Richard Kekuni Blaisdell

Richard Kekuni Blaisdell, commonly known as Kekuni Blaisdell, was an American physician and activist who played a prominent role in the movement for indigenous Hawaiian rights and Hawaiian independence.

Blaisdell was born on December 16, 1926, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was of Native Hawaiian, Chinese, and white descent. Blaisdell attended Kamehameha Schools and then pursued a medical degree at Northwestern University.

Blaisdell was a fierce advocate for Native Hawaiian rights and Hawaiian independence. He co-founded the Committee of Hawaiian Nationals in 1969, which sought to restore the independence of Hawaii. He also co-founded the Hawai'i Institute for Human Rights, an organization dedicated to addressing human rights issues in Hawaii.

Blaisdell believed that the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 was unjust and illegal. He argued that the United States had violated international law and the sovereignty of the Native Hawaiian people. He advocated for the restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the recognition of Hawaiian independence.

Blaisdell was a prominent figure in the field of Native Hawaiian healthcare. He worked to improve healthcare access and quality for Native Hawaiians and encouraged Native Hawaiians to pursue careers in the healthcare profession. He co-founded the Papa Ola Lokahi, an organization focused on improving the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians.