FREE HAWAII NEWS - PROFITS OVER ANCIENT HAWAIIAN BURIALS
The May “Free Hawaii News” details efforts to protect iwi kupuna or ancient Hawaiian burials throughout Hawaii.
“Iwi kupuna continue to be at risk on both Maui and Kaua`i due to hotel resort developments,” states Free Hawaii News co-host Hinaleimoana Wong. “Proposed expansion of the Grand Wailea resort on Maui and developers with plans for the Coco Palms on Kaua`i are putting profits over our ancient people. The attempts to profit from our ancestors bones must be stopped.”
The May Free Hawaii News also airs a report on the recent legal wrangling for confidential information between Hawaii state auditor Les Kondo and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
“OHA trustee Keli`i Akina explains to us in simple terms why this dispute went to court and what effect it has had regarding the various audits of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs,” remarked Free Hawaii News co-host Leon Siu. “If youʻve been wondering what secrets auditor Kondo has been seeking and why, this is the interview to watch to get the full picture.”
Our May show also includes an update on recent, new progress for Hawaii at the United Nations as well as a report on the “Pacific Way,” a new movement gaining steam throughout Oceania.
Brought to you by the Koani Foundation, Free Hawaii News airs the first Friday evening of every month on channel 53 of `Ōlelo Television on O`ahu at 6 PM and on all neighbor islands. Check local listings for times.
The purpose of the show is to present Hawaiian or kanaka maoli perspectives on a broad range of topics and issues affecting the Hawaiian Islands, the Pacific and the world. The hosts of “Free Hawaii News” are Hinaleimoana Wong and Leon Kaulahao Siu.
Hinaleimoana Wong is a kumu hula, filmmaker, cultural activist, Hawaiian language speaker, preservationist and community leader. She has served as a member of the O`ahu Island Burial Council.
Leon Siu has for many years served as Foreign Minister of the Hawaiian Kingdom. He is active in that role at the United Nations in both New York City and Geneva, Switzerland. Besides being a diplomat, he is also an award-winning musician, composer and political analyst.
