The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Coastal Windows is the only Hawai'i employer to receive the award since its inception in 1996.

The convention will be held in August 2009 in Boston. HPU regularly places in the top three and has won the contest several times.

Kellet Min, class of 1954, Hawai'i educator who co-founded the Farrington Alumni and Community Foundation in 1976 and worked tirelessly on its behalf until his death in 1995.

Robert Kuroda, class of 1940, posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in action as a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in France in World War II.

Jesse Sapolu, class of 1979, All-State football player at Farrington, All-WAC at University of Hawai'i, National Football League All-Pro offensive lineman with the San Francisco 49ers, four-time Super Bowl champion.

Cha and Jack Thompson, class of 1964 and 1963, respectively, high school sweethearts who founded and own Tihati Productions Ltd.

Honolulu City Councilman Romy Cachola, who has represented Kalihi as an elected official since 1984, as a state representative until 2000 and since then on the City Council.

This year, Waste Management of Hawaii presented the Legacy Award, the program's highest honor, to Lester Chang, director of parks and recreation for the City and County of Honolulu, on behalf of the City's Kapi'olani Park.

Other top winners for this year's awards include: Award of Excellence, Private Gardens - Tagami and Powell Hawaii, residence of Mary Philpotts and John McGrath, Hilary Wright, kitchen garden. Xeriscape Gardens - Erickson garden, Watanabe garden. Community Gardens - Na'alehu Elementary & Intermediate School; Brian Yamase and the Town Square in Waimea. Professional Gardens - Nicholi Residence, Ala Moana Center, Manoa Heritage Center. Volunteer of the Year — Brian Yamase.