Hawaiʻi Senate President Ronald Kouchi of Kauaʻi was honored by the Legislative Assembly and the Regional Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in recognition of his distinguished public service and his heritage as a descendant of Azorean immigrants.
The tribute was presented during the Celebrations of the Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores 2026 on May 25 in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island. Kouchi was recognized in the official ceremonies after being nominated for recognition as a descendant of Azoreans who have made significant contributions to public life in Hawaiʻi.
The annual Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, commonly known as Azores Day, is the region’s highest civic observance, celebrating the history, culture, and accomplishments of the Azorean people.
The official ceremonies recognize individuals whose achievements exemplify the enduring contributions of the Azorean diaspora around the world. Senate President Kouchi was one of six recipients to receive the Autonomous Insignia of Recognition, an honor bestowed upon individuals for their merits, civic achievements and service.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the people of the Azores, the homeland of my great-grandmother and so many others who left in search of opportunity and a better life,” Kouchi said. “Their courage and commitment to family and community helped shape Hawaiʻi into the vibrant, diverse place we know today. I am deeply humbled to accept this recognition on behalf of my family and the many descendants of Portuguese immigrants who continue to strengthen our communities.”
Raised on Kauaʻi, Kouchi is the great-grandson of Maria Victoria Sousa, an immigrant from São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, who arrived in Hawaiʻi aboard the steamship Bell Rock on November 2, 1883. His recognition highlights the longstanding historical and cultural ties between Hawaiʻi and the Azores.
Beginning in the late nineteenth century, thousands of Azorean immigrants settled throughout the Hawaiian Islands, where they made lasting contributions to agriculture, commerce, public service, and civic life. Their descendants continue to enrich the diverse cultural fabric of Hawaiʻi and play important roles in communities across the state.
