Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 11, 1 November 2000 — Heʻeia film premier Nov. 5 [ARTICLE]

Heʻeia film premier Nov. 5

ĪHE HAWAI'I International Film Festival has scheduled the world premier of "He 'eia: Where Two Waters Meet," at noon, Nov. 5, at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Produced by 'Ikena Ho'oulu Productions, the film is designed to inspire and arouse greater community awareness. "We want people to be aware of this Windward O'ahu site, and to see and feel the power of the cultural, ecological and spiritual relationships that exists there," said Producer Cynthia Lahilahi Powell. "He'eia Fishpond is truly a gem in the treasure chest of the ahupua'a of He'eia, tucked away in the shroud of mangrove, encircled by suburbia, its only daily witness the oeean and its caretaker." says Donna Kameaha'iku Ono of the Council for the Restoration of the Ahupua'a of He'eia. "This pond speaks of the greatness of a land, a culture and a people, and is at a critical turning point in its long history," shared Mary Brooks, fishpond caretaker since 1989. "Mueh progress has been made in bringing this ancient fishpond back to life, but what we do now will determine what it will speak to future generations." "The fishpond is a link to our past. But it is a dynamic link because it's ever-hving," said Kumu Hula Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. "We take the ancestors' enlightenment, add that to ours, and we take it one step further. That's what living culture is all about. We need to make it hve." Landholder Kamehameha SchoolsBishop Estate has leased the site to various entities since the lands were willed by Princess Bemice Pauahi Bishop in 1884, most recently to the University-affihated Center for a Sustainable Future. Today, the future of the pond is uncertain. As University of Hawai'i Center for Hawaiian Studies Director Lilikalā Kame'eleihiwa avows, He'eia Fishpond is one of the few native ponds left today, a plaee where reverence for the land stih exists despite alien species encroachment and other modem forces. "It took many, many hands to build that fishpond. It would be a shame to waste the labor of the ancestors by letting it fall apart," she said. Following the screening, the He'eia Restoration Council wih host an open house reception at the fishpond, just north of Kāne'ohe town off Kamehameha Highway. Visitors should turn right on 'īpuka St. immediately after King Intermediate School, park on the street and walk down the steep driveway at 46-077 'īpuka St. Tickets are $7 and will be available to the general puhlie calling 528HIFF or visiting the HIFF Box Office at Dole Cannery Square.