MEDIA RELEASE

The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce selected Kokua Kailua as this year’s winner of its prestigious Visitor Industry Marketing Award. The award was announced at the Chamber’s annual meeting June 25.

The uniqueness of Kokua Kailua, which closes Kailua Village’s Alii Drive in to vehicular traffic one Sunday per month, coupled with targeted marketing and public relations efforts has proven to be an ideal formula that was cited in naming Kokua Kailua as award recipient.

Kokua Kailua was also singled out for its role in bringing residents and visitors back to Historic Kailua Village.

“Through partnerships with our community and the willingness of local artisans and Kailua Village merchants to participate, Kokua Kailua is now anticipated by visitors and residents who come to the village. They come to enjoy the sights and sounds and spend money” said Kailua Village Business Improvement District (KVBID) President Eric von Platen Luder. “This award and Kokua Kailua would not be possible without the volunteers and team of collaborating organizations who care so passionately for this wonderful monthly event.”

KVBID board members von Platen Luder and Marie Aguilar were on hand to accept the award on behalf of KVBID.

The mission of the Kailua Village Business Improvement District is to make Kailua Village a model sustainable community that is a better place to invest, work, live and play.

KVBID is working cooperatively to improve and maintain the physical appearance and aesthetics of public right of ways, open space and parks, increase cleanliness and security, and attract long term sustainable business and community activity in Kailua Village.