Laulani Teale & John Pilipo Souza Honored
Koani Foundation Director Leon Siu Presents The Awards To Laulani Teale (Left) & Leota Souza (Second From Right) On Behalf Of The Late Pilipo Souza
The Koani Foundation presented its ninth annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two Hawaiian Kingdom patriots Saturday, July 31st at Thomas Square in Honolulu.
The awards presentation took place at Thomas Square as part of a daylong observance of La Ho`iho`i Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day.
Laulani Teale and the late John P. “Pilipo” Souza are the 2021 honorees.
Laulani Teale is being honored in recognition for her years as an indigenous peace maker, activist, musician, teacher, artist and writer for the cause of a Free Hawai`i. Her experience in the Hawaiian cultural arts of la`au lapa`au, ho`oponopono, as well as her impact ministering to Hawai`iʻs youth and others is well known. Laulani is being given the Living Patriot Award.
The late John P. “Pilipo” Souza is being honored with the posthumous award for his years of personal sacrifices, profound love of the Hawaiian culture and kokua in the creation of the Coalition of Hawaiian Nationals. His leadership and participation in numerous community events over the years is well know and appreciated.
“Laulaniʻs years of invaluable work throughout Hawai`i in helping to provide sustenance to those in need as well as aloha for our lahui, its `aina and people have inspired many others who now follow in her footsteps” stated Koani Foundation director Leon Siu.
“Pilipoʻs leadership in hearings, rallies, celebrations and protests as well as aloha for our `aina, our people and our Lahui continue to inspire so many others."
“We owe both Laulani and “Pilipo” 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.
