This week's 'O'o Awards Banquet, an annual event for The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, is no ordinary networking function. Native Hawaiian practices and culture take a central role in the event, which features a backdrop of contemporary art created by a Polynesian artist, a specially choreographed oli (chant) and a ceremony in recognition of two Hawaiians who actively intersect with a current, complex world.

The 32nd annual 'O'o Awards Banquet honors cultural expert Peter Apo and fashion designer Nake'u Joel Awai. The award is presented to Native Hawaiians who have contributed to the betterment of Hawaiians, their communities and their professions.

"They have both prospered in highly competitive fields, yet they have kept true to Hawaiian values," said chamber president Jim "Kimo" Guequierre.

This year's theme, "Ku I Ke Ao (Ku of the Light)," represents the strength of the Hawaiian people and their commitment to preserving their heritage, organizers said. O'ahu artist Carl Pao has interpreted the theme in a series of banners created especially for the event to decorate the ballroom.

Award-winning kumu hula Kaleo Trinidad and his halau will perform a specially choreographed oli. The evening also includes a Hawaiian-themed dinner and a silent auction featuring items from Native Hawaiian craftsmen, artists and businesses.

The annual event is the chamber's primary fundraiser. Proceeds support scholarships and programs for Native Hawaiian youth, entrepreneurs and businesses.

Established 32 years ago in 1976, the 'O'o Awards have been given to more than 50 recipients, including Kane S. Fernandez, Oswald Stender, Gladys A. Brandt, Haunani Apoliona, Aunty Mary Lou Kekuewa and Paulette Kahalepuna, and Herb Kawainui Kane.

"Our kupuna, without them, there will be no culture," Guequierre said. "So I think it's important that we continue this honoring of them and to keep the culture alive and well so that we have it to pass on to our children, grandchildren and the generations to come."

PETER APO

Perpetuating the Hawaiian culture is a way of life for Peter Apo. The 'Aiea resident, 68, does this in many ways - as a cultural consultant, musician, songwriter, poet and businessman.

"One of the disconnects, I think, between Hawaiian culture and growth in Hawai'i ... is that people have had a lot of difficulty understanding why Hawaiian culture is relevant to life in Hawai'i," Apo said. "I think we're slowly beginning to find out that Hawaiian culture has everything to do with where Hawai'i needs to go."

As former director of culture & education of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, of which he is a founding member, Apo carried on a legacy left by Hawaiian visionaries - former 'O'o Award winner George Kanahele and business leader Kenny Brown - by advocating the incorporation of Hawaiian values into the tourism business model, Apo said.

"I'm proud of being part of the effort to address the disconnect between Hawaiians and tourism," said Apo, who, as owner/operator of the Peter Apo Co., serves as a cultural tourism consultant for development and educational projects in Hawai'i.

Apo's career includes 27 years in public service in Hawai'i, beginning in 1975, when he was elected the first chairman of the Wai'anae Neighborhood Board. His roles have also included trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, legislator for 12 years in the state House of Representatives and special assistant on Hawaiian affairs to Gov. Ben Cayetano. He is chairman of the board of the Historic Hawai'i Foundation and a member of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority Hawaiian Advisory Council, among other organizations.

Public service aside, Apo is also a talented musician. His first big stint followed the 1960s folk music rage. Apo spent eight years on the road with his band, the Travelers 3. The group recorded four albums - three with Capitol and one with Elektra records.

In the 1980s, he teamed up with Del Beazley to record their CD "Apo & Beazley," under Apo's Mamo Records label. The album won a Na Hoku Hanohano award for most promising new artists. Apo reinvests all of the proceeds from Mamo Records to record and preserve Hawaiian music.

NAKE'U JOEL AWAI

Nake'u Joel Awai has just three words of advice for young Native Hawaiians. "If they have a desire, I tell them, 'Go for it,' " said Awai, a fashion designer. "Nothing should hold you back and don't be afraid to take the (necessary) steps."

"Going for it" is something the Kapalama resident, 70, has been doing all his life.

After graduating from Kamehameha School for Boys and earning a drama degree from the University of Washington, Awai spent 15 years living in New York City; Europe; Reno, Nev.; and Hollywood, performing in theater, television and casinos.

While a stage dancer in Hollywood, Awai was introduced to the fashion industry through his own handiwork - creating macrame accessories for Hollywood heavies. Awai and his partner's creations adorned stars such as Elvis Presley, Lena Horne, Carol Burnett and Goldie Hawn.

When Awai returned to Honolulu in the 1970s, he drew upon his theatrical background to present fashion shows, including historical fashion shows depicting Hawaiian fashions worn during the monarchy period. These became a signature event for Awai.

With the help of Betsy Ihara, a former pattern maker with 'Iolani Sportswear, and Alice Mitamura, who had a factory in Kaka'ako, Awai's business thrived.

Awai designed and screened his own fabric prints, a process he learned from friend and mentor Allen Akina. Awai commissioned designs from local artists including Richard Vyse, Hiko Hanapi, Sig Zane and, most recently, kapa maker Moana Eisele and artist/musician Doug Tolentino.

Today, Awai is often called on to offer advice to young Hawaiian and Island designers.

"I don't see myself retiring because I enjoy doing what I do and I look forward to coming to work every day," he said.

He can be found daily at his studio on Houghtailing Street. He also volunteers at Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i, a business he helped start with Maile Meyer; sells his designs and puts on fashion shows during Merrie Monarch festivities; and presents his annual pre-holiday fashion shows at Ko'olau Golf Clubhouse.