ABOUT THE AWARD

What makes this hall of fame special and different from most other hall of fames is that inductee's don't pay any induction fee's to receive their award(s). The hall of fame committee have agreed that individual's who have earned that right of recognition shouldn't have to pay a fee for a recognition they have earned. This doesn't mean that all individual's who gets nominated will get inducted into the hall of fame. Those who get nominated will have to first meet the requirements of the hall of fame rules and regulations like every nominee. This will assure only the most qualified individuals will be honored.

The Hawaii Martial Arts International Society King Kamehameha hall of fame award will be instituted in 2009 as a means to recognize and honor inductees who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavor or who have contributed to the growth and success of the Hawaii Martial Arts International Society and the martial arts community worldwide. It was hoped that by recognizing their achievements, the awardees,, just like King Kamehameha, will serve as role models for, and a source of inspiration to, our younger generation. In 2009, the first set of King Kamehameha Awards will be given out at the next Hawaii Martial Arts International Society 2009 Hall of Fame Awards Banquet. The Award, is after the Hawaiian native Chief King Kamehameha, recognized the achievements of martial artists who's roots comes from Hawaii and abroad since 2001. As the first native leader who subdued all the Hawaiian Islands and subdued Captain James Cook and his men, is considered the first Hawaiian hero. The Award will be an event an eye-opener and will quickly became a source of pride among all recipients.

The Awards are named after the Hawaiian King, King Kamehameha who have unified the Hawaiian islands and it's people. The awards are given in over 40 categories in a statuette of the "King" and an accompanying special Certificate of Distinction, Hall of Fame Patch, Lapel Pin and Necklace. The King Kamehameha Statue has a strong meaning to it. Like the recipients, it represents the traits of courage, honor, respect, dedication, excellence, loyalty, leadership, knowledge, integrity and steadfast character.

Like the Hawaii Martial Arts International Society logo meaning, it exemplifies the spirit of a Warrior, as encompassed in the statue surrounded by leaves of Maile leaves intertwined which means "unite and move forward as one." The Warrior blowing the horn shell symbolizes: the calling of everyone together from the four corners of the earth.

The Warrior denotes the courage, strength, commitment, determination, stamina, dedication, leadership and integrity that are integral parts of the successful martial artists. The rays of the sun represent the blessings that shines upon each individual that wears the logo design each day. As the sun rises each day and give's life, so does the Warrior.

The logo design and meaning carries "Kaona" that comes from the depth of each individual that wears the logo design. Kaona, or a "hidden or secret meaning" to what is being said, protects the uniqueness of one's belief. It also carries the significance of the Hawaiian expression and meaning of "ha." In Hawaiian culture "ha" means the breath: the spirit of life passed on to us from one person to another, generation to generation, with its lessons and success.

The Hawaiian word "KAHEA" means to call out. "HMAIS Kahea is a call out to the community and members from the four corners of the earth. This is truly an ELITE and RESPECTED class of martial artists who have achieved and earned the right to be honored by their peers.