Lynette Cruz & Didi Kwai Honored
Koani Foundation Director Leon Siu Presents The Awards To Lynette Cruz
The Koani Foundation awarded its seventh annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots yesterday 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 are 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 is being 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.
For more information, visit KoaniFoundation.org
