The 49th Annual ʻŌʻō Awards: Building the Legacy of Hawaiʻi
Aloha kākou,
Each month, our Executive Director shares insights in Ka Wai Ola, highlighting key issues shaping Native Hawaiian business, leadership, and community.
This month’s column, “The 49th Annual ʻŌʻō Awards: Kūkulu i ka Hoʻoilina o Hawaiʻi,” reflects on the meaning behind this year’s ʻŌʻō Awards and the leaders whose work continues to shape Hawaiʻi’s future through culture, service, and community impact.
Key Takeaways
1. The ʻŌʻō Awards honor legacy, not just achievement
The ceremony is rooted in ʻike, kuleana, and continuity. This year’s theme, Kūkulu i ka Hoʻoilina o Hawaiʻi (“Building the Legacy of Hawaiʻi”), recognizes leaders whose work carries forward the values and foundations built by previous generations.
2. Culture and leadership are deeply connected
This year’s honorees represent different forms of leadership through music, business, advocacy, and community building. Their contributions demonstrate that leadership in Hawaiʻi is not only measured by professional success, but by service and commitment to lāhui.
3. The ʻŌʻō Awards continue a decades-long tradition
Since 1977, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce has used the ʻŌʻō Awards to recognize Native Hawaiian leaders whose work strengthens Hawaiʻi’s business and cultural landscape.
What This Means
This month’s column reminds us that legacy is not built overnight. It is carried forward through people who choose to lead with purpose, service, and commitment to community.
This year’s honorees — Brickwood Galuteria, Kimo Kahoano, Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, and Rick Fernandez — each represent different pathways of impact, but share a common commitment to uplifting Hawaiʻi and strengthening the lāhui.
As Hawaiʻi continues to evolve, the ʻŌʻō Awards serve as a reminder that business leadership and cultural stewardship are not separate ideas. The strongest legacies are built when success is tied directly to service, responsibility, and community.
How NHCC Supports This Work
At the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, we continue to support this work through:
Leadership recognition and storytelling
Programs like Project Hoʻomana
Workshops and business education
Building connections across Hawaiʻi’s business community
Explore this year’s honorees and their impact:
Be Part of This Year’s ʻŌʻō Awards
Join business and community leaders from across Hawaiʻi as we celebrate the individuals building the legacy of our lāhui.
👉 Reserve your table today: Click Here
👉 Continue reading Andrew’s full column in Ka Wai Ola: Click Here
About the Column
This monthly column in Ka Wai Ola, the newspaper of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, shares perspectives on economic development, leadership, and the future of Native Hawaiian enterprise.
