Passing

Charley's Taxi co-founder dies at 94 - Helen Morita (1913-2008), slight of build and always wearing a twinkle in her eye, was an imposing figure of business transportation as these links testify:

Topix: Helen Hifumi Morita set the pace

Hon. Adv.: Charley's co-founder a fearless business woman

Star Bulletin: Helen among first women leaders in U.S. transportation history

Helen Morita is survived by a sister; two daughters; a son; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Recognition

CHARLEY'S TAXI IS RECOGNIZED FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM, as evidenced by ongoing customer letters, media attention, and community citations. Ride with the trusted leader, and see for yourself why Charley's has earned its sterling reputation.

Accolades

Brand Strategy Group, May 2000
The team of Garvey and Gramann recognize Charley's three generations of creating a quality brand. (click here to read "a word from Garvey and Gramann")

City & County of Honolulu Citation, 1997
The Honolulu City Council honored Charley's role in improving the standards of personnel in the visitor industry. "Charley's Taxi and Tour is the first and only taxi company in the nation that has drivers who have completed and are certified in courses that enhance their skills in history, culture and language." Click here to read the entire commendation.

Strategic Partnership Recognition, 1996
The Hilton Hawaiian Village was awarded the first annual Hawai´i State Award of Excellence at the third Hawai´i Conference on Quality in 1996. Strategic partnerships with companies such as Winners at Work and Charley's Taxi have helped the Hilton in its endeavors of quality.

1996 Hokule´a Award
The voyage of teamwork and dedication in achieving quality and service excellence presented to Charley's by the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Hawaii Hotel Association's na Po'e Pa´ahana Award, 1994-5
The Hawaiian Hotel Association honored Charley's Taxi with the Na Po´e Pa´ahana Award (The Hardworking People) for the Supplier of the year category for 1994-95 for the State of Hawai´i in recognition of outstanding efforts in performing its job and for supporting the community.

Honolulu Magazine
Charley's Taxi listed in the "How to Live Better and Cheaper in Honolulu" edition.

Chamber of Commerce Hawai´i
"The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai´i recognizes Dale Evans for her personal commitment to serving the land transportation needs of O´ahu's people and increasing public awareness of vital transportation issues."

In the News

'Auntie Myrtle' recalls her days as a singing taxi driver
(from The Honolulu Advertiser, January 18, 2002)
By Wade Kilohana Shirkey, Advertiser Staff Writer

Seems like a no-brainer: Hawaiian music in the taxis that ferry tourists from the airport to Waikiki. For Charley's Taxi, it was a recent, innovative concept. In an effort to build ridership while paying tribute to Hawai'i's musical heritage, Charley's signed up with Mountain Apple, a company based in Honolulu that records many well-known Hawai'i entertainers, and arranged to play the company's titles. Click here to read the entire commendation...

From the Honolulu Advertiser 1/6/2002 - "The well-dressed man led the frail little lady to the car. He made sure she was safe inside, smiled at her, closed the door, folded up the walker and put it in the trunk. As they pulled away, I got a better look at the car. It was a Charley's taxi. That man wasn't her son at all. He was a medicab driver.... Sure, the cab driver was being paid to walk the woman to her car, but it was the way he did it, with care and good humor, that was so amazing to witness." Click here to read the entire article...

When Cabs Come Clean As A Whistle
Hawaiian Village, Charley's roll out their best image
(reprint from The Honolulu Advertiser, February 20, 1995)
By Stu Glauberman, Advertiser Tourism Writer

Only 60 of the newest and shiniest of 250 Charley's Taxis are good enough to pick up guests at the Hawaiian Village Hotel. Taxi drivers working the Hawaiian Village concession are responsible for making sure their cars sparkle inside and out, carpets are vacuumed and the seats have clean, white cotton head-rest covers. Click here to read the entire article...

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