KOANI FOUNDATION PRESENTS FOURTEENTH ANNUAL HAWAIIAN KINGDOM PATRIOT AWARDS AT LA HOI`HO`I EA 

Meleanna Aluli Meyer & Renwick "Uncle Joe" Tassill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Koani Foundation Director Leon Siu Presents The Awards For Meleanna Aluli Meyer (r) & Renwick "Uncle Joe" Tassill (l.) Accepting For "Uncle Joe" Tassill Is His Son, Kalani Tassill.

The Koani Foundation has given its fourteenth annual Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Awards honoring two significant Hawaiian Kingdom patriots yesterday, Sunday, July 26th at Thomas Square Park in Honolulu.

The awards presentation took place at Thomas Square as part of a daylong observance of Lā Ho`iho`i Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day. The 2026 honorees are Meleanna Aluli Meyer and the late Renwick “Uncle Joe” Tassill.

Meleanna Aluli Meyer is a kanaka `oiwi, or indigenous Hawaiian activist, educator, filmmaker and visual artist.  She considers herself a creator and translator of visual media. Her deep dives into Hawai`iʻs culture and arts have been a lifelong and ongoing passion for her. She is honored for her visionary work and her many years of serving as a role model to the Hawaiian community. She is awarded the 2026 Hawaiian Kingdom Living Patriot Award.

The late “Uncle Joe” Tassill was a beloved Hawaiian community leader, activist, and former Hawaiian Homes Commissioner who was known for his advocacy for native Hawaiian rights, Kupuna (elders,) and the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom. He is honored with the the 2026 posthumous Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Award.

“We recognize Meleanna as a visionary in the way she weaves culture, reconciliation, healing and support of `ike Hawai`i, or Hawaiian knowledge into her amazing work on various platforms and media. Meleanna is a creator, healer, advocate for art and social justice, a filmmaker, artist and storyteller who knows the power of our cultural art to connect us to our history and each other,” states Koani Foundation director `Ehu Kekahu Cardwell.

“ʻUncle Joeʻ Tassill was a beloved member of the Hawaiian community. He was known for his work at the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and was also a beacon of Hawaiian consciousness and spirit,” remarked Koani Foundation director Leon 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.

THE MAGIC IN MA`O ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"

“The Magic In MA`O - A Visit With Cheryse Kaui Sana"

Cheryse Kaui Sana knew two things. One, she wanted to go to college and two, there wasnʻt a lot of opportunity for her to do so. Then she heard about MA`O Organic Farms which pays college tuition for its employees. Not only did Cheryse end up working there and going to college, but today sheʻs the MA`O Organic Farms manager. Donʻt miss our tour of MA`O Organic Farms as Cheryse shows us how they not only grow incredible organic food, but also amazing people - Watch It Here

Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.  

Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
 
Voices Of Truth airs throughout Hawai`i on all islands and reaches over 24 million households across the US and throughout the world. Check your local cable TV listings.

For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV. 

And for news from a kanaka point of view, watch Free Hawaii News.

All a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.

Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.

KE AUPUNI UPDATE - JULY 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea

As the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom, I try to be as accurate as possible in sharing with the international community about our history and our situation. This is what I am posting about Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea.

On February 11, 1843, Captain Lord George Paulet, a British naval officer, sailed his ship into Honolulu to investigate a land complaint by the British Consul to Hawaii. When negotiations with King Kamehameha III did not go his way, Paulet threatened to level Honolulu with cannon fire from his ship. On February 25, 1843, King Kamehameha III signed a provisional cede under threat of war. On March 8, 1843, Paulet took control of the Hawaiian Kingdom on behalf of the British Crown.

Paulet did not know that months earlier, King Kamehameha III had dispatched three envoys — Timoteo Ha’alilio, William Richards and Sir George Simpson — on a diplomatic mission to negotiate with the United States, the United Kingdom and France for formal recognition of the Hawaiian Kingdom as a sovereign country.

Upon learning of Paulet’s brazen seizure of Hawaii, the delegation filed a diplomatic protest with British authorities. Haʻalilio wrote:  “These islands are civilized, Christian and independent. Their independence was recognised by the United States on the 19th of December 1842, and by the British Government on the first of April last. We have also a positive verbal promise of the same action acknowledgement by the French Government. Is it possible that a British Officer can have seized the islands on the 8th of March and the British Government acknowledged their independence barely three weeks after?”

On July 26, 1843, British Admiral Richard Thomas, arrived in Honolulu to put an end to Paulet’s illegal takeover. On July 31 at a site now called, Thomas Square (in honor of Admiral Thomas) the British flag was lowered and the Hawaiian flag was raised acknowledging Hawai‘i’s sovereignty and restoring King Kamehameha III as the rightful ruler.

