Two University of Hawaiʻi graduates will be honored by Palama Settlement—producer and veteran broadcaster Emme Tomimbang and former Honolulu Police Department Chief Francis Keala. Tomimbang and Keala will be recognized at the 3rd Annual Malama Palama Gala Fundraiser on October 17, 2015 at The Royal Hawaiian. Proceeds will help support vital programs for the community’s keiki, teens, kūpuna and families.
Emme Tomimbang
Raised in the Kalihi-Palama area, Tomimbang is a proud graduate of Farrington High School. After her elementary school years in Kakaʻako, Tomimbang and her dad moved to Hotel and River St. where he had a second-hand appliance store.
During her middle school years at Central Intermediate, Tomimbang learned to swim, socialize and began the formation of her young teenage life at Palama. “It was at Palama where I learned how to socialize and I even attended my first dance there.” Tomimbang said. “Palama provided us a place of trust and continuity, and offered very important programs that helped to guide us later in life.”
A veteran radio and television broadcaster, Tomimbang has over 40 years of experience in media. She is the founder and president of Emme, Inc., a local video and production company. Tomimbang worked at KITV as a news reporter and anchor and later joined KHON anchoring the morning news and began delivering “Island Style” features.
Francis Keala
Born and raised on Oʻahu, Chief Francis Keala graduated from St. Louis High School and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaiʻi. He entered the Honolulu Police Department in 1956 and quickly rose through the ranks, promoted to chief of police in 1969.
“While my dad was the chief of police, he received a lot of support from folks in the community. When he retired he wanted to give back to those who had given so much to him,” said Mark Keala, Chief Francis’ son, who will be representing Chief Keala at the gala. “Palama Settlement was one of the many organizations that received his active support.”
“Despite his stature and position, my dad isn’t someone who feels comfortable being honored for his accomplishments. For our family, this award recognizes my dad for his selfless deeds and enduring support of the community he loved,” Mark said.
During his prolific career, Chief Keala also served on numerous non-profit boards including St. Francis Medical Center-West, Boy Scouts Aloha Council and Kamehameha Schools interim trustee. Chief Keala served on Palama’s Board of Trustees in the 80s, working on Palama’s personnel committee.
Event information
Malama Palama features a silent auction and reception prior to dinner. Al Waterson will emcee the gala with entertainment provided by Emme and Friends. Prices for a table of 10 start at $2,500, individual seats are $250 per person.
To RSVP or for more information, call (808) 848-2502 or to make an online reservation, visit the Palama Settlement website.
