The evening begins not with words, but with presence.
As the chanters enter, their voices set the tone, grounded in ʻike, in kuleana, and in the ʻike of those who came before. One by one, the honorees are led forward and guided intentionally to their places among the community. It is a moment that reminds us: this is more than an event; this is a continuation of legacy.
The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce’s 49th Annual ʻŌʻō Awards embraces this year’s theme: Kūkulu i ka Hoʻoilina o Hawaiʻi; Building the Legacy of Hawaiʻi. That legacy lives through this year’s honorees.
This year’s ʻŌʻō Award honorees will be (l-r): Brickwood Galuteria, Kimo Kahoano, Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, and Rick Fernandez. – Courtesy Photos
Samie Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, a master of traditional Hawaiian mele, is honored as a guardian of culture whose voice carries generations of ʻike. Through her music and lifelong dedication, she ensures that our language, stories, and traditions continue to live and breathe.
Richard “Rick” Fernandez is recognized for building pathways of opportunity. His work has strengthened organizations, supported economic growth, and uplifted individuals and ohana, shaping a stronger future for our community.
Together, Brickwood Galuteria and Kimo Kahoano have helped define the modern voice of Hawaiʻi. From their time on the Aloha Morning Show to decades of work across media, culture, and public service, they have connected people, amplified local voices, and shared Hawaiʻi with the world. Brickwood’s leadership has bridged community and government, while Kimo’s presence has carried aloha far beyond our shores.
Our Master of Ceremonies Kainoa Carlson will lead the evening with the vibrant energy of Paʻahana, bringing music that reflects the rhythm and soul of our islands. This will be followed by the powerful expression of hula by Hālau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine led by Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughn, reminding us that culture is not something we preserve in the past, but something we live today.
Through ceremony, music, and storytelling, the annual ʻŌʻō Awards is a celebration of those who build, protect, and carry forward the legacy of Hawaiʻi. It is also a call for each of us to continue that work.
We invite the community to join us on October 16, 2026, from 5:30–9:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Waikīkī, as we honor these extraordinary individuals and celebrate the future they help create.
For more information, or to sponsor a table, visit nativehawaiianchamberofcommerce.org.
