Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 16, Number 5, 1 Mei 1999 — LINDSEY FILM SETS TONE FOR KAPALUA FESTIVAL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

LINDSEY FILM SETS TONE FOR KAPALUA FESTIVAL

By Manu Boyd DURING EASTER weekend, Hawaiians gathered on Maui to fortify eultural ties at Kapalua's celebration of the arts, "Nā Hana No 'eau o nā Kūpuna - the Artistry of Our Ancestors." Native dancers, chanters, activists, leaders, artists and enthusiasts of all ages flocked to the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, ironically the site of a painful controversy 13 years ago when hundreds of ancient human remains were excavated for the development's construction. Today, the resort, whieh relocated mauka and assisted in restoring the integrity of the area, stands watch over the Honokahua burials, considered la'a (sacred) by Hawaiians. Its commitment to eulhnal stewardship is apparent. Kapalua's 7th annual Celebration of the Arts, as always, presented arts and crafts, music, hula, a massive lū'au and a starstudded concert. But the screening of the controversial "Then There Were None " and the ensuing discussion set a precedent at the annual event. When the hghts went up in the packed amphitheater, former Miss Hawai'i-tumed filmmaker, Elizabeth Lindsey, moved to the lectern, accompanied by spontaneous ovation. "And Then There Were None," written, produced and narrated by Lindsey, jolted the largely Hawaiian audience with a historical take not typically shared at hotels. The 30-minute documentary chronicles the dechne of the pure Hawaiian populahon from more than 500,000 in 1778, to its predicted disappearance by 2044. "It is hme that the truth be told," Lindsey insisted, facing a record-breaking audience of more than 200 at that venue.

"I was compehed to teh the truth about our story," explained Lindsey, near tears. "Nahonal and intemational filmmakers eome here and spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to document endangered birds and plants. Why not our people?" she questioned. The result - a bold film that insists Hawaiians are not the carefree natives they have been made out to be for

generahons. "I'd like to especiahy thank (hotel general manager) John Toner for having the sheer audacity to show this film," she said. According to Clifford Nae'ole, RitzCarlton's eulhnal advisor, Lindsey's film is required viewing for all employees, and

is screened every Friday for hotel guests and anyone who wants to see it. "We take on the responsibihty as kahu with the burials nearby. We must be mindful of our environment." The story unfolds through a native lens, describing the spiritual, social, poliheal and physical dechne of kanaka maoli. Outside influences of religion, capitalism

and foreign military dominance led to the illegal overthrow, whieh resulted in the decline of native well-being in their own homeland. The emohonal audience hung on every word. "The Decline ofthe Hawaiian, Causes, Effects, Solutions" was the theme for the

panel discussion featuring John DeFries of the Native Sun Business Group, Greg Meyers of Lunahlo Tmst, Kali Watson of OHA, Tommy Kaulukukui of the Queen's Health Systems, Dr. Noa Emmeh Aluli of Moloka'i General Hospital and Lindsey, and was moderated by KITV's Paula Akana. In offering soluhons to the Hawaiians' phght, eaeh panehst agreed that we are moving in the right direction. Watson remarked that "Our people have a sense of righteous indignation that is justified." He offered the Kūlana 'Oiwi multi-service center at Kalama'ula, Moloka'i as an example of Hawaiian agencies and ali'i trusts working together for a stronger community. "Let's put the sorrow behind us. I see a mueh brighter fumre for Hawaiians," he said. Kaulukukui predicted ali'i trusts will begin to look at their missions in a broader, integrated community vision. A young Moloka'i woman was not as optimistic. "I work with Hawaiians every day who need help. Our people are faced with poverty and drug addiction. What ean ali'i trusts do for them immediately?" With no definite answer, the question lingered. Unele Les Kuloloio, a Maui activist involved in the Honokahua protest 13 years prior, said, "The film made me cry, and when I cry, I get pissed off. I am very happy to be here today. You (Ehzabeth Lindsey) do us proud." Lindsey summed up the discussion saying, "This story is not limited to Hawai'i. When native people are displaced or eolonized, the experience is the same. We need to bring these things to light so that the wounds ean finally heal." ■

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lohn DeFries, Greg Meyers, Kali Watson, Tommy Kaulukukui Jr., Elizabeth Lindsey and Dr. Noa Emmett Aluli shared their mana'o on the future of Hawaiians in neaehon to "And Then There Were None. "

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Elizabeth Lindsey