In his remarks of thanksgiving at Kawaiaha‘o Church later that day, King Kamehameha III declared, Ua mau ke eā o ka ‘āina i ka pono (The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness). This became the official motto of the Hawaiian Kingdom and later appropriated by the fake “State of Hawaii” as its motto too.

After the return of his Kingdom, King Kamehameha III declared July 31 to be celebrated in perpetuity as Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day. From 1843 to 1893, it was joyfully celebrated throughout the Kingdom as a week-long national holiday with patriotic speeches and activities; music, crafts, games, food and community events.

But in 1893, Hawai‘i once again came under an illegal occupation, this time by greedy traitors and seditious foreigners backed by a rogue U.S. foreign minister and a company of fully armed U.S. marines and sailors.

The insurgents banned the celebration of Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea, along with other national holidays such as Lā Ku‘oko’a (Hawaiiʻs Independence Day). Unlike the British occupation of 1843, that ended in less than 6 months, the 1893 insurgency morphed into the American “Territory of Hawaii”, then today’s fake “State of Hawaii”. The kingdom’s most important holidays faded from memory.

Revived in 1985, by Hawaiian patriots led by Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell, the celebration of Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea (along with Lā Kuʻokoʻa, November 28) provides historic precedence and credence to our growing campaign to Free Hawaii from foreign occupation.

Aloha ʻĀina —
“Love of country is deep-seated in the breast of every Hawaiian, whatever his station.” — Queen Liliʻuokalani

Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono.
The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
------
For the latest news and developments about our progress at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva, tune in to Free Hawaii News at 7 PM, the first Friday of each month on ʻŌlelo Television, Channel 53.

-----
"Remember, for the latest updates and information about the Hawaiian Kingdom, check out the twice-a-month Ke Aupuni Updates published online on Facebook and other social media."

PLEASE KŌKUA…
Your kōkua, large or small, is vital to this effort...
To contribute, go to:

• GoFundMe – CAMPAIGN TO FREE HAWAII

• PayPal – log in to PayPal and pay to the account, info@HawaiianKingdom.net

• Other – To contribute in other ways (airline miles, travel vouchers, volunteer service, etc...) email us at: info@HawaiianKingdom.net  

Malama Pono,
Leon Siu
Hawaiian National
Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom (since 2001)

FREE HAWAII NEWS SHORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WILL MORE HAWAIIANS BECOME HOMELESS BECAUSE OF THIS?

FREE HAWAII NEWS SHORT

WATCH IT HERE

Want More? Watch The Full Episode Here - FreeHawaiiNews.com

SAVE THE DATE - SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST - DONʻT MISS IT

FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK  

 

"WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS VIDEO"  

 

What Amazing Thing Happened In Los Angeles Recently?

There Was A Large Gathering Of People Who Watched A Video.

Naturally We Want You To See It Too.

Watch This To See What Video Weʻre Talking About  & Where You Can View It.
 

HAPPENING THIS COMING SUNDAY - BE THERE

 FREE HAWAI`I - LAST SATURDAY & SUNDAY AT THE HO`OLAULE`A IN LOS ANGELES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hawaiian Kingdom Minister Of Foreign Affairs Leon Siu Delivered Several Presentations On The Hawaiian Nationʻs Future.

BUILDING A FUTURE OF PLENTY ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"

“The Magic In MA`O - A Visit With Cheryse Kaui Sana"

Cheryse Kaui Sana knew two things. One, she wanted to go to college and two, there wasnʻt a lot of opportunity for her to do so. Then she heard about MA`O Organic Farms which pays college tuition for its employees. Not only did Cheryse end up working there and going to college, but today sheʻs the MA`O Organic Farms manager. Donʻt miss our tour of MA`O Organic Farms as Cheryse shows us how they not only grow incredible organic food, but also amazing people - Watch It Here

Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.  

Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
 
Voices Of Truth airs throughout Hawai`i on all islands and reaches over 24 million households across the US and throughout the world. Check your local cable TV listings.

For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV. 

And for news from a kanaka point of view, watch Free Hawaii News.

All a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.

Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.

HAPPENING TODAY & TOMORROW - DONʻT MISS IT

 

FREE HAWAII NEWS SHORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHY GROWING OLDER DOESNʻT MAKE YOU A KUPUNA

FREE HAWAII NEWS SHORT

WATCH IT HERE

Want More? Watch The Full Episode Here - FreeHawaiiNews.com

FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK  

 

"THIS THIEF WANTS YOU TO THINK THEYʻRE NOT GUILTY"  

 

What Was Rightfully Yours Was Stolen.

But The Thief Says Theyʻre Not To Blame.

“I Just Did What Was Best For Everyone,” They Say.

Watch This To See Where Youʻve Heard That Before.
 

