Leon Siu
For over two decades, Leon Kaulahao Siu has been serving Hawaii as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Ke Aupuni O Hawaii— the Hawaiian Kingdom at various international venues, such as the United Nations. Since the early 1970s Siu has been involved in the movement to reinstate the Hawaiian Kingdom as an independent state. His duties as Foreign Minister are to develop, nurture and advance diplomatic relations with other states and international bodies, including reviving existing treaties and agreements. Minister Siu was nominated for the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in promoting independence for West Papua. In addition to his work for the Hawaiian Kingdom, he also serves in various capacities in a number of other organizations, such as the Decolonization Alliance, the Koani Foundation, and Free Hawaii. He is also an accomplished Hawaiian music artist, best known as part of the duo Leon & Malia.
Select Publications:
The Basis of the Restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom: A Report from the Hawaiian Kingdom. Honolulu: Hawaiian Kingdom Government Press. 2015.
Modus Vivendi: Situation of West Papua. (With Mehmet Guzel). Lulu Publishing Services. 2018.
The Basis of the Restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom: A Report from the Hawaiian Kingdom. Honolulu: Hawaiian Kingdom Government Press. 2015.
Modus Vivendi: Situation of West Papua. (With Mehmet Guzel). Lulu Publishing Services. 2018.
Foreign policy positions
Minister Siu is an astute diplomat, conversant on a wide range of topics. He has been frequently
featured in articles in a variety of international publications on Hawaii’s international status. He
is a proponent for incorporating Aloha to resolve disputes, even the most difficult ones. Minister
Siu is also a strong proponent of the principle of self-determination. In 2013 he organized the
Decolonization Alliance in NYC to assist captive peoples and nations gain access to the United
Nations decolonization mechanisms.
Minister Siu maintains that the wrongful taking and prolonged occupation of the Hawaiian
Islands by the United States constitute blatant violations of international laws. The affect has
been political, economic and social abuses resulting in injustices and injuries to the Hawaiian
people. The United States has admitted to the wrongdoing, yet refuses to correct those wrongs,
thus compounding the offenses into egregious injury. The Hawaiian Kingdom calls upon the
international community to proactively assist in Hawaii’s quest to reinstate its sovereign,
independent status by calling on the United States to execute a peaceful, orderly and amicable
withdrawal from the Hawaiian Islands.
Minister Siu calls on the international community to support the Hawaiian Kingdomʻs endeavor
to establish a peaceful, demilitarized, neutral country to reduce tensions and make the Pacific
region a safe and secure place to live.
Minister Siu is an astute diplomat, conversant on a wide range of topics. He has been frequently
featured in articles in a variety of international publications on Hawaii’s international status. He
is a proponent for incorporating Aloha to resolve disputes, even the most difficult ones. Minister
Siu is also a strong proponent of the principle of self-determination. In 2013 he organized the
Decolonization Alliance in NYC to assist captive peoples and nations gain access to the United
Nations decolonization mechanisms.
Minister Siu maintains that the wrongful taking and prolonged occupation of the Hawaiian
Islands by the United States constitute blatant violations of international laws. The affect has
been political, economic and social abuses resulting in injustices and injuries to the Hawaiian
people. The United States has admitted to the wrongdoing, yet refuses to correct those wrongs,
thus compounding the offenses into egregious injury. The Hawaiian Kingdom calls upon the
international community to proactively assist in Hawaii’s quest to reinstate its sovereign,
independent status by calling on the United States to execute a peaceful, orderly and amicable
withdrawal from the Hawaiian Islands.
Minister Siu calls on the international community to support the Hawaiian Kingdomʻs endeavor
to establish a peaceful, demilitarized, neutral country to reduce tensions and make the Pacific
region a safe and secure place to live.
| •Leon Siu CV |
| •Leon Siu speaking flyer |
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Photos: Leon Siu and Dr. Alfred De Zayas, United Nations Independent Expert.
Select Media:
"60 years after statehood activists continue to question legality of the process." KITV4 ABC Island News. 16 August 2019.
https://www.kitv.com/story/40929287/60-years-after-statehood-activists-continue-to-question-legality-of-the-process
https://www.kitv.com/story/40929287/60-years-after-statehood-activists-continue-to-question-legality-of-the-process
"Statehood questioned at Hawaii's 60th." Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 15 August 2019. https://www.staradvertiser.com/2019/08/15/editorial/island-voices/statehood-questioned-at-hawaiis-60th/
Testimonials
”H.E. Leon Siu has done tremendous work for Hawaii both locally and abroad. Having traveled to the United Nations, I have seen the impact of his international work for myself. He is highly respected by many people in the international community and is responsible for having raised awareness and support for Hawaii among countless diplomats, NGO's, United Nations representatives, and others. Both the present and future generations of Hawaiians owe him a great debt of gratitude for his service to Hawaii. Siu has additionally been of great help to other nations in a similar position as Hawaii, such as Okinawa."
- Robert Kajiwara, Okinawan Hawaiian. President of the Peace For Okinawa Coalition
- Robert Kajiwara, Okinawan Hawaiian. President of the Peace For Okinawa Coalition
Leon Siu speaking at a breakout session at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
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Leon Siu with other representatives of the Decolonization Alliance.
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