201810_MauiCouncilAHCC
Members of the Maui Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. - Photo: Courtesy

Colette Y. Machado, Chair, Trustee Moloka‘i and Lāna‘iHistory was made on Labor Day this year. Maui Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs held its inaugural convention at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College on Monday, September 3, 2018. This was a milestone moment as it was not just the first time that Maui Council held its own convention, but it was the first endeavor of its kind amongst all of the councils of the AHCC. The convention was rescheduled due to Hurricane Lane; however, we still had an admirable turnout for this first-time event.

All five Hawaiian civic clubs belonging to Maui Council were present and represented: Central Maui Hawaiian Civic Club, Hulu Mamo Hawaiian Civic Club, Kuini Pi‘olani Hawaiian Civic Club, Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, and Ho‘olehua Hawaiian Civic Club of Moloka‘i. The daylong convention began with the seating of the Maui Council delegates. Next, delegates adopted the Uniform Code of Procedure for the convention business. From there, we received updates from all Maui Council clubs on their activities.

The big business of the day was in considering 20 resolutions that had been prepared by the various Maui Council clubs, including two from Ho‘olehua Hawaiian Civic Club. A suggestion was made that the convention act as a committee of the whole, which allowed all attendees the opportunity to have a robust discussion on all resolutions. This unique opportunity allowed Maui Council to vet our resolutions before they head to AHCC for consideration. Language included in some of these resolutions also allowed them to stand on their own, so that in the event they do not pass at the AHCC Convention, they still are adopted policies of Maui Council. It was an empowering day to see our lāhui at work, taking positions on matters important to them!

It was a great day to visit with our civic club ‘ohana members in advance of the AHCC Convention in November. Mahalo nui loa to all the attendees, and to all who put in their hard work to make this convention happen, particularly Holo‘aumoku Ralar, Pelekikena of Maui Council, as well as to the various civic club members who were recruited to serve as Committee Chairs and support staff. Mahalo also to Dr. Lui Hokoana of Central Maui Hawaiian Civic Club who helped in securing space for us at UH Maui College.

I look forward to seeing everyone on Kaua‘i in November for the 2018 AHCC Convention!