From left: FLH President Lynnae Lee, FLH Executive Director Nainoa Mau, First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige, Governor David Ige, Representative Cindy Evans, State Librarian Stacey Aldrich, FLH Director Susan Li, FLH Director Alan Yamamoto
Photo courtesy of Paul Mark, Information Specialist III – HSPLS
The Friends of the Library of Hawai'i (FLH) has awarded Representative Cindy Evans, representing House District 7, with the Mahalo Award as the FLH Legislator of the Year. The award was presented at the FLH Legislative Breakfast held January 14th at Washington Place in Honolulu.
Governor David Ige was the featured speaker with First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige welcoming invited guests from the Hawai’i State Legislature, Board of Education, Hawai’i State Public Library System, and Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i Affiliates and volunteers.
The Mahalo Award is presented annually to a State legislator who has demonstrated exemplary support of Hawai‘i’s public libraries during the prior legislative session. Representative Evans has been an ardent supporter of libraries and literacy in her district and around the State. Rep. Evans successfully created and remains a member of a Friends group advocating for a Waikoloa Public Library. Due to the hard work for the Friends of the Library – Waikoloa Region and the strong support of Rep. Evans in the legislature, a Waikoloa Public Library is now in the planning stages.
Throughout her 7 terms in office, Evans has remained a staunch advocate for the extension of library services throughout her community. She is continually in communication with HSPLS administration and staff on the issues and problems facing all of our libraries including homlessness, collections, operations, services, etc. With her wide network of public and private contacts, she provides HSPLS with many different but effective means of supporting all our public libraries.
The Legislative Breakfast provides a unique opportunity for supporters of the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i State Public Library staff to discuss the needs and concerns of Hawai’i’s public libraries with their legislators and to thank them for their support.
Join us May 20th, from 3:00-7:00 PM at the