"It is appropriate in this Year of the Ocean and at the launch of the 4^th Annual Kapalua Seafood Festival to recognize actions that have increased ocean awareness and that have helped preserve a sustainable seafood supply. Our two award winners have epitomized the inspiring slogan, ‘Think Global, Act Local’ as their actions within the State of Hawaii have so clearly benefited the whole planet. Their educational achievements are noteworthy as they have found effective ways to share their knowledge with consumers, food professionals, fisherman and many others within the U.S. and internationally," said Young.

The award for the most significant individual contribution was presented to Howard Deese, marine programs specialist for the Ocean Resources Branch of the State of Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). Deese has spent the past nine years promoting Hawaiÿi seafood by highlighting its fishermen and their methods. The environmentally conscious practice by Hawaii’s deep sea fishermen of fishing without nets promotes the introduction of exotic and unusual fish and the consumption of a variety of fish species. Deese was recognized for his innovative multi-faceted work with chefs and others in the seafood industry to popularize lesser-known species of fish in order to reduce consumer demand for overfished species. He was instrumental in the development of several programs about Hawaii’s seafood, including vertical fish tasting, the "Fish Speak" language used in the vertical fish tasting, and the Fish 2 Foodbanks project. The powerful results of his work extend far beyond Hawaiÿi as he has taken this environmental message to numerous national and international seafood shows, restaurants and other respected venues.

Garden & Valley Isle Seafood was recognized for most significant contribution from a business. Partners Bob Fram and David Marabella were acknowledged for their contributions towards public education about fish species with their participation in the production of the video "Hawaiÿi & Pacific Islands Fish Speak," "Fish to Foodbanks" fish trim use demonstration project, as well as their generous support of numerous educational seminars in seafood festivals throughout the state.

Founded in 1981, Garden & Valley Isle Seafood, a wholesaler and distributor, is a major exporter and importer of fine seafood from the Pacific Region, Canada and Latin America.

The annual Kapalua Seafood Festival continues to bring together the top chefs of Hawaii to share recipes that introduce the public to lesser-known species of fish. This awareness results in people discovering new ways to enjoy the wide variety of the ocean's bounty, thereby supporting a sustainable supply of seafood.

The winners received a crystal plaque from Tiffany & Co. and mention in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Award Listing.

A percentage of the total ticket proceeds for the 1998 Kapalua Wine & Food Symposium benefits the University of Hawaii's scholarship fund for use at the Maui Community College culinary arts program.

The Kapalua Wine Society
800 Kapalua Drive
Kapalua, Maui,
Hawaii, 96761; 800-KAPALUA
Tel: (808) 669-0244
E-Mail: publicrelations@kapaluamaui.com