HONOLULU – Retail Merchants of Hawaii announced that nominations are being accepted for the 2015 Ho’okela Awards, which recognize excellence in Hawaii’s retail industry.

The word “ho’okela” means to strive or aspire to excellence.

Categories include Retailer of the Year; Governor’s Award to honor someone who has been a champion in the retail industry; State Retail Business of the Year; Retail Business of the Year for Hawaii, Maui County, Kauai and Oahu; Retail Employee of the Year; Resort Retail Business of the Year; Fastest Growing Retail Business of the Year; and New Retail Business of the Year.

Nomination forms are available online at www.rmhawaii.org/ 2015-hookela-awards/. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 31, 2015. Winners will be announced at RMH’s annual Ho’okela Awards luncheon on Oct. 22 at the Sheraton Waikiki Ballroom.