MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii’s Woodshow, the 18th annual statewide juried woodworking show of the Hawaii Forest Industry Association, is scheduled for March 27 through April 11, at the Academy Art Center, Honolulu Academy of Arts.

“Koa: Standing the Test of Time,” to be presented by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, is an award that will be new to the 2010 show.

The award is part of the “Koa: Standing the Test of Time” campaign sponsored by Hawaii County and the state Department of Agriculture.

The campaign seeks to expand the market for Hawaii’s value-added wood products by promoting the value of Koa as well as other Hawaiian hardwoods.

The winning candidate for the “Koa: Standing the Test of Time” award will be the one who best meets the following criteria:

* Demonstrates the use of innovative approaches, techniques or technologies in improving the quality of Hawaii’s forests.

* Demonstrates leadership and has the ability to serve as a model for other efforts in Hawaii.

* Demonstrates a general concern for the overall welfare of Hawaii’s environment and has a positive impact in the community.

* Demonstrates creativity or uniqueness in their efforts to promote Hawaii forest sustainability, particularly in regards to Koa as part of their everyday business, hobby or passion.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the News and Events section of Hawaii Forest Industry’s Web site.

Entry deadline is March 1, 2010. Individuals may nominate themselves or a person or organization they believe is deserving of recognition.

The winning candidate will receive a cash award of $200 and an award certificate presented by the state Department of Agriculture during the awards ceremony on the Opening Night Reception of Hawaii’s Woodshow, Thursday, March 26.

Hawaii’s Woodshow 2010 includes display of remarkable heirloom-quality works made from native Koa, Mango, Kamani, Milo, Norfolk pine, macadamia nut, Kiawe and other Hawai’i-grown woods. Pieces entered in the Woodshow must be made predominantly from locally-grown woods, and certain rare or endangered species are prohibited to encourage artists’ use of local sustainable forest products that have been planted and brought to full growth here in Hawaii.

Hawaii’s Woodshow 2010 will be open to the public 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, March 27 through April 11.

There is no charge for admission. A $5 donation is suggested to help HFIA in its efforts to promote healthy and productive forests.

The Hawaii Forest Industry Association (HFIA) is dedicated to responsible forest management. In addition to its annual woodworking exhibition, HFIA sponsors the Hawaii’s Wood trademark, manages a 76-acre dryland forest preserve, and serves as an advocate for Hawaii’s diverse forest industry.

Established in 1989, HFIA is a nonprofit corporation founded by and for people committed to managing and maintaining healthy and productive forests. HFIA’s programs promote healthier forests, increased business in Hawaii’s estimated $30.7 million annual forest industry, and more jobs within the sector.

— Find out more:

www.HawaiiForest.org