The Palaka Award was created to honor Mike Lyons’ commitment to community, and it’s named for the signature palaka shirts he wore. Lyons was the epitome of a Rotarian and a prominent, tireless Maui figure. He also served as Rotary Club of Kahului president and District 5000 governor. Lyons passed away on March 26, 2004, leaving a legacy that continues to impact and inspire.

KAHULUI — The Rotary Club of Kahului has selected the finalists for the 2011 Mike Lyons Palaka Award.

The recipient of the 2011 Palaka Award will be announced on Friday, June 24, at a luncheon in the King Kamehameha Golf Club’s Waikapu Room. Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz will attend the event and present the keynote address.

According to the Rotary Club of Kahului, the field of nominees exemplify the highest ideals of volunteer service to a nonprofit organization and the Rotary Club motto of “Service Above Self.”

This year’s finalists are Janet Allan of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens; Victor Bellarosa of the Light Bringers Rescue Mission in Lahaina; Judy Bisgard of Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center; Robert Chapman of Haleakala Waldorf School; Jim and Edna DiFalco of Hale Kau Kau, a Program of St. Theresa Church; Barbara Guild of Sugar Cove AOAO; Diane Haynes Woodburn of Ka Lima O Maui Ltd; Helen McCord of Aloha House, Maui Youth & Family Services and Malama Family Recovery Center;

Helen Nielsen of the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust; Rob Shelton of the Lahainaluna High School Foundation; and Debbie Sutherland of Imua Family Services.

“The caliber of the entire nominee field is extraordinary and an inspiration,” said Leslie Mullens, Rotary Club of Kahului president.

“Their tireless volunteer work and organizations will be recognized and applauded by the entire Maui community. We are also most grateful to Alexander & Baldwin, Inc./A&B Foundation for their support of this years award and events.”

A fund-raising golf ball drop is also planned just prior to the June 24 luncheon. Net proceeds of the events directly fund Rotary Club of Kahului’s Michael H. Lyons II Scholarship program, which provides college scholarships for exceptional Maui youth.

Registration and networking begins at 11 a.m., followed by the golf ball drop at noon, just prior to the Palaka Awards luncheon on June 24.

Participants are asked to make a cash donation to acquire one or more golf balls that are numbered. The golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter at 250 feet above a target on the King Kamehameha Golf Club driving range. Prizes include a Napa Valley Getaway and a Grand Wailea Hotel “Staycation” package.

For information, visit www.kahuluirotary.com or call 875-0500.