HONOLULU -- The Hawaii chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People lost money after canceling reservations at the Waikiki Hyatt Hotel for its gala honoring Dr. Martin Luther King.

The Saturday night dinner marking King’s accomplishments took place at the Waikiki Marriott hotel, not the Hyatt where it has been held for the last six years.

Some of the members of the Hawaii chapter of the NAACP took issue with the protracted labor dispute.

"It was obvious to us that it would be opposite and inconsistent with Martin Luther Kings' strong support for workers,” said Amy Agbayani, former chairwoman of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission.

Last year, Agbayani was one of 85 people arrested in a demonstration out in front of the Hyatt. It was an act of civil disobedience to draw attention to the hotel workers labor dispute. Hyatt management said it was unfortunate the dinner venue was changed.

"Hyatt is a recognized leader in the work force, and UNITE HERE's tactics hurt our associates the very people the union's leadership says it wants to help," the hotel said.

The NAACP decided to honor the boycott, but lost $8000 dollars in the process.

"Sometimes there is a consequence to achieving social justice. Dr. King would take the stand that there is a price to pay, but if we make the right decision things will work out in the end," said NAACP president Alphonso Braggs.

Braggs was hopeful that King’s supporters in the community would rally to offset the loss. The awards dinner was to honor those in the community, young and old who have worked toward King’s vision.

"Our message is about education, empowerment and engagement. If we are not educated, we are not empowered to engage the social justices that we face today," said Braggs.

Those who sought the venue change felt there was much more to lose than just money and that the community's good will would offset the financial setback.

“It brings attention to the NAACP's good actions as well as the community's concerns on this matter for workers’ rights and civil rights,” Agbayani said.