Lingle announces innovation awards program
Advertiser Staff
Gov. Linda Lingle has announced the launch of the Governor's Innovation Award to acknowledge and encourage innovation across all sectors in Hawai'i.
According to a news release, the award is part of the Lingle-Aiona administration's Hawai'i Innovation Initiative, a comprehensive plan to transform Hawai'i's economy from one dependent on land development to one that builds on the human ingenuity and ability to innovate and compete successfully in the global economy.
The awards, which will be presented monthly, will recognize deserving individuals, companies, nonprofits, organizations and government agencies that are developing innovative ways to improve Hawai'i and to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
"Every day throughout the islands, the people of our state are developing new, innovative ways to do things that are improving our quality of life and securing a stronger future for Hawai'i," Lingle said. "The Innovation Award is meant to shine a light on the creativity of our citizens, and how they are using their innovative capacity to make life better for all the people of Hawai'i."
The Innovation Award will be given in three categories:
Nominees will be judged on creativity, effectiveness in achieving a goal or purpose; transferability and adoptability by others; and significance in addressing an important local or global issue, problem or opportunity. The achievement or program must have occurred within the last 12 months.
The nominations will be accepted online and reviewed by a selection committee, comprising industry, education and government representatives statewide who will provide final recommended nominations to Lingle for her monthly selection.
The following citizens will serve on the Innovation Award selection committee:
Ron Agor, principal, Agor Architecture
Dale Bonar, executive director, Maui Coastal and Land Trust
Darwin Ching, director, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Kippen de Alba Chu, executive director, 'Iolani Palace
Clayton Fujie, deputy superintendent, Department of Education
Alan Hayashi, manager, government relations, BAE Systems
Karl Hess, professor for advanced study emeritus, University of Illinois (Urbana), and board member, National Science Board
Rick Hess, technical director, Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences
Cheryl Kauhane-Lupenui, president and CEO, YWCA O'ahu
Lillian Koller, director, Department of Human Services
Kepa Maly, executive director, Lana'i Culture and Heritage Center
Abbey Mayer, executive director, Office of Planning
Lori Lei Rawlins Crivello, Kamehameha Schools Association of Teachers and Parents, Moloka'i 'Ohana
Pamela Tumpap, president, Maui Chamber of Commerce
Betty White, principal, Sacred Hearts Academy
Marsha Wienert, tourism liaison, State of Hawai'i
Members of the Hawai'i Innovation Council will also serve on the committee on a rotating basis.
The first awards are expected to be announced on May 15.
For additional information about the Innovation Award or to submit a nomination, visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/innovation-award.
