About us
Our Mission
Our mission and purpose is to provide awareness and education about Hawaiian and other South Pacific Islander cultures and heritage.
We are an all-volunteer organization registered as a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) with the IRS.
Along with our annual event, we:
- > support cultural arts learning through workshops or other venues
- > provide speakers or instructors for educational programs
- > support gifts of learning materials to education institutions or other nonprofit charities
- > provide funding for eligible cultural awareness and/or educational programs
The Board of Directors focuses on our mission and purpose. They primarily work on strategic planning, setting goals and objectives, overseeing programs and activities, and maintaining accountability. They are responsible for maintaining our non-profit status, securing and monitoring revenues, budgeting, and all other business-related activities.
All members of the board, including officers, serve without compensation so that all monies raised go toward the fulfillment of our exempt purpose.
President – Varen Berryman
Vice President – Joel “Naka” Madsen
Secretary/Treasurer – Bob Bacon
Director – Patty Novak
Director – Michelle “Hana” Herrera
Director – Laupanana Iaulualo
Director – Lani Auwen
All Event Planning Team members serve as volunteers so that all monies raised go toward the fulfillment of our exempt purpose.
ADMINISTRATION
Lacretia Bacon – Co-Chairperson
Shoni Burg – Co-Chairperson
Gordie Bleyl – Operations
Kacey Champion – Operations Admin
‘Maui’ Jim Nader – Set Up/Take Down
Sarena Randall Gill – Publicity
Barb Harris – Publicity
Lani Auwen – Publicity
John Auwen – Security
Cody Miller – Security
TJ Teeples – Security
Mitch Minuto – Aloha Corps and Information Station
Malcolm Valera – Artwork
Bret McCleve – Technology
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Jon Tageta – Aunty Aloha’s Ukulele Corner
Wes Geneko – Aunty Aloha’s Ukulele Corner
Natalie Noriega – Hale Mana’o
Alana Segoviana – Keiki Activities
Ruben Segoviana – Keiki Activities
Billma Peter – ʻOhana Village
EVENT SALES
Cardon Jones – Soda & Water sales
Justin Herrera – Soda & Water sales
Ann’e Palmer – Super Sales (tshirts and raffle)
John Palmer – Super Sales (tshirts and raffle)
STAGE PERFORMANCES
Kamalu Tinnell – Performances
Alvin Pai – Stage Manager
Bob Jancoski – Stage Manager
Kekoa Tinnell – Stage Manager
Don Ibarra – Stage Announcers
Leina’ala Ibarra – Stage Announcers
VENDORS
Mindee Montierth – Food Vendors
Bryson Montierth – Food Vendors
Matthew Madsen – Merchandise Vendors
Find past annual reports here
Kokua Award
The concept and the word Kokua describes being eager to help wherever you can with no expectations of reward. Kokua is a concept of selflessness that has helped Hawaiian people keep their communities and relationships intact for centuries.
Through the Kokua Award program from 1997 to 2020, we honored and recognized Arizona residents whose helping spirit fosters better understanding of South Pacific Islanders through service to others and sharing culture through teaching the arts, education, community service, and more. All are inspiring examples.
Kokua Awardees
2020 – Bunny Halvorson
2019 – Marguerite Tafuna
2018 – Lizzie Renaud
2017 – Rudy Dolfo
2016 – Herman Lavatai
2015 – Deanna Arroyo
2014 – Lacretia Bacon
2013 – Sione Fa
2011 – Claudia Kaercher
2010 – Kehau Chrisman
2009 – Lisamarie Leina’ala-Pua’ala Ibarra
2008 – Kaimikahu Mathews-Valdez
2007 – Dana “Moon” Kahele
2006 –Edwin Tampos, Hazel Soares, Lono Navarro
2005 – Laupanana Iaululoa
2004 – Ray Tso
2003 – Sione Toetuu Hola
2002 – Benny Stillman
2001 – Uncle Ernie Menehune
2000 – Clayre Banks Jones
1999 – Taua Papalii
1998 – Joseph L. Leuck
1997 – Carlton Stant