Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 37, Number 8, 1 August 2020 — CNHA Raises Over $127,00 in Four Days to Save 'lolani Palaee [ARTICLE]

CNHA Raises Over $127,00 in Four Days to Save 'lolani Palaee

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council for ( \jf) ' native hawaiian advancement The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) raised over $127,000 in less than a week to save 'Iolani Palaee from a potential closure due to COVID-19. On June 23rd, through CNHA's charitable giving arm - Hawaiian Way Fund - CNHA offered to match every dollar donated to the Friends of 'Iolani Palaee. In 12 hours, after the community surpassed the goal of $15,000, Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF) joined the effort by contributing $50,000, and the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association added an additional $15,000 to the pot. "'lolani Palaee is a living and breathing element of our history, people and our future," said CNHA

CEO Kūhiō Lewis. "Not doing anything wasn't an option for us." Friends of 'Iolani Palaee depends heavily on donations and entry fees to support the maintenance and operation of the palaee and its priceless artifacts. On March 18th, along with businesses and organizations statewide, 'Iolani Palaee was forced to shut its doors, cutting off nearly all ineome. The palaee is now stmggling to keep the lights on and water mnning. "Mahalo to the organizations who matched every donation," said Paula Akana, Friends of 'Iolani Palaee executive director. "Our hearts are warmed by your commitment to stand with us as we care for this special plaee." As a footnote to CNHA's effort, in July the Palaee received an additional $15,000 gift from Princess Abigail Kawānanakoa whieh will be used to help pay for the Palaee' s monthly electricity bill. "The Princess has been our largest benefactor over the years and we can't mahalo her enough for

her continued generosity, especially during these challenging times," said Akana. "Our electric bill is one of our largest expenses eaeh month, since the Palace's HVAC systems need to mn 24/7 in order to preserve and protect the precious pieces of history housed within her."