The Hawai‘i Senate today recognized Melveen Ku‘uleipuanani Leed for her incomparable career in music and entertainment, one that spans more than five decades and garners world-wide acclaim.
Melveen Leed, known as “da tita,” began her long and illustrious career performing as a keiki on Moloka‘i for family and friends. She grew to become an international acclaimed performer, while remaining true to her roots as a Hawaiian entertainer and local icon.
Melveen was honored with nine Nā Hoku Hanohano Awards, she is a five time recipient of the Female Vocalist of the Year, and they presented her with their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. She has recorded 28 albums in 18 different languages, and last year she was inducted into the prestigious Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
Melveen was most recently honored at the Pan Pacific Southeast Asian Women Association of Hawai‘i for her outstanding achievements that span a lifetime. The Association cites her accomplishments in entertainment, indigenous issues, philanthropic work, and for serving as a positive role model for young people in the Pacific and worldwide.