Andre Perez & Michael Lee Honored
Koani Foundation Director Leon Siu Presents The Awards To Andre Perez (Top) & Peter Lee (Bottom) On Behalf Of The Late Michael Lee
The Koani Foundation awarded its eighth annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots yesterday 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 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.
For more information, visit KoaniFoundation.org
