State Honors Kona Historical Society

Kona Historical Society was presented with a certificate of honor on its 40th anniversary for efforts to preserve local history and share Kona’s culture with residents and visitors.

The Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives presented the prestigious certificate, including Nicole Lowen, Cindy Evans, Richard Creagan, Clift Tsuji, Richard Onishi, Joy San Buenaventura and Mark Nakashima, as well as Speaker of the House Joseph Souki and Chief Clerk Brian Takeshita,

“Kona Historical Society has earned this recognition from the House of Representatives for 40 years of hard work to educate residents and visitors, to celebrate Kona’s unique and diverse stories, and to preserve cultural traditions, images, and artifacts,” said Lowen, who represents Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa and Honokohau. “We mahalo Kona Historical Society and all who work there for the important service they provide for our community.”

KHS is a community-based nonprofit organization and the first Smithsonian Museum affiliate in the state. It is also the only museum in Hawaiʻi with two permanent national Endowment for the Humanities Exhibits, and the only living history site.

“We are so grateful for the acknowledgement by the State of Hawaiʻi Legislature for the work that we do,” commented Joy Holland, KHS executive director. “We love this community so much, and we couldn’t have achieved many of our major goals over the years without our Representatives and without the support of the governor, State of Hawaiʻi and their grant programs.”