Team Aloha Aina Tees: Haalilio
Timoteo Ha'alilio (1808-1844) was a childhood companion to Kauikeaouli King Kamehameha III. A man of recognized intelligence, character, and diplomacy, Haʻalilio later served in a number of high level positions within the Hawaiian Government. He also helped to draft the nation's first constitution. In 1842 Kauikeaouli selected Ha'alilio as one of three envoys on the mission of utmost importance: to obtain international recognition of the Hawaiian Kingdom's independence.
Ha'alilio traveled with William Richards to Washington where they received from the U.S. formal acknowledgment of Hawaii's sovereignty. Then, joining the third emissary Sir George Simpson in Europe, the delegation secured from Great Britain and France recognition of Hawaii's independence on November 28, 1843. This day is celebrated as Lā Kūʻokoʻa (Independence Day). Sadly, Timoteo Haʻalilio died at sea before he could return to his homeland.
In recognition of our first Kanaka Maoli diplomat who made Lā Kūʻokoʻa possible, Haʻalilio's jersey number is 43.
