ARDA-Hawaii Makes $4,000 Donation to Support Hula Education Through the Lawrence & Hokulani Derego Foundation

HONOLULU (July 28, 2025) – ARDA-Hawaii, the trade organization for the timeshare industry in Hawaii, has donated $4,000 to The Lawrence & Hokulani DeRego Foundation to support the perpetuation of hula, ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language), Hawaiian crafts, and other cultural traditions through a creative and inclusive learning community.

“For nearly four decades, The Lawrence and Hokulani DeRego Foundation has nurtured cultural pride and preserved traditional Hawaiian practices,” said Mitchell Imanaka, ARDA-Hawaii Chairman and managing principal of Imanaka Asato LLLC. “ARDA-Hawaii is proud to support Aunty Hokulani and Uncle Larry’s ongoing mission to uplift generations through cultural education and expression.”

The Foundation also organizes Hula ‘Oni E, a three-day hula festival now in its 31st year, taking place August 29–31, 2025. The event celebrates Hawaiian culture through competition, performance, and community gathering, with hālau from O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui, Hawai‘i Island, and Japan participating. A craft fair featuring over 75 local vendors will showcase Hawai‘i-made products and artisan goods. While tickets are required for the hula competition, the craft fair is free and open to the public.

ARDA-Hawaii is the local chapter of the national vacation ownership trade association, which includes timeshare. Hawaii’s timeshare units account for 15 percent of the state’s visitor lodging inventory and thousands of jobs. The organization is committed to supporting the communities in which its resorts are located through organized events, monetary and in-kind donations, and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.ARDA.org.