John W. Landgraf, who retired in August as Executive Vice President of First Hawaiian Bank, will be honored with this year’s Mauka Makai Award. This annual award, presented by the Friends of the Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i, recognizes an individual who has actively increased public awareness of cancer and the importance of cancer research. Landgraf served as Friends’ President for the past seven years.

The 2005 Mauka Makai award celebrates Landgraf’s leadership and significant contributions to increasing community awareness of cancer research, treatment, and education in Hawai‘i and his ongoing commitment to help raise funds for the Cancer Research Center.

As immediate past president of the “Friends,” Landgraf has built a strong financial base for the organization. Over the years, he saw a need to develop an annual fund raiser, and he envisioned this signature Mauka Makai event for the Cancer Research Center to call its own.

“ People are naturally drawn to John’s leadership style,” said Dr. Carl-Wilhelm Vogel, Cancer Research Center of Hawaii Director. “Through his strong relationships in the community, John was able to recruit a dynamic group of associates and community leaders to work with the Friends.”

Other officers of the Friends of the Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i also credit the success from each year’s event to Landgraf’s commitment to work with everyone.

“John has given so much to our organization, and we are forever grateful for his ability to bring the community together,” said Rick Humphreys, Friends of the Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i’s current president.

Landgraf is also well respected for his active role as chairman of the Friends of Hawai‘i Charities and the Sony Open Events Dream Cup. He also serves on the St. Andrew’s Priory School Board of Trustees.

“ I am so honored to be this year’s Mauka Makai receipient, and I credit the late Monsignor Charles Kekumano, who first invited me to join the Friends’ Board in (year?),” stated Landgraf. (J. Landgraf to embellish quote)

Born and raised on Oahu, Landgraf graduated from Punahou School and received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado. In 1972, Landgraf began his career as President and Principal Broker of Makalei Corporation, a real estate investment company. In 1975 he joined First Hawaiian Bank and rose through the ranks to his most recent position as Executive Vice President, Commercial Real Estate Manager. A licensed real estate broker, he also attended University of Washington’s Pacific Coast Banking School.

Past recipients of the Mauka Makai award include Loyal Garner, 2001; James Schuler, 2002; Vi Dolman, 2003 and Dr. Robert Wilkinson, 2004.