The Kahea
Following the 2018 false nuclear missile alert in Hawaii, three young Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian) activists meet to focus on the ongoing environmental damage and human suffering caused by the illegal U.S. military occupation of Hawaii.
Following the 2018 false nuclear missile alert in Hawaii, three young Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian) activists meet to focus on the ongoing environmental damage and human suffering caused by the illegal U.S. military occupation of Hawaii. Supported by elders and driven by their passion for justice, our main characters seek sustainable solutions and reveal their most intimate struggles as they aspire to create a safe and secure future for a new generation.
THE KAHEA is a 90 minute feature documentary film focusing on the illegal US military occupation of Hawai‘i. The film follows three young Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian) activists whose passion for land, culture and human rights has inspired them to imagine a de-occupied and indigenized future for Hawai‘i. Currently, we are in the midst of a water crisis, as yet again, the Navy’s tanks have released thousands of gallons of petroleum and other toxic chemicals into O‘ahu’s drinking water. At the same time, the land leases for military live training areas, approximately 30,000 acres, are up for renewal in 2029. The film follows these three young Kanaka Maoli as they organize along with elders and the community to stop the renewal and regain control of their land and waters.
Our protagonists open their intimate daily lives to the camera and reveal their struggles, personal transformation and passion for land, culture and human rights. Each one is striving for justice as they work with communities most affected by militarization.
Ku‘ulei (26) was raised in Hilo, Hawai‘i, she is a musician, educator and healer. She is overwhelmed by the layers of health issues stemming from U.S. militarization and works to heal her people by establishing an innovative health curriculum based on traditional Hawaiian healing and knowledge. Kalaniopua (40) is the first Queer and Trans Pacific Islander to receive a PhD. After overcoming addiction and houselessness in Washington, she returned to O‘ahu to educate and advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+, houseless, Kanaka Maoli and all underserved people. Punahele (31) is a Kanaka Maoli Hip Hop Artist-educator, born and raised in the slums of Mākaha on O‘ahu’s West Side. He is aspiring to wake up the masses to the injustices of his homeland through his music. At the same time, growing into fatherhood, he is fearful of the world his child will grow up in.
Film Topics Include:
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