K. Angel Pilago is a US Army 101st Airborne Division Veteran earning numerous decorations in Vietnam including the Silver Star for Heroism. He received his diploma while in service, obtained an Honorable Discharge, and attended University of Hawai'i majoring in Social Science. He has 20 years experience as an Employment Counselor with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations gainfully engaged in Economic Development and Community Service.

Striving to be involved and contributing to make Hawai'i a better place to live, he was instrumental and successfully led the 2 landmark Supreme Court Civil Rights cases Kohanaiki-PASH, and, Ka Pa'akai v. LUC. These legal victories led to new laws in the state of Hawai'i that provide strong tools to ensure environmental justice, human rights and public use of resources.

As Executive director of the Kohanaiki 'Ohana, Mr. Pilago exhibited exceptional abilities to establish partnerships for coalition building. He initiated innovative programs empowering the community to take an active role in land stewardship. His resolve has led a new generation to protect traditional practices, natural resources, history and values. These projects built partnerships between students, landowners, businesses and governmental agencies and led to the recent developer agreement to create a shoreline park at Kohanaiki dedicated to the public.

K. Angel Pilago's community service includes: Kailua Village Design Commission, Historic Hawai'i Foundation, Kaloko-Honokohau Commission, Hawai'i Historic Preservation Council, Polynesian Voyaging Society, and other distinguished organizations. His awards and commendations include: "Malama Aina Award" bestowed by Congresswoman Patsy Mink, "National Wetlands Award" given by the Environmental Law Institute and the Environmental Protection Agency, "Five Star Restoration Award" bestowed by the National Association of Counties, The Governor Ben Cayetano Certificate for "Keeping Hawai'i Beautiful," and numerous other acknowledgments of service and recognition of merit.

Mr. Pilago has a long history of community organizing to protect Hawaii's fragile natural and cultural resources. His commitment, dedication and effective community organizing on the local level, political lobbying on both the state and national levels has proven successful at creating long lasting social change.

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