Events and Registration

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Past CNHA Events

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association’s Conference

2007 6th annual native hawaiian convention

2006 5th annual native hawaiian convention

2005 4th annual native hawaiian convention

2004 3rd annual native hawaiian convention

2003 2nd annual native hawaiian convention

2002 1st annual native hawaiian convention

informational briefing on education reform

educational symposium on native constitutions

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2004 3rd Annual Convention
August 31– September 3, 2004
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa

La‘ahia ka Mana o na ‘Oiwi: Empowered for the Future

Summary

The 3rd the Annual Native Hawaiian Convention was a huge success with over 600 people participating from throughout the state, across the nation and around the Pacific, representing the business community, federal and state governments, Indian Country, Alaska Native and Maori as well as Native Hawaiians. 

This year’s convention theme was Laahia ka Mana o na Oiwi, Empowered for the Future.  In the words of Aunty Leina’ala Kalama Heine, “ It is not about becoming empowered at some future date.  As Native Hawaiians, we are already empowered and ready for the future.” We draw strength from the wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors to overcome our current challenges and forge a richer outlook for future generations.”

Keynote Speakers included:

• Honorable Daniel Akaka, United States Senator
  
• Janice Whitney, Environmental Protection Agency
  
• Rick West, Director, National Museum of the American Indian
  
• Dee Jay Mailer, CEO, Kamehameha Schools
  
• Micah Kane, Chairman, Department of Hawaiian Homelands

Special Events also included:

• Native Voices Concert: The 2004 Native Voices Concert was a benefit for Na Pualei o Likolehua, a hula Halau perpetuating the practices of our ancestors by training future kumu to ensure that our traditional way of life endures through time.  This year’s fun filled outdoor concert featured music and dance groups representing Alaska Native, Maori, and Native Hawaiians.
• Convention Marketplace: Over 20 organizations, businesses, political candidate, and craftspeople showcased their products, services, and information at the Annual Native Hawaiian Convention Marketplace including Kamehameha Schools, Hale Ku‘ai, Da Honolulu Bag Lady, Na Mea Hawaii, American Saving bank, bank of Hawaii, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Administration for Native Americans and many others.
• Forum on the Federal Self Governance Policy: Native leaders and policy advocates reinforced the importance of protecting and advancing Native peoples’ rights through self determination and self governance. Senator Daniel Akaka’s comments challenged convention participants to take action, to work together, and make goals a reality, particularly the goal of providing our children with a better future.
• Mayoral Candidates Luncheon: Oahu mayoral candidates, Duke Bainum and Mufi Hanneman were invited to answer specific questions on issues important to the Native Hawaiian community.  Convention participants heard candidate’s position on mandatory lease to fee conversion, federal recognition of Native Hawaiian, and Kamehameha School’s Hawaiian preference admissions policy.