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• Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi - 2026 Hoʻokela Awards & RMH 125th Anniversary celebration

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2026 HOʻOKELA AWARDS & RMH 125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
LIMELIGHT HAWAII AT ALA MOANA (410 ATKINSON DR.)
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PROUDLY PRESENTED BY


Each year, the Hoʻokela Awards recognize the individuals and teams who raise the bar for Hawaiʻi's retail industry. From innovative problem-solvers to dedicated community supporters, these awards exist to celebrate the people behind the businesses that make our community thrive.
In 2026, the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi also marks 125 years of advocating for, supporting, and celebrating Hawaiʻi's retail community. This year's Hoʻokela Awards takes on special significance as we reflect on that legacy and look ahead to the next chapter.
FEATURED PROGRAM
Celebrating 125 Years of Retail Excellence
Honoring Our Past, Showcasing the Present, Inspiring the Future
2026 Hoʻokela Awards presentation and winners
Announcement of Retailer of the Year 2026

Featured Speakers

• Diana Birkett Rakow, President & CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. Sharing her perspective on the legacy and future of Hawaiian Airlines and its collaboration with Hawaiʻi's retail industry
  
• Paul Kosasa, President & CEO of ABC Stores and first RMH Board Chairman. Reflecting on RMH's pivotal transition and 125 years of history
  
• Aaron Sala, President & CEO of the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau. Bringing a statewide perspective on Hawai'i's visitor economy and its connection to the retail industry
  

Networking with retail and business leaders
Recognition of RMH’s 125 years serving Hawaiʻi’s retail community

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY
As a special close to the program, we will be giving away two (2) round-trip Business Class seats to any destination within the Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines network.


RESERVE YOUR SEAT
Seat, table, and sponsorship opportunities are available for this milestone celebration. We'd love to see you there!
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2026 HOʻOKELA AWARD HONOREES & FINALISTS

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD HONOREES ��
Honorees for the following awards will be recognized in person on October 30.

2026 Chairperson's Award
Helene "Sam" Shenkus
VP & Director of Marketing
Royal Hawaiian Center

2026 Retail Business of the Year
Foodland Super Market, Ltd.
Sullivan Family of Companies

2026 Retailer of the Year
Katy Chen
President & CEO
Goodwill Hawaiʻi

TEAM & EMPLOYEE AWARD FINALISTS ��
One winner per category will be selected and announced live at the event.
2026 Retail Team of the Year
T&C Surf Designs
Ka Makana Aliʻi
2026 Retail Employee of the Year
Tina Wilson
HELE / Par Hawaiʻi
Rick Willis
Target

2026 Retail Community Team of the Year
Windward Mall
HELE / Par Hawaiʻi
2026 Retail Employee of the Year
Dereck Cagat
HELE / Par Hawaiʻi
Vincent Delgado-Wells
T&C Surf Designs
Heidi Kuia
Howard Hughes Communities / Ward Village
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MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS!
RMH's 125th Anniversary Celebration and 2026 Hoʻokela Awards would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of our wonderful retailers and members. We are deeply grateful to the following organizations for their support. 
Presenting Sponsor:
Hawaiian Airlines & Alaska Airlines

Media Sponsor:
Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Gold Sponsors:
ABC Stores
HELE / Par Hawaiʻi
Central Pacific Bank
Outrigger Hospitality Group / Waikiki Beach Walk

Silver Sponsors:
Amazon
City Mill
HawkTree International / Island Movers
Honolulu Cookie Company

Bronze Sponsors:
Foodland Super Market / Sullivan Family of Companies
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort
Target
First Hawaiian Bank
Ala Moana Center (In-Kind)

Program Services & Donations:
KHON2
N&K CPAs
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