The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce is hosting their general meeting next week Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Pacific Club at 11:30 a.m. The guest speaker for the luncheon is Peter Apo, President of the Peter Apo Company, Former Trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, State Legislator, City Director of Culture and Arts, Special Assistant on Hawaiian Affairs to Governor Ben Cayetano, and Founder of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association.
Mr. Apo will share his mana’o or knowledge on a very important and long standing issue, the gap between Hawaiians and Tourism. As we know, Tourism has grown to be Hawaii’s biggest industry. More importantly, it is a very common practice within the Hawaiian community to welcome and share with guests whom are often strangers. Yet, a gap exists.
It is now more than ever, during these economic down times that all of our communities, all of our cultures come together to work towards solution. I am hopeful that Mr. Apo and the audience will offer real solutions, but mostly I am hopeful for my home, Hawaii.
