By Doreen Hall Vann
The Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club (LVHCC) was chartered by the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs on July 29, 1989. The population in the Las Vegas valley was 673,000.
The 1990 U.S. Census numbered the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) in Las Vegas at around 28,000, relatively 4.5% of its population. LVHCC membership and business partners were 300+ strong.
Since then, the growth has been exponential as the Census estimates over 40,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders now reside in Clark County, Nevada, in a pool of 3 million residents. Over the past 35 years, 5,000+ residents were a LVHCC club member at one time or another.
Native Hawaiians refer to Las Vegas as the “Ninth Island” due to the city’s significant Hawaiian community and strong cultural connections. Las Vegas has become a second home, not just to ʻohana, but to Hawaiian businesses, hula hālau, ʻukulele groups, and events that maintain island traditions.
The term “Ninth Island” was coined in the late 1970s as more and more Kānaka ʻŌiwi transplanted to Las Vegas. Though far from Hawaiʻi, Las Vegas provides a place where Hawaiians can stay connected to their roots, creating a vibrant community that reflects the spirit of aloha, making it feel like an extension of the islands. LVHCC member Kehau Bryce shared, “When I first heard the term ʻNinth Island,’ I thought (like most in Hawaiʻi) that is NOT an island – why call it that?”
Now, living in Las Vegas, Bryce understands the sentiment behind the beloved moniker. With a large and thriving Hawaiian community, Las Vegas has become a home away from home.
LVHCC plays a vital role in supporting the community by serving as a cultural hub and advocate for Hawaiians living off-island. Established to preserve Hawaiian traditions, LVHCC provides a space to connect, share experiences, and maintain cultural heritage.
Through various events – Hoʻolauleʻa, Nā Mea Hawaiʻi workshops, and community gatherings – LVHCC offers a support network for newcomers and long-time residents alike. LVHCC also advocates for the community on important issues, including the reliability of public transportation and the lack of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi instruction in local schools – although a recent effort to introduce ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in a local school is making inroads.
On Aug. 9, 2023, Kāhea Kākoʻo Lahaina demonstrated that the power of the “Ninth Island” to respond with swiftness and unity in the face of crisis is nothing short of extraordinary. The way the Las Vegas community came together to support Lahaina during such a critical time was a testament to the strength and resilience of our people. This event truly brought out the best in our community, showcasing a collective spirit of generosity and determination. While many of the individuals who stepped up were unsung heroes at the time, we want to take this moment to recognize their selfless efforts.
In addition, LVHCC actively engages in charitable and educational initiatives through our five scholarship programs. By advocating for Hawaiian rights and cultural recognition, LVHCC has strengthened the Las Vegas community’s voice. It has become an essential organization that helps Hawaiians stay connected while building a sense of belonging and pride in their new home.
Doreen Hall Vann is the past president of the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club. Born and raised in Pearl City, Oʻahu, she relocated to Las Vegas in 2019 to be closer to family while staying connected to my Hawaiian roots and community.
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