Viliami Lolohea, First Secretary at the Tonga High Commission in London, Joins UK Kava Coalition as Diplomatic Representative

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United Kingdom Kava Coalition (UKKC) is proud to announce the appointment of Viliami Lolohea, Tongan diplomat, educator, and environmental innovator, as its newest diplomatic representative. Lolohea currently serves as First Secretary at the Tonga High Commission in London and brings a wealth of experience and vision to the coalition’s mission to promote responsible kava use, cultural appreciation, and ethical trade across the UK.

Born in Tonga, raised in Vanuatu, and educated in Europe, Lolohea offers a unique combination of cultural fluency, diplomatic acumen, and strategic foresight. Over two decades of public service, he has held senior leadership roles in border control, regional law enforcement coordination, and anti-corruption initiatives. He previously served as Head of Secretariat for the Pacific Immigration Directors’ Conference and played a key role in high-profile identity fraud investigations in the region.

“Viliami’s appointment is a major step forward for the UKKC,” said Dr. Simon Gellar, Director of the UK Kava Coalition. “He not only understands the cultural and historical importance of kava, but also knows how to navigate the UK’s diplomatic and regulatory landscape. His presence amplifies our voice at a critical time.”

A respected voice in environmental innovation, Lolohea is best known for spearheading the Sland initiative, a circular economy solution that repurposes ferronickel slag from mining operations as an alternative to sand. The initiative addresses critical shortages in the Pacific while preserving fragile ecosystems. His work has been recognized by the Club of Rome, the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, and is fully endorsed by the Tongan monarchy.

The UK Kava Coalition is an alliance of kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to education, advocacy, and consumer choice. Kava, a traditional beverage with over 3,000 years of safe use in the Pacific, was banned in Europe in 2002 due to health concerns that are now widely regarded as scientifically unsubstantiated. While other regions have since reversed such restrictions, the UK has yet to update its policy since leaving the EU, despite the drink's ceremonial use by members of the British royal family, including King Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Viliami to the UK Kava Coalition,” said Douglas La Rose, Kava Coalition Executive Director. “His background in diplomacy, sustainability, and regional cooperation is unmatched. Viliami brings the kind of principled leadership we need to help build a strong, credible, and culturally grounded kava movement in the UK.”

Lolohea’s cross-continental perspective, dividing his time between London, The Netherlands, and the Pacific, makes him uniquely positioned to bridge cultural understanding and policy engagement. With his guidance, the UKKC aims to modernize kava regulation in the UK, grounded in scientific evidence and respect for Pacific Island heritage.

About United Kingdom Kava Coalition (UKKC)

UKKC works to protect and promote the cultural, social, and economic significance of kava for Pacific Island communities in the UK. Through advocacy, cultural engagement, and government outreach, UKKC aims to secure legal and fair access to kava as a beverage for all who value it. To learn more, visit www.kavacoalition.uk.

About Kava Coalition

The Kava Coalition is an alliance of noble kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. By promoting responsible consumption, market transparency, and cultural respect, the Coalition works to ensure that noble kava is widely recognized, accessible, and valued as a safe, pro-social beverage. For more information, visit www.kavacoalition.org.

Media Contact

Patrick George

[email protected]

+1 916-202-1982

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SOURCE: United Kingdom Kava Coalition (UKKC)

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