Palama Settlement looks at its legacy

Sports legend Jackie Robinson, during his brief stint playing football with the Honolulu Bears in 1941, wasn’t allowed to stay in a Waikiki hotel with the white players. Instead, he bunked at Palama Settlement and, in an autographed picture, called the Palama kids his "Pals."

Memories like this are important to the Kalihi social service agency, established during the Hawaiian Republic and incorporated in 1911. As the centennial of Palama Settlement’s incorporation draws close, they’re planning a "Festival of 100 Voices" on Nov. 20.

Funds raised at the festival will help support the settlement’s mission of serving at-risk kids and fractured families in one of Oahu’s poorest neighborhoods.

Have you been touched somehow by Palama Settlement’s work over the years? If so, the organization would like to add your comments, a quote of just two or three sentences to be heard during the centennial celebration.

If you’d like to be included, contact Paula Rath at paula@paularath.com or 391-3978.

Abercrombie to receive award

Bishop Museum will honor Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Haunani Apoliona at the 13th Annual Bernice Pauahi Bishop Awards Dinner starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.

The museum said the pair will receive awards for making "significant contributions to the Honolulu community through philanthropy and leadership."

Abercrombie will receive the Charles Reed Bishop Medal for promoting policies to protect national parks, forests and ocean resources, and for helping to secure funds for programs that benefit Native Hawaiians while he was serving in Congress, the museum said.

Apoliona will receive the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Medal in recognition for her work on the OHA board, which she chaired for 10 of her 13 years with the organization, and with Alu Like Inc., a nonprofit agency that helps Native Hawaiians achieve economic and social self-sufficiency. She is also a member of the musical group Olomana.

The awards dinner includes food from 10 top Hawaii chefs, a silent auction and entertainment by Olomana. Tickets are $300. Call 847-8281.