Civil Club Dinner & Auction To Honor Distinguished Threesome

Ko’olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club’s 2014 Distinguished Kama’aina dinner and auction will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 3 at He’eia

State Park, where the club will honor Dr. Solomon Nalua’i, Jo-Ann Leong and the late Aunty Caroline Halualani Bright for their contributions to the Hawaiian people and to the communities around Kaneohe Bay.

Nalua’i, a retired Kaneohe physician with experience in engineering, business and finance, currently volunteers his time by planting native medicinal plants at historic Hawaiian sites in Haiku Valley.

Leong is director of Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology at Moku o Lo’e (Coconut Island), which has welcomed educational tours and cultural retreats in recent years. The club praises her for “her willingness to recognize that the island and its staff of scientists are guests and partners in the community.”

A former club board member, Bright was a vocal advocate for preserving cultural traditions and customs and helped establish the cultural preserve in Haiku Valley, once home to her family.

“We are pleased to be recognizing the good work of these individuals, who have contributed much to the strong spirit of aloha here in the Kaneohe bay region,” said club president Alice Hewett. “We invite the community to join us in honoring them.”

Tickets for the annual event cost $30, or $1,000 for corporate tables. The evening will feature Hawaiian music, food, a country store, educational exhibits and a silent auction, which supports the club scholarship fund. Special awards will be presented to two members.

For reservations, call 235-8111 or email onesjen@hawaii.rr.com.