CELEBRATING THE ALOHA MARCHES & STANDING UP FOR PONO ON VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE
We wrap up our coverage of the Aloha Marches of 1998 and 2000 this week with what occurred after the Marches – pa`ina.
The evening of the Aloha March 2000, everyone packed the ballroom of the Washington, DC hotel that was base for March organizers.
A giant party, or pa`ina was put on with tons of food, fun and local style entertainment.
But it was Koani Founder John Butch Kekahu III who stole the show when someone handed him an ukulele.
Join in on the fun and see for yourself this coming Wednesday on FreeHawaiiTV.
People standing up for what’s pono, or correct is our theme this week on Voices Of Truth – One-One-One With Hawai`i’s Future.
And it appears it comes not a moment too soon, from feedback we’ve been getting.
Not only have you told us how inspired you are, but actually strengthened in light of one of the most egregious violations that has occurred in Hawai`i in awhile – the Superferry.
The Superferry is like the perfect storm because it‘s a violation on so many levels – Hawai`i’s culture, people and environment.
It’s a microcosm of everything that’s wrong with the illegal US occupation of Hawai`i.
Profits before people and ignoring the costs - a complete lack of concern and awareness of the impact on the `aina (land,) it’s people and culture seems to be the American way.
We feature three individuals this week, Clifford Nae`ole, Joanne Kahanamoku Sterling and Doug Kahikina Chang who each decided to stand up and make sure those are no longer casualties.
Our hope is you’re inspired to do the same. Check them out this week on Voices Of Truth – One-On-One With Hawai`i’s Future.
MONDAY, August 27th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, August 31st At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
TUESDAY, August 28th At 6:30 PM & WEDNESDAY, August 29th At 6:30 AM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
“Culture, Arts & Hospitality – A Visit With Clifford Nae`ole”
It happens once a month on Friday evenings around a full moon at the Ritz Carlton at Kapalua.
Clifford Nae`ole can be heard talking story as part of a program called Moonlight Mo`olelo.
His tourist audience listens as he tells stories about Hawai`i of old and the indigenous people of Honokahua, the ancient, culturally significant site of pre-contact Hawai`i where the Ritz Carlton sits.
Clifford was the individual from the local community who always stepped forward and spoke up to make sure protocol was being followed as the hotel was being developed.
He was so effective, Ritz Carlton management ended up hiring him as cultural advisor and then Chairperson for the annual Maui Cultural Arts Festival.
"Education leads to awareness, which in turn inspires accountability, which will ultimately ensure the survival of our people, land, ocean and culture," asserts Clifford. "Many of us have forgotten to 'think island.'"
"The tourist industry needs to realize that they are the guest in the home of the host, not the other way around."
Powerful words of wisdom indeed.
Catch our must-see interview with this visionary whose actions have led to fundamental changes in an industry that’s responsible for making visitor first impressions. Clifford reminds us why it comes full circle - "We live on a finite source. Once we have abused and used whatever sustains us on this land, we are certainly doomed.”
THURSDAY, August 30th at 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, August 31st At 8:30 AM – Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52
“Artistic Voyage – A Visit With Joanne Kahanamoku Sterling”
Joanne Kahanamoku has been an integral part of the Hawaiian Renaissance from the start.
Born and raised during her childhood years in Tahiti, she traveled to join her renowned Kanaka Maoli `ohana (native Hawaiian family) in Hawai`i as a young person.
Always independent and impetuous, Joanne has pushed the envelope in every phase of her life distinguishing herself in challenging physical activities, including surfing and swimming.
She joined the Hokule`a project during the design phase and later became one of the first wahine to crew in the early voyages.
Currently she focuses her energy and talent in Lei Hulu, the traditional feather arts, adapting them into contemporary expressions of her own creativity.
Don’t miss our visit with this remarkable wahine Kanaka Hawai`i Maoli. Recently recognized by her peers and the Bishop Museum as a Living Treasure, Joanne inspires us to see what we can all become if we just follow our passion and vision.
SATURDAY, September 1st At 8:00 PM – O`ahu - ‘Olelo, Channel 53
“Hands In The Water - A Visit With Doug Kahikina Chang”
In the world of hospitality, blunt speech is seldom heard.
But then along came Doug Kahikina Chang and everything changed.
A student of hula, language and the Hawaiian culture from an early age, Doug is a true trailblazer in one of the places it counts the most – Hawai`i’s tour industry.
The first Native Hawaiian ever to be selected as chairperson of the Hawai`i Tourism Authority, Doug tells it like it is - native culture has been “used and abused for its entertainment value.”
In his younger days, he tells us he was ashamed to talk about his hotel job when he was back home.
Other Hawaiians would accuse him of selling out for the visitor at the expense of Hawai`i’s culture and land.
But no more.
Today Doug is at the helm of a huge paradigm shift at long last finally making native Hawaiians and the real Hawai`i the only, real and primary experience visitors have when they visit.
Be sure and catch our visit with this humble yet extraordinarily talented and brave Hawaiian who literally rose through the ranks from a humble beginning as a hotel dishwasher and airport lei greeter to become the internationally recognized leader of Hawai`i tourism. At long last, when Doug speaks, the powerful now listen.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants in the hopes of inspiring viewers to do the same.
If you missed a show, want you see your favorites again or you don’t live in Hawai`i, here’s how to view our shows anytime – visit VoicesOfTruthTV.com and simply click on the episodes you wish to view.
