K. Angel Pilago, 62, is a native of Hawai'i and has been a resident of Kona for over 25 years.

He is of Filipino, Hawaiian, and Caucasian ancestry. Married to Nita Pilago, they have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. All are active in community, social, and civic affairs, promoting family values and advocating for a secure quality of life for Hawai'i.

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 Land Use 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.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

COMMUNITY SERVICE

ANGEL on the HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL