Organization honors Native Hawaiians making a difference

Hawaii Independent Staff

Hawai‘i Maoli is holding its first annual celebration of Native Hawaiians making a difference throughout the world.

An evening at the Ko‘olau Ballrooms in Kaneohe is dedicated to raising funds for the non-profit affiliate of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Hawai‘i Maoli is a non-profit organization that facilitates cultural and educational grants that perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture.

Hawai‘i Maoli will be honoring Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Mauna Ala Caretaker Mr.William “Bill” Maioho, and Kamehameha Schools Trustee Nainoa Thompson for their dedication and service to Native Hawaiians and the community.

Entertainment includes live and silent auctions, music by Peter Apo and the Rainbow Nation Band, and a toast to the honorees.

“Ka Makahiki Mua Hawai‘i Maoli Ho‘oulu Kala signifies a time of growth and forwardmovement for our organization,” says Hawai‘i Maoli board president Henry Gomes. “As our name connotes, we represent the indigenous people of Hawai‘i, and have worked genuinely to strengthen the membership of the civic clubs and the Native Hawaiian community by giving them theopportunity to implement more than 40 grants totaling in excess of $6 million, and breaking ground on the first permanent home for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs at the Prince Kuhio Community Center, known as Kipuka, in Kapolei.”

Founded in 1997, Hawai‘i Maoli has offered grants supporting capacity building and community outreach programs for civic club projects.

Sponsorships are still available, including tables of eight at the ‘Ilima ($10,000), Lehua($5,000) and Pikake ($2,500) levels. Individual tickets are $150.00 ($1,200 for a table of eight). Hawai’i Maoli is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Hawaiian Culture and traditions. A portion of each ticket is tax deductible

Hawai‘i Maoli first annual Celebration of Native Hawaiians
Friday, July 23 from 5:30 p.m.
Ko‘olau Ballrooms’ Alauhio Ballroom
45-550 Kionaole Road
Kaneohe, HI 96744-4506