By Brittany J. Noelani Rivera
“Get involved.”
Those are the words of advice from John Jensen, current member and past pelekikena (president) of ʻAhahui ʻo Liliʻuokalani Hawaiian Civic Club (HCC) of Southern California, the oldest Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AOHCC) organization on the continent.
The club’s story began with Marlene Sai, a founding member and its first pelekikena. In April 1976, she gathered a group of Hawaiian friends in Southern California to share the idea of forming a Hawaiian Civic Club. With the guidance of Uncle Noah and Aunty Mary Ann Kalama, that idea took shape.
Members ultimately chose to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani in the club’s name, creating a connection with the then-active Northern California HCC, ʻAhahui Kalākaua of San Francisco. On February 7, 1977, ʻAhahui ʻo Liliʻuokalani HCC received its charter with an estimated 70 members.
I first met Aunty Marlene at the 2023 AOHCC Convention, shortly after the Prince Kūhiō living history play. I approached her, introduced myself as a member of the club, and her eyes lit with surprise and delight. She shared a few memories of those early days and expressed her hope that people would keep the club going.
The conversation was brief, but it left a lasting impression – one that filled me with great motivation. It sparked a deep desire to understand our club’s origins, its journey, challenges, and the vision our kūpuna carried for the future.
The following summer, when preparing our booth for the Annual Hoʻolauleʻa at Alondra Park, I asked Uncle John if he had any old photos we could display. What he placed in my hands were three vintage albums documenting decades of club life – camping trips, mele competitions, workshops, Christmas gatherings, May Day festivals, and more. Watching people stop to flip through those albums was heartwarming.
One man, in particular, turned each page with such intent, smiling, and snapping photos. When I asked if he recognized someone, he replied, “Yes, me!” That was how I met another past pelekikena, Sam Rosero. Throughout the weekend, many others stopped by after being told by relatives, “Go look. There’s a picture of you!”
Recently, I reconnected with Uncle Sam, who encouraged me to speak with Aunty Wini Smith, also a former pelekikena. She, too, recounted her early involvement after receiving a call from Marlene Sai. Among her fondest memories are hosting Hōkūleʻa in 1995 and hosting the first AOHCC convention on the continent in Anaheim, California. She then reflected on changes she has witnessed over the years.
When connecting with past pelekikena, many noted challenges such as organizational changes, members taking their leadership to other areas, and the ongoing struggle to involve younger generations. Yet each conversation left me with immense appreciation and ideas on how to move forward.
Like the pelekikena before us, we remain dedicated to fostering a space where Native Hawaiians can connect, engage, and stay informed. We draw on the successes, challenges, and wisdom of those who came before us. Building on the foundation they established, we commit ourselves to uplifting the next generation and carrying their legacy forward.
Brittany J. Noelani Rivera is the current pelekikena of ʻAhahui ʻo Liliʻuokalani Hawaiian Civic Club of Southern California.
 of ʻAhahui ʻo Liliʻuokalani Hawaiian Civic Club (HCC) of Southern California, the oldest Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AOHCC) organization on the continent.){kind=link}