Hawaiian Airlines and The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii have formed a partnership that will include having airline employees volunteer for conservation projects.

Hawaiian Airlines also will promote The Nature Conservancy's message of environmental preservation through its onboard "Hawaiian Skies" video program, as well as other communication channels. In addition, Hawaiian is providing The Nature Conservancy with a $10,000 gift to support its Corporate Council for the Environment — money that will be used for educational outreach programs. The partnership is part of the airline's 80th anniversary celebration.

"Hawaiian Airlines' support comes at a time when there is an urgent need to care for Hawai'i's lands and waters," said Suzanne Case, executive director for The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii.

The volunteer effort kicks off July 18 with Hawaiian employees helping remove invasive foreign plants from the Waikamoi Bird Loop on Maui. Other projects are planned for the Big Island, O'ahu and Kaua'i.

YOKOTA MOVES TO HRPT PROPERTIES

Jan Yokota, vice president for development for General Growth Properties' Hawai'i region, is leaving the shopping center owner for HRPT Properties Trust, where she has been appointed vice president, Pacific region.

Yokota's past experience includes a position as director of capital improvements for the University of Hawai'i and as executive director of the Hawaii Community Development Authority. HRPT Properties owns about 18 million square feet of leased industrial and commercial lands on O'ahu.

MEN'S JOURNAL LAUDS 3 ISLE BEACHES

The summer issue of Men's Journal ranks three beaches in Hawai'i as among the 20 Best Beaches in America.

The magazine's editors gave a thumbs up to Lanikai Beach in Windward O'ahu for best sports beach, mentioning the swimming, kayaking and windsurfing. "The undeveloped mile of sand is postcard-perfect but there are no facilities, so bring your own gear," it recommends.

Editors headed over to Hulopo'e Beach on Lana'i for best secluded beach, calling it one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Maui's Ka'anapali Beach ranked as best party beach. The editors wrote: "By day, enjoy sports and beachfront massages; by night, take in the pahu drums and shell horns at numerous beach luaus, or catch the sunset cliff-diving at Black Rock, a volcanic projection celebrated as the doorway to the afterlife."