by Bucky Leslie
We’ve traveled the furthest to join our Association ohana at the 53rd Annual Convention and are excited to be in our Nation’s Capitol. We extend our aloha and mahalo to Na Lei Makalapua for hosting this year’s convention.
This year we mourned the passing of loved ones and dear friends, but most especially of two beloved women who served as Moku o Keawe Pelekikena, Mabel Tolentino and Ruby Keana’aina McDonald. Both were life-long members and pelekikena of the Waimea and Kona Hawaiian Civic Clubs, respectively, and beloved community leaders. We are fortunate to have had the benefits of their hard work as we continue their legacies to foster, promote and cultivate our culture and values.
You will see that the clubs have been active in their communities and involved in a variety of activities including participation in the annual Merrie Monarch parade, Ho'olako grant projects, voter registration, fund-raisers, craft workshops, hearings, Section 106 consultations, genealogy and leadership workshops, health fairs, and native plant restoration. Most importantly, all clubs were able to provide scholarships to support the efforts of individuals furthering their educational and life goals.
Mahalo to my Board for your support, guidance, and aloha. We look forward to a productive week.
Bucky Leslie, Pelekikena
Moku o Keawe
