Updated at 3:21 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2007
2007 'O'o Awards go to Auntie Genoa, Clifford Jamile
Advertiser Staff
The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce has selected famed local entertainer "Auntie" Genoa Leilani Keawe and former Honolulu Board of Water Supply Chief Engineer Clifford S. Jamile as recipients of the 2007 'O'o awards, which recognize Hawaiians who have made significant contributions to improve their communities and the status of Native Hawaiians.Keawe, 88, has dedicated more than 60 years of her life to promoting and perpetuating Hawaiian music. In 1966, at a time when few artists owned their own recording labels, Keawe started her own company, Genoa Keawe Records Inc., and served as artist, producer, salesperson, distributor and bookkeeper. Keawe still performs every Thursday at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort's Moana Terrace.
Jamile graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1955 and went on to become one of the first Native Hawaiian graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. As the head of the Board of Water Supply, Jamile mentored Native Hawaiian engineers and professionals.
The 'O'o awards ceremony and banquet is set for Friday, March 30, 2007 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. For more information, see http://www.nativehawaiian.cc.
