KOANI FOUNDATION PRESENTS EIGHTH ANNUAL
HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARDS
Koani Foundation Director Leon Siu Presents The Awards To Andre Perez (left) and Peter Lee (Right.)
The Koani Foundation awarded its eighth annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots Friday, July 31, 2020 at Thomas Square in Honolulu.
The awards presentation took place in front of the statue of Kamehameha III at Thomas Square as part of a daylong observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day.
Andre Perez and the late Michael Kumukauoha Lee are the 2020 honorees.
Mauna Kea kia`i or protector Andre Perez was honored in recognition for his critical leadership in protecting Mauna Kea from the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Andre was given the Living Patriot Award.
The late kumu and kahu Michael Kumukahuola Lee was honored with the posthumous award for his work in protecting Hawaiian sacred places such as Kaho`olawe and burial sites; the environment from the mountains to the sea.
“Andreʻs leadership, along with others, was key in protecting Mauna Kea, the most sacred `aina or land in all of Hawai`i and stopping the Thirty Meter Telescope from being built and desecrating the Mauna,” stated Koani Foundation director Leon Siu.
“Michaelʻs life work was protecting ancient Hawaiian burial grounds as well as Hawai`iʻs precious limu (seaweed) and our pueo (Hawaiian owl) which hold such significance for our culture.”
“We owe both Andre and Michael our profound mahalo for their passion and lifetime dedication and both are examples of what it means to live oneʻs life as Hawaiian Kingdom patriots,” added Siu.
KOANI FOUNDATION PRESENTS EIGHTH ANNUAL
HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARDS
Koani Foundation Director Leon Siu Presents The Awards To Andre Perez (left) and Peter Lee (right.)
The Koani Foundation awarded its eighth annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots on Friday, July 31, 2020 at Thomas Square in Honolulu.
The awards presentation took place in front of the statue of Kamehameha III at Thomas Square as part of a daylong observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day.
Andre Perez and the late Michael Kumukauoha Lee are the 2020 honorees.
Mauna Kea kia`i or protector Andre Perez was honored in recognition for his critical leadership in protecting Mauna Kea from the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Andre was given the Living Patriot Award.
The late kumu and kahu Michael Kumukahuola Lee was honored with the posthumous award for his work in protecting Hawaiian sacred places such as Kaho`olawe and burial sites; the environment from the mountains to the sea.
“Andreʻs leadership, along with others, was key in protecting Mauna Kea, the most sacred `aina or land in all of Hawai`i and stopping the Thirty Meter Telescope from being built and desecrating the Mauna,” stated Koani Foundation director Leon Siu.
“Michaelʻs life work was protecting ancient Hawaiian burial grounds as well as Hawai`iʻs precious limu (seaweed) and our pueo (Hawaiian owl) which hold such significance for our culture.”
“We owe both Andre and Michael our profound mahalo for their passion and lifetime dedication and both are examples of what it means to live oneʻs life as Hawaiian Kingdom patriots,” added Siu.
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KOANI FOUNDATION PRESENTS SEVENTH ANNUAL
HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARDS
The Koani Foundation awarded its seventh annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Lā Ho`iho`i Ea at Thomas Square in Honolulu.
The award presentation took place as part of a daylong observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day.
Lynette Cruz and the late Edith M. “Didi” Kwai were the 2019 honorees.
Hui Aloha `Aina O Ka Lei Maile Ali`i founder Lynette Cruz was honored in recognition of a lifetime of contributions to the cause of a Free Hawai'i and helping to promote Hawaiian Sovereignty and Independence. Lynette Cruz was given the Living Patriot Award.
The late Edith M. Didi Kwai was honored posthumously as the playwright of “Ka Lei Maile Ali`i - The Queenʻs Women,” an historical and dramatic re-enactment depicting an event that took place on Sept. 16, 1897, when well over 300 Hawaiians gathered at the Salvation Army Hall in Hilo to protest the proposed annexation of the Hawaiian Kingdom to the US.
“Lynetteʻs tireless dedication and profound love of our Queen, our Lahui, it's `aina and people continue to inspire many who follow in her endeavors,” states Koani Foundation director Al Ku`ahi Wong.
“Didiʻs brilliant creation of “Ka Lei Maile Ali`i - The Queenʻs Women” has moved and inspired countless others who have experienced the play to become “Aloha `Aina” - Hawaiian Kingdom patriots themselves.”
