Bank of Hawaii’s Mike Lyons Maui Community Award Increased to $25,000

By Sonia Isotov

The Bank of Hawaii has increased its Mike Lyons Maui Community Award to $25,000 for 2011. Applications for this prestigious award are due March 17.

All nonprofit organizations on Maui, Lanai and Molokai are invited to submit applications by March 17. Nominations may be made by the public or the organizations themselves.

The award was established in honor of the late, retired Senior Vice President and Maui District Manager Michael H. Lyons II, who was a dedicated community leader throughout his 41-year career with the bank.

Award selection is based on:

• exemplary fulfillment of the organization’s mission
• the leadership demonstrated by the organization’s executive director and board
• the organization’s engagement in one of the following focus areas: community development, education, human services, and arts and culture

Additional consideration will be given to organizations that also focus on community development through financial literacy programs. The award will be presented on May 17.

Applications are available on the Bank of Hawaii website. Award brochures/application forms must be postmarked no later than March 17, and are available at all Bank of Hawaii branches in Maui County.

Last year, the award was increased to $20,000, and divided equally between the following four nonprofit organizations:

• Fun Day Foundation, A Keiki’s Dream
• Hale Makua Health Services
• Maui County Salvation Army
• Maui Economic Concerns of the Community

Previous recipients include:

• 2009, Haleakala Waldorf School
• 2008, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui
• 2007, Women Helping Women
• 2006, Maui Adult Day Care Centers (MADCC)
• 2005, Hale Kau Kau
• 2004, Maui County Council – Boy Scouts of America