Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 6, 1 June 2016 — Billy Richards and Debbie Nakanelua-Richards receive Hoʻokahiko Award [ARTICLE]

Billy Richards and Debbie Nakanelua-Richards receive Hoʻokahiko Award

Duke's Waiklkl honored Billy Richards and Debbie NakaneluaRichards for their dedication and contribution to Hawai'i's culture at a private award ceremony. The Duke's Ho'okahiko Award also recognizes the Richards for exemplifying the Aloha Spirit. Billy Richards was a member of the original Hōkūle'a crew, sailing on the first trip to Tahiti in 1976. He has continued to sail with Hōkūle'a on its Mālama Honua Worldwide

Voyage. In addition, he is a founding member of the 'Aha Kāne and 'Ohana Wa'a and serves as the president of the Friends of Hōkūle'a, field coordinator for the Partners in Development Foundation and Director of Communications for the Mālama 'Āina Foundation. Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, a former Miss Hawai'i, is Hawaiian Airlines' Directorof Govemmentand Community Relations and co-chairs the Board for Aloha Festivals.