HAPPENING THIS COMING SATURDAY & SUNDAY -DONʻT MISS IT

 

BECOME A FAN OF "VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE" ON FACEBOOK 

See Behind-The-Scenes Shots Of Our Shows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click HERE To Become A Fan

GROWING FOOD, GROWING LEADERS ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"

“The Magic In MA`O - A Visit With Cheryse Kaui Sana"

Cheryse Kaui Sana knew two things. One, she wanted to go to college and two, there wasnʻt a lot of opportunity for her to do so. Then she heard about MA`O Organic Farms which pays college tuition for its employees. Not only did Cheryse end up working there and going to college, but today sheʻs the MA`O Organic Farms manager. Donʻt miss our tour of MA`O Organic Farms as Cheryse shows us how they not only grow incredible organic food, but also amazing people - Watch It Here

Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.  

Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
 
Voices Of Truth airs throughout Hawai`i on all islands and reaches over 24 million households across the US and throughout the world. Check your local cable TV listings.

For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV. 

And for news from a kanaka point of view, watch Free Hawaii News.

All a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.

Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.

WHO DID YOU CONSENT TO BE GOVERNED BY? - KE AUPUNI UPDATE - JULY 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consent of the Governed

One more important take-away from America’s 250th Celebration of the Declaration of Independence: The assertion that the “consent of the governed” was the fundamental principle for a legitimate government. The concept had been proposed by John Locke and by Rousseau, but it took the Declaration of Independence to place it squarely as the cornerstone for lawful governance.

In my 26 years of interacting with the international community as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom I realized that this principle of has been embraced as the form governance by more than 90% of the nations of the world.

When King Kamehameha III changed Hawaii from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy in 1840, he incorporated the principle of “consent of the governed” by creating the legislative branch of government, particularly the House of Representatives to be elected by the people.

The United States’ usurpation of the Hawaiian Kingdom not only violated US laws, Hawaiian Kingdom laws and the Law of Nations, it violated the fundamental principle of consent of the governed (the people). Two of the most blatant instances in which the US violated consent were…   

The Ku’e Petitions of 1897, by which 82% of the Hawaiian People emphatically rejected the scheme of annexation to the United States. At first it worked. But less than a year later, citing “military necessity”, the US bent their own laws and proclaimed Hawaii annexed.

The second was the Statehood Vote of 1959. This time the US used the United Nations process to conduct a decolonization referendum in which only US citizens voted, and thus manufactured “consent” for Statehood in the US.

The point is this noble principle of “consent of the governed” has been used for nefarious purposes as well as for good.

The United States’ manipulation of “consent” is what underpins its claim of legal dominion over and “possession” of the Hawaiian Islands. Yet, it has also admitted, especially through President Cleveland’s report to Congress in 1893 and President Clinton’s Apology in 1993, to the unlawful invasion and usurpation.

The good news is that the facts of our situation are no longer in the dark. In the year 2000, when I started telling foreign diplomats and UN workers our story and aspiration to Free Hawaii, they would say, “Wow that’s a very sad story, Good Luck!” (Meaning, “Freedom from the US? In your dreams!”).

Five or six years later as I kept meeting with them, they began to say, “Do you really think a Free Hawaii could happen?”

Then about eight years ago they started to say, “What do you think we can do to help?” We began to discuss actions they could take without endangering themselves, of course.

About a year ago as US foreign policy began to become more worrisome diplomats and international experts have been offering up concrete suggestions of what might be helpful to us! Those ideas are being developed and, hopefully, soon activated.

Aloha ʻĀina —
“Love of country is deep-seated in the breast of every Hawaiian, whatever his station.” — Queen Liliʻuokalani

Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono.
The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
------
For the latest news and developments about our progress at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva, tune in to Free Hawaii News at 7 PM, the first Friday of each month on ʻŌlelo Television, Channel 53.

-----
"Remember, for the latest updates and information about the Hawaiian Kingdom, check out the twice-a-month Ke Aupuni Updates published online on Facebook and other social media."

PLEASE KŌKUA…
Your kōkua, large or small, is vital to this effort...
To contribute, go to:

• GoFundMe – CAMPAIGN TO FREE HAWAII

• PayPal – log in to PayPal and pay to the account, info@HawaiianKingdom.net

• Other – To contribute in other ways (airline miles, travel vouchers, volunteer service, etc...) email us at: info@HawaiianKingdom.net  

Malama Pono,
Leon Siu
Hawaiian National
Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom (since 2001)

FREE HAWAII NEWS SHORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHY ARE THESE IN ENGLAND INSTEAD OF HAWAII?

FREE HAWAII NEWS SHORT

WATCH IT HERE

Want More? Watch The Full Episode Here - FreeHawaiiNews.com

DON'T MISS IT - MARK YOUR CALENDARS - COMING SOON IN LOS ANGELES