Stolen Waters
This video documents the battle over the water in Waiāhole Ditch on the island of O‘ahu.
- Filmmaker(s)
- Joan Lander
- Puhipau
- Category
- Full-Length Film
- Subject Matter
- History, Politics & Government, Environment & Sustainability
- Region
- Polynesia
- Length
- 27 Minutes
- Year
- 1996
- Website
- www.hawaiianvoice.com
This video documents the battle over the water in Waiāhole Ditch on the island of O‘ahu, where taro farmers and long-time residents seek to reclaim the natural stream waters that were taken in the early 1900's by sugar plantations.
Shot on location in the Windward Oʻahu valleys and Waipiʻo valley on the Hawaiʻi island, Stolen Waters explores the significance of deity Kāne and his embodiment of the water/rain cycle; Hawaiian tradition and law regarding water use; native stream life; and the delicate balance between the health of the streams, the health of the ocean and the health of the people.
Nā Maka o ka ‘Āina ("The Eyes of the Land") are an independent video production team that focuses on the land and the people of Hawai'i and the Pacific. Documenting traditional and contemporary Hawaiian culture, politics, history, language, and the environment, Nā Maka o ka ‘Āina is committed to giving voice to the current movement toward recognition of Hawaiian independence.
Awards
- New Visionary Award
- Mother Earth/Father Sky category
- Two Rivers Native Film & Video Festival - Minneapolis finalist
- EarthVision '98 - Santa Cruz
Screenings
- Native American Film and Video Festival
- National Museum of the American Indian - New York City
- Especially for Kids - National Museum of the American Indian - Washington, D.C.
- Video America Indigena (Video Native America) - Mexico
- Other America Film Festival - San Antonio
- Pacific Island Images Film Festival - Hawai‘i
- Pacific Islands Taro Festival - Hawai‘i
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