Henry “Hank” Wong was elected their first President.  William “Willie” Matsubara selected the name of the club which means “native or child of the land”.  The membership became the “natives” from Hawaii settling in a “new” land, Orange County, California.  Lawrence “Larry” Kuratani created the club logo which shows a silhouette of a Hawaiian Chief, referring to our roots in Hawaii.

The fiscal year started on September 1, 1969 to coincide with the start of the annual winter bowling league.  This was the start for many “firsts” for the club.  The first Labor Day picnic at Balboa Island Pier was initiated that month.  A surf fishing derby at Bolsa Chica Beach followed in November.  Throughout the years, the club has had occasional deep sea fishing trips where yellowtail and rock cod were caught.  The first of our annual Christmas parties for our keikis was held in December at Linbrook Bowl.

1970 brought the first Easter Picnic at Irvine Park in March, softball games for both men and women and a Las Vegas Trip in April, the first luau in May at Meadowlark Country Club, a Memorial Day picnic at Doheny Beach State Park and a July 4^th Picnic. 

The first pool (billiards) tournament was held in January 1971.  A blood bank for club members was started in April 1971 and at that time the club had 221 members.  Mary Tavares and Grace DePorter were the highest contributors to the blood bank.

The first pool (billiards) tournament was held in January 1971.  A blood bank for club members was started in April 1971 and at that time the club had 221 members.  Mary Tavares and Grace DePorter were the highest contributors to the blood bank.

Recognizing the value of education, the club awarded its first scholarship in May 1971 to Valerie Maruyama.  This has continued to the present with over 80 scholarships awarded over the years.   To make the installation of our yearly officers a more festive affair, the first Halloween Masquerade Party and Installation of Officers was held in October 1971.

February 1972 was the first formal publication of our monthly newsletter, Ike Pono ‘Oe, which means, “Now You Know” in Hawaiian.  Our first Miss Kama’aina, Zalinda Pahnak, was selected in September 1972.  Our first Miss Kama’aina of 1976-1977, Theresa Ann Kuulei Chang, went on to win the 1977 Miss Voice of Hawaii crown, sponsored by a Los Angeles based Hawaiian community newspaper and the forerunner of the Miss Hawaii of California.

Due to the untiring efforts of Ralph Nagao, the KCOC received its non-profit status from the State of California in 1973.  That same month saw our first Snow Trip.  Some of us had never played in the snow before!  At our luau in May, the first Poi Pounder Award was given to a dedicated member, Dot Toma.  In October, the club participated in our first of many Buena Park Silverado Days festivals by operating a food booth and a game booth.

Due to the untiring efforts of Ralph Nagao, the KCOC received its non-profit status from the State of California in 1973.  That same month saw our first Snow Trip.  Some of us had never played in the snow before!  At our luau in May, the first Poi Pounder Award was given to a dedicated member, Dot Toma.  In October, the club participated in our first of many Buena Park Silverado Days festivals by operating a food booth and a game booth.

In 1974, we obtained our non-profit status from U.S. Government.  In April our membership numbered 414.  To recognize the many contribution of non-members, the club initiated the Honorary membership category in September.

Our first wahine president, Rose Moreno, was elected in 1975.  The first Humanitarian Award for non-members was given to Robert “Bobbie” Chun in 1977.  That same year we gave out the first Distinguished Service Awards to our members.  To honor our senior members, the club initiated the Honorary Senior Membership category in May 1978.  These membershave contributed greatly to the success of many club functions, especially the luau and raffles. 

To plant the seeds of our heritage in our youngsters, the Na Opio O Kama’aina group was formed in 1989.  Its purpose was to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture through song, dance, language and crafts.  Led by Judy Kalehua, this group has performed for our luaus and many other organizations.