OVERCOMING THE ILLEGAL US ANNEXATION ON VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE
Today marks the 109th anniversary of the US imposed illegal annexation of Hawai`i.
How has this played out for native Hawaiians?
They constitute roughly 23 per cent of the population, yet represent 54 per cent of the prison population.
They have the lowest per capita income, highest poverty rate and shortest lifespan of any ethnic group in Hawai`i.
Despite record profits for many businesses, jobs are scarce and most of the available work pays minimum wage or close to it.
On every island married couples with children often work two jobs each to make ends meet - if they are fortunate enough to find that many jobs, even at minimum wage.
Hawai`i imports two-thirds of its food from the US mainland. Locally grown food is expensive due to high land prices.
Is it any wonder more and & more people want the illegal annexation and occupation to end?
In 1998 and again in 2000, one man, John Butch Kekahu III was fed up and took the message to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
We continue our coverage this week of a look back at the Aloha Marches of 1998 and 2000 on FreeHawaiiTV.
See for yourself the sights and sounds of the Aloha March 2000 this coming Wednesday on FreeHawaiiTV.
In a brand new Voices Of Truth show this week, we feature Clifford Nae`ole, Chair of the annual Maui cultural Arts Festival at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua.
Clifford’s another prime example of someone in the community who stepped forward to stop the selling out of Maui’s people, `aina (land) and history.
“People come here to discover Hawai`i, and seeing big-box retailers makes visitors want to head to their resort all the more quickly,” remarks Clifford.
Be sure and see how one individual can make such a huge difference in how visitors experience Hawai`i and its people this week right here on Voices Of Truth – One-On-One With Hawai`i’s Future.
MONDAY, August 13th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, August 17th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
“Coming Full Circle – A Visit With Sam Ka`ai”
A Kanaka Maoli (native Hawaiian) practitioner extraordinaire, Sam Ka`ai is a Pacific voyager and cultural ambassador, who’s devotion to keeping alive the ancient ways of old Hawai`i is truly beyond compare.
From the perpetuation of lua, the ancient Hawaiian fighting art, to ceremonial protocol, Sam is also a creator of world-class stone and wood weaponry, as well as amazing adornments of shell and natural fibers.
Above all, Sam Ka`ai is a master orator, sharing timeless Polynesian legends, myth and mana`o through vivid imagery and dramatic, spellbinding story telling.
Sam is one of those rare individuals who, when in his presence, time seems to stand still and the ancestors come forth and speak.
It’s then you realize his knowledge is of the ages.
If you’ve not witnessed Sam in person, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind interview as he shares with us stories of his early childhood on Maui, the changing social dynamics that molded him into the amazing person he is today and most of all why the ways of old Hawai`I are the very keys for the future for all of us today.
TUESDAY, August 14th At 6:30 PM & WEDNESDAY, August 15th At 6:30 AM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
THURSDAY, August 16th at 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, August 17th At 8:30 AM – Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52
SATURDAY, August 18th At 8:00 PM – O`ahu - ‘Olelo, 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.”
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.
