Produced by Nalani Minton, Directed by Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina
The centuries-old Hawaiian system of land use allowed access to all resources in the ahupua’a, a land division that stretched from mountain to sea. Within the ahupua’a, highly specialized technologies such as fishponds and lo’i kalo (taro gardens) ensured an abundance of food.
Our Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) ancestors achieved a rare balance between meeting their needs and enhancing the productivity of the land and sea. Their social system ensured survival from generation to generation.
In this series of three half-hour segments, historian and anthropologist Marion Kelly, whose research into Hawaiian culture has been her life’s work, takes us on a tour of six islands to see what our modern world can learn from ancient wisdom and from those who continue to practice traditional ways today. Featuring taro growers, fishermen, kumu hula (hula masters), and rock wall builders.
Featuring
Ahupua’a segment
Hannah Springer, Chipper Wichman, Bert Sakata, Oliver Dukelow, Clarence Medeiros, Mona Kahele, Abel Kahele, Francis Kuailani, Kawena Johnson, Nainoa Thompson, Collette Machado, Emmett Aluli, Sol Kaho’ohalahala
Fishponds segment
Carol Wyban, Kaniala Akaka, Norman Ah Hee, Francis Kuailani, Billy Akutagawa, William Kalipi, William Kalipi, Jr., Colin Nakagawa, Jim Sweeney, Mark Brooks, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett
Lo’i segment
Charles Kupa, Charles Reppun, Oliver Dukelow, Keoki Fukumitsu, John Kaimikaua, Jim Callahan, Dan Puilihau, Lieff Bush, Michelle Tenkayo, Mr.Chong, LaFrance Kapaka, Kealohikina, David Sproat, Attwood Alohawaina Makanani
Produced and directed by Puhipau and Joan Lander of Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina
To purchase this DVD and to support Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina’s digital archiving project, please visit their website.
Tags: ahupuaa, fishpond, loi,