Koani Foundation Recognize Patriots Andre Perez & Michael Lee
The Koani Foundation has announced its eighth annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots today Friday, July 31st at Thomas Square in Honolulu.
The awards presentation took place at 10:00 AM 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 is being honored in recognition for his critical leadership in protecting Mauna Kea from the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Andre is being given the Living Patriot Award.
The late kumu and kahu Michael Kumukahuola Lee is being 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,” states 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.
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
