Maui’s Regan Recognized by Japanese Counsel General

By Wendy Osher

The Aloha Initiative's Keith Regan is pictured here with government officials in Japan during a visit to the region in April.

Maui Managing Director, Keith Regan is the recipient of the Counsul General’s Certificate of Commendation for his role in the Aloha Initiative campaign.

The program helped to bring approximately 100 tsunami victims from Japan to Maui and Oahu for relief from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

“It’s an honor to be recognized but this award goes out to the many volunteers and sponsors who made the Aloha Initiative possible,” said Regan.  “I thank them for their efforts and hope we can continue to do some good.”

The program’s Honorary Chair, Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, said he was proud of Regan “taking the initiative” and doing something that had a direct impact.

“Many people raised a lot of money for the Japan victims, but Keith’s idea gave us all a chance to have personal contact with them,” said Mayor Arakawa.

“We brought them here and tried to give them a place to heal, a place to rest, and show them aloha. Hopefully our efforts made a difference,” he said.

The Aloha Initiative is also offering scholarships for victims who want to study here in Hawaii.  More information is available by contacting Lynn at 244-6042.