The Koani Foundation is an unfunded gathering of dedicated Kanaka Hawai`i Maoli (native Hawaiians) and multi-ethnic supporters originally enlisted by founder John Butch Kekahu, III to promote unity through education and capacity building.
Initially called to action by Butch, we now carry forth his vision and mission into the future, just as he carried forth Queen Lili`uokalani’s mission into the 20th century.
OUR MISSION -
To achieve a Free Hawai`i through education and unification of our people.
OUR GOALS –
Educate all peoples about the history and future of Hawai`i.
Unify ourselves by celebrating and strengthening our relationships.
Empower Hawaiian Nationals to determine our own future.
Present the truth and light of a Free Hawai`i to the world.
On August 8, 1998 in observance of the 100th anniversary of the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai`i, the Koani Foundation organized the first “Aloha March” in Washington, D.C. Another “Aloha March” followed in 2000. Native Hawaiians and their supporters traveled from Hawai`i and throughout the US to participate at the US capitol to heighten awareness and generate solutions to the issues of the indigenous people of the Hawaiian archipelago, Hawai`i Ka Pae `Aina.
The Koani Foundation has participated in the Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues at each of the seven annual sessions - drafting and presenting Pacific Caucus and Hawai`i Caucus interventions - and was honored to serve as rapporteur at the plenary sessions and workshops on Human Rights at the 2nd Pacific Consultation in Brisbane, Australia.
In 2005, we actively participated with the Working Group on Indigenous Populations and the Human Rights Sub-commission in conjunction with Na Koa Ikaika O Ka Lahui Hawai`i and the Indigenous World Association, and received UNITAR Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Programme training.
In 2006, once again on behalf of Na Koa Ikaika O Ka Lahui Hawai`i and the Indigenous World Association, we successfully participated in hearings on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights relating to the United States of America in furtherance to The Special Situation of Hawai`i, A Shadow Report to the Human Rights Committee on The Violation of Human Rights of Native Hawaiians in the Hawaiian Archipelago.
In Hawai`i, we provide leadership development and capacity building workshops, and unity symposia throughout the archipelago.
Additionally, we produce Voices of Truth, One-on-One with Hawai`i’s Future, a weekly motivational video series that features in-depth interviews with grass-roots Kanaka Maoli role models and multi-ethnic educators and mentors. Voices of Truth is broadcast on Public Access TV throughout Hawai`i , in various North America communities, and on the web for global viewing.
We also air weekly video commentaries on Free Hawai`i TV.
