About

Song: Ka Nani A'o Ka'ū Flower: 'A'ali'i

Colors: Alani (Orange) & Māku'e (Brown)

A brief history of the Hawaiian Civic Clubs

Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole organized the first Hawaiian Civic Club with the help of John Lane, John Wise, and Noah Aluli in 1918 in response to the rapid decline of the Kānaka Maoli population, the decline of their spirit due to the illegal overthrow of their Queen Lili'uokalani and the Hawaiian Kingdom, and his worry that Kānaka would need education and skills necessary to survive the changing times. The first Hawaiian Civic Club was established in 1918 and Prince Kūhiō named William Heen, Esq. as the first president. Together, they would secure the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act in 1921. However, the United States Congress would change many of Prince Kūhiō's original language and provisions of the Act, but nonetheless, it did secure lands that led to the Hawaiian Homestead communities we have today. Today, this first club is referred to as the "mother club" and is now known as the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu.

With the creation of Hawaiian Homesteads, Prince Kūhiō encouraged more Hawaiians to form their own Hawaiian Civic Clubs in their communities. By 1959, there were enough clubs across the island that island councils were formed. The first annual Convention was held in Honolulu at the Princess Ka'iulani Hotel on April 18, 1959. Six O'ahu clubs and seven clubs from other islands were represented and recognized. At that first convention, the first President and Vice-President of the Executive Committee were selected by members to provide leadership, stability, and direction. The topic of Statehood was a priority, and recommendations were adopted relating to official State symbols as well as protecting Hawaiian charitable trusts. Every year since 1959, the Executive Committee, along with the leadership of the island councils, has hosted the Annual Convention of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AoHCC).

Of note, during the first convention in April 1959, the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu ("mother club") announced in their newsletter that two of their members had been selected for the City & County of Honolulu Lei Festival. They selected Haleakalā I as Lei Queen, and our very own Aunty Halani Berard (pictured) as one of her Lei attendants!

Click the button below to read more AoHCC History!

Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs - History - by Dot Uchima

A brief history of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka'ū

Arthur Hoke served as President of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka'ū and President of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

(Below) 46th Annual AoHCC Convention Booklet - Theme by Aunty Pele Hanoa.

The Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka'ū (HCCK) was established on August 2, 1969 with Dante Carpenter serving as the first president. The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs officially recognized and chartered the HCCK at its Annual Convention on Saturday, February 7, 1970 during new business of its general session. Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi welcomed convention members, and Governor John A. Burns gave the keynote address that year.

In February 1977, at the Annual Convention in Kona, the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka'ū won the Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole Award. In 1978, the Hawaiian Civic Political Action Committee of the AoHCC was formed, with HCCK President Arthur Hoke serving as a director of the committee. This was significant because after 60 years of deliberate political non-action, the committee wanted to engage more Hawaiians in the civic and legislative processes of government as it affects Native Hawaiians. It also coincided with the Hawaii State Constitutional Convention that recognized the importance of promoting and protecting the Hawaiian culture. In 1983, Aunty Pele Hanoa, President of HCCK became the President of the Hawai'i Council. From 1997 - 2000, Arthur Hoke of HCCK served as the President of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. He was the first and only HCCK member to serve in this esteemed position.

In 2001 and 2002, Aunty Halani Berard of HCCK chaired the Kukui Lama Kū presentation honoring the achievements of various member clubs. In 2003, Aunty Halani also chaired the Nā Mea Hawai'i awards, one of which were presented to Kupuna Jeanette Howard of HCCK. For the October 2005 46th Annual Convention, the theme was composed by Aunty Pele Hanoa of HCCK - "Ho'oikaika Ka waiwai Na'auao o Na 'O'iwi" which means "Strengthening the Value of Wisdom for the Future." Aunty Pele also won the AOHCC Na Mea Hawai'i award at the convention that year. The convention booklet is pictured.

Today, HCCK is still focused on Prince Kuhio's initial mission of helping to provide educational scholarships to Hawaiian children, as well as civic and community affairs that promote, preserve, protect, and perpetuate our natural and cultural resources, traditional practices, and 'ike kupuna in the spirit of lokahi.

Officers & Directors 2023-2024

Berkeley Yoshida

Pelekikena

Cathy Arnold

Hope Pelekikena

'Āina Akamu

Kākau 'Ōlelo

Moana DeLeon

Pu'uku

Leinaʻala Enos

Director

Meleana Smith & Jada Torres

Directors

Halani Berard

Director

Blosson DeSilva

Pelekikena Iho Nei

Mo'olelo & Mele of Ka'u

William Lili Mokiao, “He ‘A‘ali‘i Kū Makani” - Kaʻiwakīloumoku - Hawaiian Cultural CenterAir Date: 00/00/1996 William Lili Mokiao talks about growing up in Ka‘ū, Hawai‘i.

Ka Nani Aʻo Kaʻū – ʻŌiwi TVA talk-story session with beloved kumu hula (hula master) George Na'ope about the composing of Ka Nani A'o Ka'u during a visit to Ka'u. Features scenic areas described in the song such as Kaulana Bay, Wai'ahukini, Palahemo and Ka Lae. #namakaokaaina

Ka Leo Hawai'i - UH Radio Broadcast - Kani'Āina "Voices of the Land" UH Radio Broadcast. Recording date October 7, 1973. Featuring Uncle Willy Meinecke from Waiʻōhinu, who talks about the many famous places of Kaʻū relating stories and ʻōlelo noʻeau (wise sayings) for various places. Uncle Willy also talks about Kahuku, Hawaiʻi, and talks about “K” and “T” pronunciation in the Hawaiian language. Tape runs out before he finishes. Click the Title (above) or Photo (right) to access the recording.