| |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |  |  |
Keoni Wagner, Vice President, Public Affairs
We were fortunate enough to interview the man who represents Hawaiian Airlines in our community. Wagner has been with Hawaiian for over twenty years. Wagner, a graduate of Kalaheo High School and a journalism major from the University of Hawaii, worked his way up to the position he holds currently. His first job at Hawaiian was to write the newsletters for the company. He's certainly come a long way. |
Hawaii's largest airline since it began flying under the name Inter-Island Airways Ltd. in 1929, Hawaiian Airlines today serves over 20 domestic and international destinations in the Pacific region. Hawaiian Airlines specializes in air transportation among the Hawaiian Islands, connecting local residents and visitors to Hawaii from the West Coast of the United States, the South Pacific, Australia and the Philippines. They are 4,000 employees strong and carry over seven million passengers a year.
The exciting news is that Hawaiian Airlines has committed to the purchasing of 27 Airbus aircrafts, a long range fleet, for the next ten years with the first one arriving on the islands in 2010. The new planes will be more fuel efficient and be able to travel longer distances non-stop. The East Coast will be reachable non-stop. And by 2017 there will be A350's built that will reach Europe and Asian destinations like Shanghai without refueling. Hawaiian Airlines' plans for the future are great for our community.
Wagner is a board member of the Honolulu Festival Foundation. When asked about his impressions of the Festival, he said, "I'm impressed with how well organized the Honolulu Festival is. It's a fun event and a vital part of our community. Hawaii is a blend of so many cultures and the Festival brings color and vibrancy to Waikiki." Wagner is pleased to see how the Festival has grown and feels that it is even more special to see how Hawaiian Airlines has been able to contribute to the Festival's diversity. The Honolulu Festival Foundation is very grateful that Hawaiian Airlines has donated free round trip airfare for the fifth consecutive year for the entire Australian aborigine dance group "Descendance" to participate in the Honolulu Festival. Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines!
Hawaiian Airlines Team Kokua members gather prior to the 30th Annual Hawaii Visitor Industry Charity Walk May 17, 2008 |
Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants and the Jollebee mascot visit with children at the Marco Polo Center in the Philippines, where they donated food, clothing, and treats for the kids. |
Hawaiian Airlines employees participated in the Paradise Ride for Heart on Kauai, August 9-10, 2008 |
Hawaiian was the first airline to service the Hawaiian community. It is heavily involved in the development of the neighbor islands and is a big contributor to its community. The focus of Hawaiian Airlines' endeavors is to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture where ever they serve. They have been the longest sponsor for the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, 30 years. Their activities are also broad and include social services as well as youth activities, sports and education. Hawaiian has been a University of Hawaii sponsor for over 25 years.
The HawaiianMiles Charities Program is another way that our community benefits. Each year Hawaiian picks ten organizations that need support who already may be big contributors to the community. Hawaiians' frequent flyers can donate their miles to whichever charities they wish to. Hawaiian Airlines will match each mile donated by the frequent flyer. The American Red Cross was recently given one million HawaiianMiles on behalf of the frequent flyers and Hawaiian Airlines. They will be able to use these miles to facilitate their volunteer work all over the world. Other charities are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu, Blood Bank of Hawaii, Friends of Hokule'a and Hawai'iloa, HUGS, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, Shriners Hospital for Children of Honolulu, The Arc in Hawaii and Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii.
The employees of Hawaiian Airlines volunteer in over a dozen community events each year. The president and CEO Mark Dunkerley celebrates their achievements once a year, around the time of Hawaiians' anniversary in November, by inviting his employees and families that have volunteered in various charity events to a fun brunch at John Dominis, the KSSK Perry and Price Show. Last year there were over 150 volunteer employees at the Perry and Price Show and they all had a great time.
The Honolulu Festival is proud to partner with Hawaiian Airlines to bring diverse cultural programs to Hawaii. Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines!
 Hawaiian Airlines
3375 Koapaka Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Toll-Free: 800-367-5320
URL: www.HawaiianAirlines.com
[Top of Page] |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
![Volunteers! [ Hawaii Honolulu Festival ]](http://www.honolulufestival.com/eng/imgs/volunteers.gif)
![Press [ Hawaii Honolulu Festival ]](http://www.honolulufestival.com/eng/imgs/t_press.gif){kind=small}
