Ulupono team shines at PRSA Hawaiʻi’s 2024 Koa Anvil Awards
Sep 29, 2024
Ulupono Initiative was recently recognized for its work with our partners in promoting sustainability and community empowerment at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Hawaiʻi Chapter’s 41st Annual Koa Anvil Awards. Ulupono earned four prestigious honors for its impactful work.
“Ulupono Initiative humbly received the awards on behalf of the many partners and community members we collaborated with on the projects we entered for award consideration,” said Keith DeMello, vice president of communications and external affairs. “The award recognition from our peers is a result of the hard work of our team and our partners and the impact that we make together.”
This year’s event was held at the Prince Waikiki and brought together the state’s top public relations and communications professionals to celebrate the most innovative campaigns and strategies. Ulupono’s wins highlight its strategic efforts to drive positive change across the islands, especially for its work in supporting local food production, clean transportation choices, renewable energy, and freshwater resources.
The PRSA Hawaiʻi Chapter received 104 award entries that were judged by the PRSA Hoosier Chapter in Indiana. Ulupono’s four entries were among 66 other Hawai‘i entries that were selected to receive awards.
PRSA Hawaiʻi gives awards in two main categories in recognition of outstanding public relations projects. The Koa Anvil Awards are for outstanding public relations programs and campaigns and the Koa Hammer Awards are for tactics that are part of a communications campaign.
The four awards presented to Ulupono were:
Koa Anvil Award for Public Affairs: Business
Coalition Letter to the State Requesting Funding Support for “DA BUX” Hawai‘i Healthy Food Incentive Program
This letter successfully advocated for essential funding to make healthy, local food more accessible to Hawai‘i’s residents, furthering Ulupono’s mission to support local food systems.
Koa Hammer Award for Direct Mail/Direct Response
Coalition Letter to the State Requesting Funding Support for “DA BUX” Hawai‘i Healthy Food Incentive Program
This direct mail campaign highlighted UI’s ability to mobilize support for initiatives that address food security and health across the islands.
Award of Excellence for Editorials/Op-Ed Columns
Ulupono Initiative Empowers Communities in Making Their Voices Heard in Energy Project Process
This op-ed highlighted UI’s advocacy for community involvement in energy projects, promoting transparency and inclusiveness in critical decision-making processes.
Award of Excellence for Public Service: Business
Working Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Hawai‘i
This award recognized Ulupono’s wide-ranging efforts to advance sustainability and resilience across Hawai‘i, from renewable energy to local food production.