This award is given to traditional leaders from Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia who are elected public officials/community leaders and “advocate, practice, and lead in ways that demonstrate aloha, responsibility, and caring for the health, beauty and welfare of the Pacific Ocean and planet earth.”

Gabbard said, “I was humbled to receive this honor. A big mahalo to Dr. Tusi Avegalio and his staff at UH’s Pacific Business Center Program for the recognition and for doing such great work for Pacific Islanders.”

The presentation of the award was coupled with the Pasifika Energy Summit. This forum focused on connecting traditional wisdom and modern knowledge to combat the problems of global warming, excessive consumption, and environmental degradation. The Summit also brought together renewable energy companies to focus on how island economies can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The UH Stars of Oceania Awards and Pasifika Energy Summit was sponsored by the UH Pacific Business Program which is housed in the Shilder College of Business Administration. Their goal is to provide management and technical assistance to businesses across the Pacific region.

Senator Gabbard represents District 19, which includes Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, and portions of Waipahu and Ko ‘Olina. Gabbard previously served as a Honolulu City Councilman (Ewa, Kapolei, Waianae Coast) from 2003 to 2005.

Senator Gabbard, son of Benjamin Harrison Gabbard and Agnes Yandall Gabbard of Leloaloa, lived in American Samoa from 1971-1983. During this time, he taught at Faga’itua and Samoana High School, and served at American Samoa Community College as a guidance counselor, Assistant Dean of Instruction and Dean of Adult and Community Education.

Visit original article on SamoaNewsOnline.com.