Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 4, 1 ʻApelila 1987 — First Hawaiian Woman Selected [ARTICLE]

First Hawaiian Woman Selected

Winona Rubin Namea o O Award Winner

Winona Ellis Rubin, ncwly appointed director of the State Department of Social Services and Housing and former president and chief executive officer of Alu Like Ine., has been selected as the first Hawaiian woman recipient of the prestigious 'O'O award by the Hawaiian Business/Professional Association. She will be honored at the organization's annual 'aha 'aina Thursday, Apr. 16, at the Willows. The public is invited. Reservations may be made by calling Roy Benham at 396-9891 or Dee Crowell at 524-6522. Dress for the $30 per person affair is aloha attire. The award recognizes creativity, motivation, industry and skill — key factors for survival in ancient and modern day Hawaii. Rubin's work with the Alu Like statewide organization fpcused on eeonomie and social self-sufficiency developing innovative initiatives that encouraged cooperative approaches with both public ānd private sectors. The 'O'O was a solid wood tool used in the eonstruction of extensive, well-engineered taro field systems, a symbol of hard work in the provision of bountiful sustenance in ancient Hawaii. Henee, the 'O'O sym-

bolically represents the tools necessary for today's trade. A short slide presentation on Rubin's life and a series of brief tributes expressed by prominent civic and social leaders who have been associated with the guest of honor in her varied careers will be featured in the evening's program. Previous 'O'O award recipients included Kane S. Fernandez, Randolph Lee II, Joseph Kealoha, D.G. (Andy) Anderson, William Kimi, Fred Trotter, Kenneth F. Brown, John D. Bellinger, Aaron Chaney and Richard Lyman Jr. Officers of the Hawaiian Business/Professional Association are Haunani Apoliona, president; Dee Crowell, lst vice president; James Kimo Andrews, 2nd vice president; Ethelreda Kahalewai, secretary; and Roy Benham, treasurer. Directors are Sol K. Bright, William Kahapea, Joseph Kanoa, Sidney Keli'ipule'ole, Bruss Keppeler, Randy Lee III, Jerry 'Opiopio, Riley Smith, Cookie Suinn and Henry Lew. Dr. Verlie — Arm Wright is immediate past president.