2020 AOKHCC Awards
Congratulations to Ualani Ho`opai – AOKHCC Member of the Year for 2020!
Ualani Ho`opai – 2020 Member of the Year
Jann Ualani Ho`opai, or as we know her, Ua, is a wonderful encourager; her “you can do…” attitude is shown in her bright smile and Aloha spirit. She is not one to tell you to go “learn it on your own”, but prefers to say “we’ll figure it out together” as she walks with you until you can run on your own. Ua has found her calling to support her people by advocating for the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander community specifically in the area of health, leaving a 25+ year career in the retail industry to achieve a Master’s in Public Health degree in 2015. Recognizing the need to lead, whether it is to help out in the kitchen cutting vegetables, or balancing the books as our treasurer, she is always one to lead by example and get others involved in a common cause.
With all the shelter in place time we had this year and the familiarization of Virtual Meetings, Ua was a leader in starting `Ainahau’s 1st Virtual ‘Olelo Classes. Not at all an expert in virtual meetings, but recognizing this would be a great way to not only practice and learn `olelo but more importantly, to stay connected to each other, her “we can figure this out” attitude proved to be enough for classes to begin. Classes meet 3 times a week and has sparked a resurgence of members using `olelo Hawai`i within our day to day conversations, most especially in our club meetings.
Get to know a little more about our 2020 Member of the Year here, on page 4 of the October 2012 newsletter.
`Ainahau would also like to honor those whos names have been recognized in the traditional Association of Hawaiian Civic Club Convention categories
Linda McElrea – Kako`o ia Kalaniana`ole Award
Ululani Cortez – Kalaniana`ole Award
Hubbard/Johnson `Ohana – Pualeilani Award
It has been a long-standing tradition in `Ainahau, that each year we join our sister clubs in selecting individuals and `ohana to submit as nominees to the Convention Award Committee for their consideration for the awards presentation at the annual convention. Although some may see it as such, this is not a contest, but rather a way for us to honor, celebrate, and appreciate those who’s dedication, determination, and Aloha Spirit, inspire us and make us proud.
Although we are still unclear of what convention is going to look like this year, it doesn’t mean that we can’t still carry on this tradition and recognize those who have made a difference in our lives, our club, and our community. We will be taking ‘nominations’ from the floor at our General Meeting, as well as allowing for names to be submitted on our website.
Click here to view the Award Categories, and to submit your honorees for each category.
Mahalo Nui!
