Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 16, Number 12, 1 December 1999 — Theme guides 40th AHCC convention into millennium [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Theme guides 40th AHCC convention into millennium

Story and photos by Manu Boyd

ĪHE ASSOCIATION of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AHCC established in 1 9 1 8 by Piinee Kūhiō, convened ( last month at the Royal Lāhaina Resort, marking its 40th meeting. Dozens of clubs representing councils ffom Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui, Hawai'i and the continent contributed to success of the event, hosted by the Maui Council and its president, Lui Hokoana. "The theme of this year's convention, 'Kū i ka Māna' (perpetuating traditional knowledge handed down) was exceptionally appropriate for the plaee that we find ourselves as Hawaiians," said Arthur Hoke, president of the AHCC. "Far too many of us have been either educated out

of our culture, or have otherwise assimilated into the Western culture that surrounds us in our portion of

America. As we review the themes of our recent conventions, 'Kū i ka " Māna' is the

logical next step in the progression towards unity and sovereignty. We have unified with others in this, the present, and now we must secure the future to provide assurances that our culture will flourish as we move into the new millennium," he said. Resolutions considered bv

the association covered topics of historic preservation, support for the reconeiliahon process, housing for Native Hawaiians, acknowledgement of exemplary clubs and individuals, issues facing private trusts, and many others. "All the issues that were brought to the convention this year were very important to the various Hawaiian communities we represented," said Hoke. "The one issue that spoke the loudest to me, personally, was Resolution 16, 'To Support Leadership Acknowledgement and Practice of Cultural Standards of Aloha.' Many of those in leadership positions have become so Westernized in their methodologies that they are not recognizable as culturally Hawaiian. The aloha that our people have been known for in the past needs to be 'rebreathed' into our spirits. 'Kū i ka Māna' is a reminder of our need as a

people not to lose touch with the cultural things that make us a special people. Onee we lose that, we are no longer Hawaiian, I merely assimilated

humans. We have mueh to offer the rest of the world if we maintain our culture and share its goodness with others as has always been our custom. The more than 40 clubs in the Association support education for Hawaiians by fundraising for scholarships. The AHCC has long-standing relationships with Hawaiian and other eommunity organizations. Many resolutions adopted by the AHCC in the past have been introduced into the state legislature for consideration. The association's next convention, scheduled for November 2000, will be hosted by the Hawai'i Council and held in Hilo. ■

Associaion of Hawaiian Civic Clubs §

y i 1 WSmM I §H H Hawai'i eouneil Hāmākua, Hilo, Ka'ū, Kona, Laupāhoehoe, Prince David, South Kohala, Waimea Maui Coi)hCil Central Maui, Ho'olehua (Moloka'i) O'ahu Oouneil 'Ahahui Siwila Hawai'i o Kapolei, Ali'i Pauahi, 'Ewa, Honolulu, Kailua, Kalihi-Pālama, King Kamehameha, Ko'olauloaKo'olaupoko, Kualoa-He'eia, Lanihuli, Nānāikapono, Pearl Harbor, Prince Kūhiō, Princess Ka'iulani, Pu'uloa, Queen Emma, Oueen Kapi'olani, Wahiawā, Waialua, Wai'anae, Waikīkl, Waimānalo Kaua'i Council Hanalei, Kaumuali'i Mainland Council 'Ahahui Kīwila Hawai'i o San Diego, 'Āinahau o Kaleponi, Hui o Hawai'i of Utah, Las Vegas, Nā Keiki of Hawai'i, Pi'ilani, Southern Nevada.

'Far too many of us have been either educated out of our culture, or have othewise assimilated into the Western culture that surrounds us." — Arthur Hoke, AHCC

Native Hawaiian Educator Manu Meyer addressed covention delegates with an inspiring review of Hawaiian "epistemology," the study of the origin of knowledge and philosophy of learning. "We should build a Hawaiian university," she said, "that bears a sign saying 'proudly unaccredited'," citing that conventional education is not always appropriate.

Arthur Hoke, AHCC president

The Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu's "Kaiolohiaomāmala" choral group sang their way to victory at the convention's 'Ahamele whieh fosters the preservation of Hawaiian language, choral singing, learning and teamwork.