Dec 14, 2007 Haleiwa, HI

Blake McElheny Honored as North Shore Kama'aina of the Year

Press Release

McElheny Instrumental in Preserving Pupukea-Paumalu Coastal Bluff

HALEIWA, OAHU, HAWAII - December 6, 2007 - The North Shore Chamber of Commerce proudly announces Blake McElheny as the 2007 North Shore Kama'aina of the Year.

The North Shore Kama'aina of the Year is given to a person who has made a lasting, significant contribution to the North Shore community, and is presented annually by the North Shore Chamber of Commerce (NSCOC).

As chairperson of the North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT), McElheny was the driving force behind the successful preservation of the Pupukea-Paumalu coastal bluff overlooking world-famous Sunset Beach. Thanks to McElheny's leadership, the land will be permanently protected from future development.

"I couldn't have done it without the help and support of my family, the NSCLT Board, and our partners in this project," says McElheny. "They have all worked hard to make this happen. The community should be proud that we have accomplished this together."

McElheny was raised on the North Shore and holds a juris doctorate in environmental law from the University of Hawaii. With extensive community development experience, McElheny is an active board member of numerous organizations, including the North Shore Neighborhood Board, Kokua Hawaii Foundation, and the Waimea Valley Audubon Center Community Stewardship Board.

"It's really awesome that Blake is receiving this award," adds Josh Heimowitz, chairman of the NSCOC. "He has invested a great deal of time and energy to make the dream of preserving this beautiful piece of property a reality. Blake is to be commended for this success."

Joining McElheny on the short list of NSCOC 2007 award winners are:

• North Shore Community Land Trust, Malama 'Ana Award: For working tirelessly to successfully save Pupukea-Paumalu from development.

• City and County of Honolulu Fire Department, Public Service Award: For quickly and effectively responding to the 7,000 acre August 2007 Waialua fire.

• Lee Bryant, Trustee, Waialua Community Association, Holomua Award: For his instrumental role in restoring and improving the historic Haleiwa Gym.

• Takahashi Family, Holomua Award: For painting and improving the Takahashi family building, complementing historic Haleiwa Gym renovations.

• North Shore Shark Adventures and Wayne Porter, Ho'onani Award: For providing free graffiti busting services by painting out graffiti in the community.

• Francis Forsythe , Volunteer of the Year: For coordinating historical trolley tours in the community and narrating the North Shore Driving Tour, with his aloha spirit shining through at all times.

• Carolyne Lazar, Volunteer of the Year: For extensive volunteering at Chamber events and for her instrumental role in completing the "Survey on Haleiwa Town Walkways."

• Chet Naylor, Chamber Champion: For critical fundraising efforts during his longstanding tenure and growing, promoting, and supporting the Chamber.

• Haleiwa Supermarket, Special Recognition Award: For continuously serving the community for 100 years, maintaining quality family-oriented service throughout.

All NSCOC awardees were honored Saturday, December 1 as the Chamber celebrated its annual Christmas Party at the Waimea Valley Audubon Center.

Photo (standing left to right): Larry McElheny, Denise Antolini, Bob Leinau, Margaret Chun, Adam Borello, Alissa Lerner Kimura, Kim Johnson, (kneeling) Chip Hartman and Blake McElheny, North Shore Community Land Trust board members. Photo Credit: Brad Goda.

About the North Shore Chamber of Commerce (NSCOC)

Haleiwa Main Street, DBA the North Shore Chamber of Commerce (NSCOC), was founded in 1985 to encourage economic development through historic preservation. Today, the Chamber exists to promote, maintain, and encourage the historic, cultural, civic, and economic welfare of the North Shore district through research, education, advocacy, and other related activities.