Recognize those who promote drug-free lifestyles

Hawaii chef Sam Choy was one of last year's Ola Pono award winners for his community service programs for youth. This year, he's honorary chair of the event.

Other 2008 honorees were Aiea Elementary School teacher John Honjo, Fern Elementary's Marilyn Crane, Farrington High's Joseph Glenn, Honolulu police Sgt. John Kauwenaole, the REAL: Hawaii Youth Movement against Tobacco, Tauanuu Lolotai of the Hawaii Athletic League of Scholars, Pahoa High and Intermediate's Suzanne Nozaki, The Puna News editor Denyse Lyn Temple, U.S. Army detective Edward Walker Jr., Ala Wai Elementary's Steven Yim, Jarrett Makimoku, Thomas Yos and Ruthie Chong, and the Kaimuki High School Peer Education Program. Who will this year's winners be?

Nominations are now open for the 2009 Ola Pono awards, which recognize organizations and individuals who promote drug-free lifestyles. $1,000 will be donated to the charity of each winners' choice in their names. Honorees will be recognized and the Ola Pono Awards luncheon on March 7, 2009, at the Japanese Cultural Center in Honolulu.

For more information about past winners and to make a nomination by Dec. 8, click here to download a nomination form from the Aloha United Way web site.