To help out with Aloha Festivals, the Hawai'i Hotel & Lodging Association has taken on the job of 2008 official O'ahu ribbon distributor for this year's 62nd annual event.

Association president Murray Towill said the organization is committed to "keeping the Aloha Festivals alive and well as one of Hawai'i's premier cultural showcases."

Ribbon sales help pay for operations for the Aloha Festivals, which was created in 1946 as "Aloha Week" and expanded to the longer festivals idea in 1974.

"We see it as a valuable community asset that preserves and perpetuates our unique island traditions and is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike," he said.

The association will take ribbon orders up until Sept. 12. The Aloha Festivals ribbons cost $5 each. Payment can be cash, checks made out to Aloha Festivals and credit cards. Pickup of event ribbons will be arranged through the association, which is at 2270 Kalakaua Ave., Suite #1506 (Waikiki Business Plaza).

For more information on the Aloha Festivals ribbons, contact Tina Yamaki at 923-0407 or via e-mail at tyamaki@hawaiihotels.org.

The organization is a statewide trade association of hotels, hotel management firms, hotel owners, suppliers and other related firms and individuals.