Ruderman Receives FLH Mahalo Award

Senator Russell Ruderman, representing legislative District 2 in Puna, received the Mahalo Award as the Friends of the Library of Hawai’i Legislator of the Year. He was presented the award at the FLH Legislative Breakfast, held Jan. 14 at Washington Place in Honolulu.

The event featured Governor David Ige as the speaker and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige welcomed the invited guests from the Hawai’i State Legislature, Board of Education, Hawai’i State Public Library System, and Friends of the Library of Hawai’i affiliates and volunteers.

A State legislator who has demonstrated exemplary support of Hawai’i’s public libraries during the prior legislative session is presented with the Mahalo Award each year.

Ruderman received the award as he continuously advocates for a regional library in his district, and his office has worked closely with library staff. Additionally, Ruderman was praised for the tireless work put in by his office with many agencies, including the Hawai’i State Public Library System, to ensure the continuation of service for his area in the midst of a number of natural events, including Hurricane Iselle and the Kilauea lava flows. During the Iselle hurricane clean-up library services were expanded to include 24/7 wireless-internet access at the Pahoa Public Library. The wirelessinternet service currently continues for residents effected by the lava flow.

Elected to office in 2012, Ruderman serves on the Agriculture, Health, Water and Land, and Ways and Means committees.

Each year, the Legislative Breakfast provides a unique opportunity for supporters of the Friends of the Library of Hawai’i and Hawai’i State Public Library staff to discuss the needs and concerns of Hawai’i’s public libraries with their legislators and to thank them for their support.

Founded in 1979, the Friends of the Library of Hawai’i is  rooted as a nonprofit organization that would support and promote Hawai’i’s public libraries, encouraging literacy and providing educational programming outside of the normal State budget. Important funding is provided by FLH through fundraising efforts such as booksales, and an annual Links to Literacy golf tournament.