UH-Hilo Faculty Honored at Hawaii Book Awards Ceremony

Three members of the University of Hawaii at Hilo faculty were honored last month by the Hawaii Book Publishers Association for literary achievements.

English professor Mark Panek won top honors in Excellence in Literature for “Hawai`i: A Novel.”

The book tells the tale of a Hawaii at a crossroads following the death of a longtime political patriarch.

A state lawmaker risks his house, family career and principles by joining forces with an up-and-coming young developer, a linked-up underworld kingpin and a Chinese casino magnate to try and put the state back on the right track.

English professor Mark Panek. Courtesy photo.

Also honored at the 2014 Ka Palapala Po`okela Awards was Kerri Inglis, chair and associate professor of history at UH-Hilo, who earned an honorable mention for Excellence in Hawaiian Language, Culture and History for her book “Mai Lepera.”

Another honorable mention went to Alohalani Housman, associate professor at Ka Haka `Ula O Ke`elikolani College of Hawaiian Language, in the category of Excellence in Illustrative or Photographic Books for “Ke Ao Nani: He Puke Hua`olelo 1000.”

Associate professors Kerri Inglis, left, and Alohalani Housman, right. Courtesy photos.

The event marked the 21st year for the awards, which recognize the finest books published in Hawai`i during the previous year and honor the individuals and companies involved in their creation.

This year’s winners were selected from 48 entries from a spectrum of local publishers nominated in 10 categories.

The awards ceremony was held April 24 in Honolulu.