Civic Clubs Convene on Kaua'i

• Blaine Fergerstrom's photos from convention may be viewed here  

The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs opened their 49th annual convention yesterday at the Kaua'i Hilton in Nukoli'i. The convention runs from Oct. 19 through Sun., Oct 26. The theme of the 2008 event is "Ho'omana'o I ka wa I hala he kumu no ka wa e hiki mai ana. -- Honoring our past is the foundation for the future".

"As we convene this year, may we stand together on issues that will benefit us and our future generation," said Lionel Kaohi, Pelekikena, Kaua'i District Council of the AOHCC.

Also of note, said Kaohi, "This year we celebrate the 90th year of the first Hawaiian Civic Club founded by Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianāole in 1918, The Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu. How proud he would be, to see how this association has grown and flourished."

"How befitting it is that we hold our 49th Annual Convention on Kaua'i, birthplace of our Founder, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole, as we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the mother club, Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu," said AOHCC Pelekikena Marilyn Leimomi Khan. Prince Kūhiō was born in Kōloa in 1871.

Khan suggests all to "reflect on this great Prince, to celebrate the achievements of civic clubs in carrying out his vision, and to create new paths to address the challenges of the 21st century."

"Aloha no, e Uncle Lionel and the Kaua'i Council, we are honored and privileged to feel, to embrace, your gentle breezes, your 'aina, your legends, and your people," said Khan.