Service Award - recognizes a organization that exemplifies a strong commitment to the community through charity, philanthropy, education, and volunteerism

· Technology Woman of the Year - honors those women who have overcome many challenges and reached the pinnacle of the technology industry in Hawaii

· Technology Educator of the Year - recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to technology education in Hawaii, either by inspiring students to learn about technology, or by using technology in a creative way at their educational institution

· Technology Hall of Fame - honors past recipients of Hawaii's High-Tech Leader awards who have exceeded all expectations in their contributions to Hawaii's technology industry over a lifetime of achievements

* Technology Educator of the Year - awarding Hawaii's educators in K-12, higher education and vocational schools who help to foster technology education in for students.

The awards will be presented Sept. 30 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

A portion of the proceeds from the gala will benefit the Pacific Technology Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that supports technology education for Hawaii's public schools by raising funds for computers and offering technology-based scholarships.