About KALO
Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona (KALO), was organized as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 2019. KALO is the sole organization that serves the Native Hawaiian community in Oregon and the only organization led with Native Hawaiian values that has a community center on the continent. Built by and for the community, KALO works to build power, visibility, and belonging for Native Hawaiians displaced from their homeland following the illegal occupation of Hawaiʻi in the 1800s. KALO has over 250 members, with a board elected directly from the membership, ensuring community leadership and accountability.
Since its inception, KALO has advocated for the Native Hawaiian community. Shortly after its founding, KALO rapidly shifted its focus to COVID-19 response efforts as Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders were 14 times more likely to get sick with COVID-19 compared to white populations. In response, organized vaccination clinics reached over 1,000 individuals. In 2023, recognizing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders faced some of the lowest academic outcomes in the state, we mobilized in partnership with other Pacific Islander organizations to provide integral support for HB 3144 which established a statewide Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Student Success Plan. In 2024, we successfully advocated for the removal of Aloha High School’s mascot, which resembled King Kamehameha. While this likeness was not initially included in Oregon’s prohibition of Native American mascots and team names, we advocated for its removal and recognition of inclusion of the Native Hawaiian community in this legislation.
KALO has grown to over 16 staff and established the 4,100 sq ft Alohā Resource & Community Center, centering programs to promote community, culture, education and health. Across all milestones, KALO is rooted in community leadership, cultural values, and a commitment to transforming systems so Native Hawaiian people can thrive as visitors on others’ land.
Ke Ala Nuʻukia – Mission
To actively participate in the promotion, perpetuation and practice of the Native Hawaiian culture and values.
Ka Nuʻukia – Vision
To advocate and elevate the voices of our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities through cultural practices and educational opportunities.
To initiate change through education, collaboration and unity.
Ka Mākia – Motto
Maikaʻi ke kalo i ka ʻohā (ʻŌlelo Noeʻau #1232) means, “The goodness of the taro is judged by the young plant it produces”. Through the lens of our kupuna, KALO HCC will continue to kūkulu (build) the kāhua (foundation so that we may all strive as ʻohana.
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Established in 1918, the Hawaiian Civic Club movement stands as the first and oldest Native Hawaiian community-oriented advocacy initiatives. As a non-profit organization, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs serves as a coalition of independent Hawaiian Civic Clubs situated throughout Hawai‘i and the Continent. There are five primary councils: Moku o Keawe (Hawai‘i Council), Nā Hono A‘o Pi‘ilani (Maui Council), Ke One o Kākuhihewa (O‘ahu Council), Moku o Manokalanipō (Kaua‘i Council), and Nā Lei Makalapua (Mainland Council).
To read more, please visit aohcc.org.
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Founder of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs
In 1903, Prince Kūhiō re-established the Royal Order of Kamehameha and served as Aliʻi Ai Moku until his death in 1922. In 1918, he helped firm the first Hawaiian Civic Club with efforts to further perpetuate and rehabilitate the Hawaiian people and our culture.As the second Delegate from Hawaiʻi, Kūhiō won federal funds for infrastructure improvements and paid homage to his Hawaiian heritage through the Hawaiian Homes Commissions Act.
For more information, see here!
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Nā Lei Makalapua (Mainland Council) has jurisdiction over the Hawaiian Civic Clubs chartered in the continental US and Alaska. The Council has two Moku (districts) one includes Alaska, Western and Intermountain States and the 2nd includes Central and Eastern States.
Each Moku has a Kalaimoku (Director) who is available for guidance, support and assistance for the clubs within its district. Nā Lei Makalapua represents the mainland clubs on the AHCC Board of Directors to advocate for our clubs and include our mana’o (wisdom) with the decisions being made at the national Association level.
Land Acknowledgement
KALO is currently located in what is now called, Beaverton, Oregon. As kanaka ʻōiwi living on the continent, we would like to acknowledge the land that we currently occupy and stand on. We honor the traditions and culture of the Kalapuya tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla, and many more Indigenous communities who are the original caretakers of the land. It is important to recognize that while Pacific Islanders remain Indigenous in our own ways and in our own homelands, we are all simply visitors here. As a community-based organization, the mission and values of KALO works to preserve Indigineity within ourselves and with the people around us. It is an honor and privilege to share this space with our ʻohana as their legacies continues to live on.
Mahalo nui loa for your continued contribution to our community and the society at large.
