HONOLULU – The 8th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center from Tuesday, Aug. 25 to Thursday, Aug. 27.

Hosted for eight consecutive years by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the council and its 91 Native Hawaiian member organizations convene community leaders for professional development, setting public policy priorities, and lifting up community and business development progress in the Native Hawaiian community.

“We are truly humbled to be hosting the eighth year of bringing our community leaders and practitioners together,” said Alvin Parker, CNHA board chairman. “Every year, the convention doesn’t fail in rousing inspiration as we see our local, state and national leaders come together to move our Native Hawaiian community forward.”

CNHA sets a convention agenda that includes all the pressing issues occurring locally and nationally, particularly those related to cultural preservation, education, housing, economic development, land access and self-determination. Attendees, whether in the public, business or nonprofit sector are assured of dynamic speakers, timely policy reports, grant writing sessions and fellowship opportunities to connect with colleagues working in every facet of the community.

The convention also includes a Native Hawaiian Marketplace where exhibitors, artisans, practitioners and community vendors can share crafts and knowledge. Of the participants polled during last year’s Native Hawaiian Convention, 99 percent said their time spent was worthwhile, relevant and an informative experience. Of those polled, more than 80 percent were past convention participants and 98 percent would recommend the event to others.

“It is one of the most important gatherings of Native Hawaiians held in Honolulu each year,” said Robin Danner, CNHA president and CEO. “We welcome all community members, organizations, policy makers, legislative representatives, federal agencies and anyone interested in community development to join us and network, learn new skills and celebrate our heritage.”

Registration and scholarships will be made available in the following months. To learn more about the 8th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention, contact CNHA at (808) 596-8155 (from Oahu) or toll-free at (800) 709-2642, or at info@hawaiian council.org.