MNHCoC to feature Kimokeo Kapahulehua, Feb. 15

Kimokeo Kapahulehua. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Kimokeo Kapahulehua will explain his vision for the Kimokeo Foundation at the next Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce membership dinner at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15 at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapū.

The Kimokeo Foundation launched in December with a mission to “preserve and perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture, its traditions, practices and language and Maui’s environment through educational programs that benefit the people of Maui.”

“Kimokeo is one of our chamber’s cultural advisors,” said MHNCoC President Teri Freitas Gorman. “So we are thrilled to hear about his new foundation. It has the potential to greatly expand his cultural and environmental work on behalf of Maui’s people. We are really looking forward to hearing about his plans and projects.”

As a community leader, Kimokeo Kapahulehua has worked to inspire island youth to understand and perpetuate the Hawaiian language and cultural traditions. He is especially beloved within the canoe community for his devotion to canoe clubs and Hui o Waʻa Kaulua, the educational nonprofit that built Maui’s voyaging canoe, Moʻokiha o Piʻilani.

MNHCoC’s February membership dinner was moved to Wednesday to avoid any conflict with Valentine Day plans. Hoʻapili Ane will cater the buffet dinner.

Members are asked to pay $25; non-members will be charged $30. Reservations must be paid in advance through PayPal at the website www.mnhcoc.org or pay by phone: (808) 757-3045. RSVP deadline is Monday, February 13.

MNHCoC’s mission is “to promote and sustain Hawaiian values and culture, and enhance the socio-economic status of Native Hawaiians in business and as individuals.”

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in perpetuating the spirit of Aloha through commerce, culture and community. We welcome Hawaiians and “Hawaiians at Heart” who believe that Native Hawaiian prosperity benefits everyone.