During this time, Genoa began singing with the Honolulu Rapid Transit musicians and credits John K. Almeida for her start in radio. In 1946, she recorded the first of over 140 singles on the 49th State label. For several decades, Genoa Keawe and her Hula Maids and Genoa Keawe and her Polynesians were back-up singers for many recordings. She also recorded for Hula Records. One of her best loved albums is the1965 Party Hulas on which she debuted her trademark song "Alika".

In 1966, at a time when few artists owned their own recordings, Genoa took control of her career and started her own company, Genoa Keawe Records, Inc., and served as artist, producer, salesperson, distributor and bookkeeper. Since then, she has released many of her own recordings including such others as Peter Ahia, Kealoha Kalama, Joe Keawe, Myra English, Andy Cummings, Joe Paoa and her son, Gary Aiko. Currently, she is working on a recording of her grand-daughter Pomaika‘i Lyman for release later this year.

Today, Aunty Genoa is recognized as a living legend with honors from the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, the Honpa Hongwanji of Honolulu, the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, the National Endowment for the Arts and more. Her musical pedigree is unrivaled and her ohana includes some of Hawaii's best known musicians like cousins Raymond Kane, Alvin Kaleolani Issacs and Andy Cummings.

Genoa continues to perform every Thursday at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort's Moana Terrace. Her family, like her popularity, continues to grow. Tutu Genoa has 12 children, 40 grandchildren, 50+ great grandchildren and 20+ great-great grandchildren.

Clifford S. Jamile
Over the past 40 plus years, Cliff Jamile has blazed new trails for Native Hawaiians. A 1955 graduate of The Kamehameha Schools, Jamile went on to become one of the first Native Hawaiian graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Beginning as a young engineer, Jamile rose through the ranks of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply becoming one of only a few Managers and Chief Engineers of Native Hawaiian ancestry of the agency. As the head of BWS, Jamile mentored Native Hawaiian engineers and professionals, often giving them opportunities to prove themselves on the job.

True to his Hawaiian roots, as Manager and Chief Engineer of BWS, Jamile spearheaded conservation efforts and preservation of watersheds based on the Hawaiian ahupua‘a system. He established this as part of the BWS culture and reinforced the concept of "malama aina" - taking care of our land and resources.

Over the years, Jamile also assisted Native Hawaiian groups on the Waianae Coast helping them to preserve their resources and lands. He became a member of the Waianae Hawaiian Civic Club. While at BWS, Jamile supported Native Hawaiian owned businesses and encouraged them to compete for contracts.

Raised in Papakolea, Jamile came from a working class family of 6 with very limited financial means. While still a teenager, his father passed away leaving his mother as the sole provider. The oldest child, Jamile helped his siblings through school by sending them money each month to help pay for tuition.

In his characteristic modest way, Jamile never sought recognition for his many accomplishments and contributions to Native Hawaiians and to the community. He joins a long list of Native Hawaiians honored for his efforts.


‘Ō‘ō Awards
Established 31 years ago in 1976, the ‘Ō‘ō Awards have become one of the most prestigious honors presented to outstanding Native Hawaiians who, through their talents, have made significant contributions to improve our communities and the status of Native Hawaiians.

To date, there have been 52 recipients of this important award including such notable Native Hawaiian men and women as Kane S. Fernandez, Kenneth F. Brown, John D. Bellinger, Oswald Stender, Gladys A. Brandt, Haunani Apoliona, Monsignor Charles Kekumano, Wright Bowman, Sr., Aunty Mary Lou Kekuewa and Paulette Kahalepuna, Andy Poepoe, Herb Kawainui Kane, Dr. Michael J. Chun, David M. Peters and more.

The annual event is the Chamber’s primary fundraiser and proceeds go to support the organization’s college scholarship, business mentoring and student internship programs. The evening will include a special Hawaiian-themed dinner and a silent auction featuring unique items from Native Hawaiian craftsmen, artists and businesses.

This year’s theme, “Kaulana Nā Pua,” (Famous are the Flowers) recognizes the challenges faced by Native Hawaiians in their long struggle to remain united. Also known as Mele `Ai Pohaku, the stone-eating song, and composed in 1893 by Ellen Wright Prendergast, the mele called upon Liliu’s loyal subjects to rally against the annexation of Hawaii to the United States.

Native Hawaiian artist Carl Pao has interpreted this theme in his spectacular banners created especially for this event. They will decorate the ballroom.

A highlight of the evening will be a special performance of “Kaulana Nā Pua” by Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hi Kina O Ka Lā, the halau of award-winning kumu hula Kaleo Trinidad.

“Kaulana Nā Pua” has a very special meaning for the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce,” said Kaleo Paik, NHCC president. “It serves as a reminder that we must continue to rise above the many challenges faced by Native Hawaiians and support efforts which provide better and new opportunities for us all,” Paik stated.

Table levels are as follows and include seating for ten people: Corporate level, $1,500 and Supporter level, $850. Premium tables are available for $3,000 and will include special amenities.

Early reservations are encouraged for the best seating and can be made by calling Kaleo Paik, NHCC President, at 808.342.9236. You may also call Jim Kimo Guequierre, ‘Ō‘ō Awards chairperson, at 808.540.4637.

Founded in 1974, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce strives to encourage and promote the interests of Native Hawaiians engaged in business and the professions. NHCC members participate in a variety of areas, including economic, social and public affairs.

NHCC's mission is "to strengthen Native Hawaiian businesses and professions by building on the foundation of relationships, resources and Hawaiian values: aloha, malama, ho`okipa, laulima, `imi `ike, lokomaika`i, pono, ho`omau, ha`aha`a and lokahi.

> About NHCC, our Mission and Values.