HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	213
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

RECognizing hawaiian council for 25 years of dedicated service, impactful leadership, and steadfast advocacy on behalf of the native hawaiian community.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, formerly known as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, HAWAIIAN COUNCIL was founded in 2001 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians; and

 

     WHEREAS, under the leadership of Robin Danner, Michelle Ka uhane, and K hi  Lewis, HAWAIIAN COUNCIL has advanced Native Hawaiian self-sufficiency by advocating for policies and programs that uplift l hui priorities and reflect the values, traditions, and aspirations of Native Hawaiians; and

 

     WHEREAS, HAWAIIAN COUNCIL has demonstrated a strong commitment to economic empowerment and expanded access to capital for Native Hawaiians through its activities as a Native Community Development Financial Institution and a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency; the organization also operates a small business accelerator, trades academy, and marketplace, creating a comprehensive pipeline of support for individuals, families, and other nonprofit organizations; and

 

     WHEREAS, HAWAIIAN COUNCIL has continued to center culture in its work, including developing Native Hawaiian-led visitor experiences and productions, transforming the tourism industry towards a more regenerative future, and helping to repatriate iwi k puna and other Native Hawaiian artifacts; and

 

     WHEREAS, in times of crisis, HAWAIIAN COUNCIL has stepped forward to provide critical support to Native Hawaiian communities, establishing small business support and community outreach services during the COVID-19 pandemic and implementing emergency housing solutions, rental assistance, and wraparound recovery services during the August 2023 Maui wildfires; and

 

     WHEREAS, HAWAIIAN COUNCIL continues to play a vital role in connecting the Native Hawaiian community through its annual Native Hawaiian Convention, which has become one of the largest gatherings of Native Hawaiians in the nation and serves as a space for cultural exchange, policy discussion, networking, and collective visioning for the future; and

 

     WHEREAS, HAWAIIAN COUNCIL's success over the past 25 years is a result of its exceptional leadership, dedicated staff, motivated interns, committed partners, and a membership base of over 1,400 individuals and groups, as well as the collective wisdom and strength of Native Hawaiian communities throughout the country that continue to shape the organization's direction and priorities; and

 

     WHEREAS, HAWAIIAN COUNCIL has now grown into one of the largest and most influential Native Hawaiian organizations in the nation, employing over 400 people and serving as a coordinating force for diverse organizations, leaders, and communities statewide and nationally; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 25^th Anniversary of HAWAIIAN COUNCIL represents a significant milestone for the organization, which remains committed to serving future generations of Native Hawaiians; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawai i, Regular Session of 2026, that this body hereby recognizes HAWAIIAN COUNCIL for 25 years of dedicated service, impactful leadership, and steadfast advocacy on behalf of the Native Hawaiian community and extends its warmest aloha and best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Hawaiian Council