“We owe both Lynette and Didi our profound mahalo for their passion and lifetime dedication and both are examples of what it means to live oneʻs life as a Hawaiian Kingdom patriot,” added Wong.
Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day marks July 31,1843 when British Admiral Richard Thomas ordered the Union Jack lowered and the Hawaiian Kingdom flag hoisted above Honolulu, ending five months of British occupation and restoring the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom government to legitimate power.
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KOANI FOUNDATION PRESENTS SIXTH ANNUAL
HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARDS
Hawaiian Kingdom National Leon Siu presents the awards to Hawaiian Musician Liko Martin, left and
Kalani Asam, right who accepted for the late Dawn Wasson.
The Koani Foundation awarded its sixth annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots Sunday, July 29th at Thomas Square in Honolulu.
The award presentation took place as part of a daylong observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day.
Liko Martin and the late Dawn Wasson are the 2018 honorees.
Famed composer and singer Liko-o-Kalani Martin was honored in recognition of his years of composing and performing songs highlighting Hawaiian Kingdom patriotism, the Kingdomʻs history as well as itʻs continued existence. Liko Martin is being given the Living Patriot Award.
The late Dawn Kahalaomapuana Tautafa Kaaihue Keaweamahi Wasson was honored posthumously for her advocacy of protecting Hawai`iʻs people and lands.
“Likoʻs music and life continue to inspire countless others and reminds us all that the Hawaiian Kingdom is still very much alive today,” states Koani Foundation director Leon Siu.
“Aunty Dawnʻs passion and absolute love for her people as well as her tireless dedication to making Hawai`i a better place for all was amazing,” added Siu.
Both Liko Martin and Aunty Dawn Wasson are inspirational examples of what it means to live oneʻs life as a Hawaiian Kingdom patriot.
Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day marks July 31,1843 when British Admiral Richard Thomas ordered the Union Jack lowered and the Hawaiian Kingdom flag hoisted above Honolulu, ending five months of British occupation and restoring the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom government to legitimate power.
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KOANI FOUNDATION PRESENTS FIFTH ANNUAL
HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARDS
Hawaiian Kingdom National Pilipo Souza presents the awards to Professor Williamson Chang, left and
Kamealoha HanohanoSmith, right who accepted for the late Kahale Smith.
The Koani Foundation gave its fifth annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots Sunday, July 30th at Sky Gate Park on Honolulu Civic grounds in Honolulu.
The award presentation took place as part of a daylong observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day.
University Of Hawai`i professor WilliamsZon Chang of Honolulu was honored in recognition of his years of legal scholarship which has helped to expose the deceptive claims of annexation of Hawai`i by the US and subsequent fraudulent Hawai`i statehood. Professor Chang is being given the Living Patriot Award.
The late Hilbert Clarence “Kahale” Kahalelehua Smith, Sr. of Anahola, Kaua`i was honored posthumously for his advocacy of placing Hawaiians on homestead lands.
This advocacy ultimately resulted in his death in January, 1996 when Department of Hawaiian Home Lands officials attempted to evict him from his home.
He had stopped his mortgage payments to protest shoddy construction work of his Anahola Hawaiian Homestead home.
Rather than be evicted and face arrest, Kahale set his home on fire and remained inside.
“These two amazing individuals have dedicated their lives for the betterment of Hawaiians as well as the rightful restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom,” stated Koani Foundation Director Al Ku`ahi Wong.
“Both Williamson Chang and Kahale Smith are inspirational examples of what it means to live oneʻs life as a Hawaiian Kingdom patriot. Williamsonʻs amazing research into the truth about Hawai`iʻs real status as an independent kingdom and Kahaleʻs willingness to lay down his own life in protest for landless Hawaiian brethren are both inspirational and deeply moving.
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KOANI FOUNDATION PRESENTS FOURTH ANNUAL
HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARDS
Koani Foundation Director Leon Siu presents the awards to Jon Osorio and Sabra Kauka who accepted
for the late Kai`ōpua Fyfe.
The Koani Foundation awarded its fourth annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots on Sunday, July 31st at Thomas Square in Honolulu in observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day.
Dr. Jon Kamakawiwo`ole Osorio and the late Kai`ōpua Fyfe are the 2016 honorees.
