News Release from www.Hawaii.gov/gov

HONOLULU – The Office of the Governor is seeking nominations for individuals to be considered for induction into the Aloha Order of Merit. Nominations are being accepted online at www.hawaii.gov/gov.

The Aloha Order of Merit was established by the Hawai'i State Legislature in 1993 to honor individuals who have distinguished themselves nationally or internationally in their fields of expertise and who contributed to the attainment of statehood or who have provided extraordinary service to, devoted themselves to the betterment of, or brought honor to the State.

“The Aloha Order of Merit is one of the highest honors to be awarded to individuals who have provided extraordinary service to and brought great honor to the State of Hawai'i,” stated Governor Abercrombie.

Upon request of the Governor, members of the Order may serve as emissaries for the people of Hawai'i.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Tuesday, January 31, 2012. To be considered, an individual must meet the criteria outlined in H.R.S. 5-7.6, which states that honorees shall have:

Achieved national or international recognition in their field either by a single event or by the totality of their work that has been either pioneering in their field or that has been outstanding in the long-term; and

(A) Contributed to the attainment of statehood for Hawaii;

(B) Devoted themselves to the betterment of the State, embodying the concept of the Aloha Spirit;

(C) Provided extraordinary service to the State; or

(D) Brought honor to the State.

To submit a nomination, please visit www.hawaii.gov/gov.

Selection of the honoree will be made by the Aloha Order of Merit Committee and announced by the Governor after receiving the approval of the Legislature by concurrent resolution.