TAKING BACK OUR FUTURE ON VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE
The Superferry’s recent attempt to invade Kaua`i has brought people together like few other issues.
Native Hawaiians, activists, environmentalists and other Kaua`i residents who care deeply about the `aina (land) have banded together to protest the intrusion of this uninvited guest.
If you haven’t already seen the video of what happened when the Superferry attempted to dock in Nawiliwili harbor this last week, visit myspace.com/FreeHawaii
Surfers, boogie boarders and canoes full of people were in the water. Crowds of residents were waiting on the shore and they all had a message – no Superferry on Kaua`i.
Local police arrived in riot gear, arresting and threatening to use mace.
Since then things have changed, and not for the better.
The harbor is now like a fortress.
Authorities are now threatening federal charges against anyone who attempts to block the ship again. New gates and fences have been erected around the pier.
Sources say the FBI has arrived with portable cage jail cells and water cannons so they can blow protesters out of the water.
None of this would even occur in a Free Hawai`i where people decide their own future and not multi-national corporations thousands of miles away.
Sound too good to be true? Check out our visits with Doug Chang and Clifford Nae`ole this week and meet two individuals who put people before profit and not the other way around.
Like those brave Kaua`i residents, they too are active participants in creating a better Hawai`i. And you can see them right here on Voices Of Truth - One-On-One With Hawai`i's Future.
MONDAY, September 10th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, September 14th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
THURSDAY, September 13th At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, September 14th At 8:30 AM – Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52
"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.
TUESDAY, September 11th At 6:30 PM & WEDNESDAY, September 12th At 6:30 AM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
SATURDAY, September 15th 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.
