Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 40, Number 9, 1 Kepakemapa 2023 — A Vision 50 Years in the Making [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A Vision 50 Years in the Making

J THE VOICE OF NATIVE ^ > HAWAIIAN BUSINESS r ē a ē ™ m a

īhe '0'ōAwards

By lan Keali'i Custino, Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce First, our aloha, pule and kōkua eontinue to go out in support of our 'ohana

and friends affected by the destruction left by recent wildfires here in Hawai'i. Founded in 1974, the purpose of The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (NHCC) was to create a foundation of influence for Native Hawaiian businessowners and professionals among their non-Hawaiian peers. Ed Auld, a founding member of the NHCC, observed that, in those days, Hawaiian businessmen considered themselves businessmen that happened to be Hawaiian, and not Hawaiian businessmen. Judge Melvin Soong, another founding member, noted that this was happening right after the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and just prior to, what we know today as, the Hawaiian Renaissance. Sentiment for increasing Hawaiian cultural identity and a return to 'ike Hawai'i-centered living surged across the pae aina. The time to gather and create a new reality for Hawaiian businessowners and professionals was ripe, and they took it! Along with Charles Scott Ho'oulu May, these charter members of NHCC set in motion a plan to build a new foundation for Hawaiians in business. Almost 50 years later, NHCC has seen thousands of Hawaiian businessowners, entrepreneurs and professionals thrive and continue the tradition of giving back to and helping to grow the vibrant Kānaka business community that exists today. Our continuing mission is to mālama Kānaka in business and commerce. In addition to convening leadership, building relationships, and connecting Kānaka to resources and opportunities, we eall out and recognize those who stand out in alignment with this mission.

These are Kānaka who have gone above and beyond across sectors to build Kānaka influence in business circles and throughout Hawai'i and the world. NHCC's 'Ōo Award is recognition, not only of individuals that have contributed to our mission, but of the vision, dedication, and aloha that the founding members of NHCC had for our people, our community and our Hawai'i. To date, 91 individuals have been honored with an 'Ōo Award, with three more to be honored this year, all of whom have made tremendous contributions to our lāhui. In Hawai'i, it really isn't our way to point out our own accomplishments, and we are often reluctant to accept praise for what we see as kuleana - a testament to the

III L\J LL. \.UUII I IIUIU teachings of our kūpuna. The 'O o Award, however, is a way for the NHCC to 'auamo our kuleana of recognizing leaders who advocate for Hawaiians in business. The Native Hawaiian leaders recognized, both past and present, certainly embody that vision and the spirit of our founders, to set a strong foundation of influence in the broader business community in Hawai'i to see Hawaiians thrive! ■ The 46thAnnual 'Ō'ōAwards Gala will be on Oct. 13, 2023, at the Tapa Ballroom at the Hihon Hawaiian Village from 5:009:00 p.m. For more information: www. nativehawaiianchamberofcommerce.org.

Marlene Sūi wds one of three 'Ō'ō Aword recipients in 2022. - Courtesv Photo