Opening Ceremony

Thursday, April 24

This year's appreciation month program kicks off with an Opening Ceremony (by invitation only) on April 24 where Hawaii's government and business leaders led by Al Landon of Bank of Hawaii, Lee Webber of The Honolulu Advertiser, Steve Colón of Hunt Development Group, Chatt Wright of Hawai'i Pacific University, Jim Tollefson of The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and David Carey, Chair of the Military Affairs Council, will host about 400 military commanders and their troops and spouses at the Battleship Missouri Memorial on Ford Island. Invited local leaders will pay tribute to the military for their sacrifices and dedicated service to the Nation, and for being an integral part of Hawaii's Ohana. The following businesses also contributed to making the ceremony and reception a tremendous success: Production Hawaii, Theatrix Hawaii, Show and Tell, Roy's Restaurants, Chai's Island Bistro, Mariposa, Elua, Kahala Caterers, Fujikami Florist, Leis by Ron, Oceanic Institute, HASR Wine Company, Sam's Club, and Anheuser Busch, HPU's International Vocal Ensemble, HPU's President's Hosts, the Pacific Fleet Band, the Air Force Band of the Pacific, and our gracious hosts, Navy Region Hawaii, Pearl Harbor Naval Station, and the Battleship Missouri Memorial Association.

Military Band Concert

FRIDAY, May 16

The Chamber in partnership with Mayor Mufi Hannemann and the City and County of Honolulu and AT&T, will host the Combined Military Band Concert on May 16 from 7-9 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Hawaii's multi-talented musicians from the military bands for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Hawaii Army National Guard will combine their musical talents in a specially produced concert for the public to enjoy. The concert will feature a variety of music ranging from popular military marches to traditional American favorites. The concert is free and open to the public. Admission tickets may be picked up at The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii beginning April 23 or the concert hall on the day of the concert. A big mahalo goes to the 25th Infantry Division's Tropic Lightning Band and the musicians from the military bands for the US Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Hawaii Army National Guard for making this concert possible.

Living History Day

SATURDAY, May 17

The Army Museum of Hawaii will conduct its 5th annual Military Living History Day on the grounds of Ft. DeRussy in Waikiki on May 17 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The public is invited to visit the museum and meet with members of the Hawaii Historic Arms Association, Hawaii Military Vehicle Preservation Association, and the Hawaii Army Museum Society as they display military memorabilia, historic military uniforms and vehicles, and reenact a famous military event. The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii is scheduled to present a special performance that day. This event is also free and open to the public.

Military Recognition Luncheon

THURSDAY, May 22

Businesses are encouraged to invite their employees and military friends to attend the annual Military Recognition Luncheon, which is being held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (Coral Ballroom) on May 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The corporate sponsors for the luncheon are Don Horner of First Hawaiian Bank, Allen Doane of Alexander and Baldwin, Inc/Matson Navigation Company, and Tom Arseneault of BAE Systems, Inc. (Sensor Systems). The luncheon will feature awards to Hawaii's Outstanding Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, and Guardsman of the Year. The Hawaii Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will honor one of its members for outstanding community service. This year's luncheon will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Admiral Robert Willard, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, will be the keynote speaker. Special mahalo goes to General Manager Randy Hart of the Kilauea Military Camp for providing complete travel packages to the Big Island and the camp to each military awardee. Tables and tickets may be purchased online at www.cochawaii.org or contact Kyle Okamura at 545-4300, X317 or kokamura@cochawaii.org

Military Day at the Honolulu Zoo

SATURDAY, June 28

Finally, USO Hawaii, in partnership with Mayor Mufi Hannemann and the City and County of Honolulu and the Honolulu Zoo, will host a Military Day at the Honolulu Zoo on June 28 from 9:30 a.m-3 p.m. This event promises to be a fun-filled day for thousands of troops and their families at one of Honolulu's finest visitor attractions. The military will enjoy free admission with food, beverages, and entertainment. Free bus service will be provided from Schofield Barracks, Pearl Harbor, Hickam AFB, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Parking and bus service will also be provided for the military from the parking lot at Kapiolani Community College.

Corporate Donors

Generous corporate donations led by Outrigger Enterprises and Grace Pacific Corporation provide the funds to sponsor other military affairs activities in extending the business community's appreciation for all that the military does for Hawaii and the nation. Other donors include Northrop Grumman, TriWest, Agility Defense and Government Services, HMAA, Actus Lend Lease, Army Hawaii Family Housing, Hickam Community Housing, Hawaii Pacific Engineering, Castle and Cooke, Hilton Grand Vacations, Elite Pacific Construction, Aloha Petroleum, and Coastal Windows

Special Benefits

Military families are encouraged to check with Hawaii's world-class visitor attractions and hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, auto dealers, and other small businesses as they traditionally offer special discounts and benefits throughout the month of May.