Norman Pang, principal of Holomua Elementary School in 'Ewa, has been recognized with the 2007 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award. The award recognizes public school leaders who are visionary, community minded and have an entrepreneurial spirit.

Pang received the honor Thursday at the annual Public Schools Foundation Dinner. He received a $10,000 cash award and $15,000 for a school project of his choice.

"Principal Pang exemplifies the type of leadership that can transform our public schools into model learning institutions," said Colbert Matsumoto, president of the Island Insurance Foundation, which makes the awards. "By recognizing outstanding principals such as Norman, it is our hope that his accomplishments will inspire others in public education."

The honor is named after the late Masayuki Tokioka, an immigrant from Japan who founded Island Insurance, International Savings & Loan Association and National Mortgage & Finance.

Pang plans to use the award to help convert a classroom into a resource center that students can use to meet state science standards. Pang, who has been a principal for 17 years, 10 of which have been at Holomua, wants to improve the school's science curriculum.

The foundation also presented $2,500 cash awards to semi-finalists principals Myron Brumaghim of Nanaikapono Elementary, Steve Nakasato of Mililani 'Ike Elementary and Charlotte Unni of Ala Wai Elementary.

Seven others were nominated for the award and received $500 each. They are Duwayne Abe of Salt Lake Elementary, Nathan Aiwohi of Hanalei Elementary, Stanley Kayatani of Kalihi Kai Elementary, Fern Markgraf of Kahului Elementary, Lloyd Matsunami of Kaumana Elementary, Mitchell Otani of Kane'ohe Elementary and Claire Yoshida of Konawaena Elementary.