Dr. Jon Osorio, PhD of Honolulu is honored as a prolific and much respected author of scholarly commentaries on the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom as well as the continued and illegal US occupation of Hawai`i today.
He is also recognized as an accomplished musician and songwriter and professor of Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa.
The late Kai`ōpua Fyfe of Līhu`e, Kaua`i is honored posthumously for his many years serving as a Director of the Koani Foundation.
Kai`ōpua Fyfe also dedicated many years of his life advocating for a Free Hawai`i at the United Nations in New York City and also at the UNʻs Human Rights Council in Geneva Switzerland.
“The successes and diplomatic breakthroughs which are now occurring for the Hawaiian Kingdom are a direct result of the groundwork that Kai`ōpua quietly strived to accomplish over many years,” stated Koani Foundation Director Ku`ahi Wong.
“Both Jon Osorio and Kai`ōpua Fyfe are two more amazing and inspirational examples of what it means to live oneʻs life as a Hawaiian Kingdom patriot every day. Their tireless work for a Free Hawai`i inspires countless others to follow in their footsteps.”
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KOANI FOUNDATION PRESENTS THIRD ANNUAL
HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARDS
Koani Foundation Director `Ehu Kekahu Cardwell presents the awards to Leon Siu and the late John
“Butch" Kekahu ʻs niece `Ilima Kinney.
The Koani Foundation awarded its third annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots on Saturday, August 1st at Thomas Square in Honolulu in observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day.
Leon Siu and the late John “Butch” Kekahu are the 2015 honorees.
Leon Siu of Honolulu is honored for his many years of foreign relations efforts on behalf of the Hawaiian Kingdom, as well as his recent breakthrough work at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland whereby Pakistan, a country friendly to the United States, put the US on notice it considers Hawai`i to be under international law rather than US domestic law, a distinction confirming the status of HawaiʻI as a sovereign nation state.
The late John “Butch” Kekahu of Anahola, Kaua`i is recognized posthumously for his many years of dedicated work for a Free Hawai`i, as well as being the founder of the Koani Foundation.
“Butch” Kekahu spearheaded both the 1998 and 2000 Aloha Marches in Washington, DC, drawing worldwide publicity to the fact that Hawai`i remains under an illegal and prolonged occupation by the US.
Accepting for the late John ʻButch" Kekahu is Butchʻs niece `Ilima Kinney.
“Both Leon Siu and Koani founder Butch Kekahu are amazing and inspirational examples of what it means to live oneʻs life as a Hawaiian Kingdom patriot every single day,” remarked `Ehu Kekahu Cardwell, a director of the Koani Foundation.
“Their tireless work for a Free Hawai`i inspires countless others to follow in their footsteps.”
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KOANI FOUNDATION PRESENTS SECOND ANNUAL
HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARDS
Lili`uokalani, left, daughter of Sarah Peggy Ha`o-Ross accepts the first of two annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards, which was presented posthumously to her mother by Leon Siu, center.
The second awardee is Terrilee Napua Keko`olani, right.
Both 2014 honorees have been long time Hawaiian Sovereignty activists.
The awards were part of the ceremonies in observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea or Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day at Thomas Square in Honolulu on Saturday July 26, 2014.
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KOANI FOUNDATION AWARDS FIRST ANNUAL
HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARD
The Koani Foundation gave their first annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Award honoring the late Richard Pomaika`iokalani Kinney on July 27, 2013 at Thomas Square in Honolulu.
The award was part of the ceremonies in observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea or Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day.
Fellow activist Leon Siu presented the award to Kinney `ohana member Pauahi Akuna.
Up until his death, long-time activist Pomaika`iokalani Kinney worked tirelessly for the restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom, devoting his life to educating others about the illegal US overthrow and resisting the US occupation of his beloved homeland.
“Pomaika`iokalani Kinney walked the talk even denouncing his US citizenship and living his life as a Hawaiian Kingdom subject,” stated Leon Siu.
“His actions and life inspired countless others and reminds us all that the Hawaiian Kingdom is still very much alive today.”
For these reasons, the Koani Foundation is proud to posthumously award to the `ohana of Pomaika`iokalani Kinney our first annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Award.
Koani Foundation Director Leon Siu Presents The Awards To Lynette Cruz.
