I am Kanaka

Eight million Americans visit Hawai'i every year, and Tourists spend $43 million every single day. From the outside, Hawaii looks like paradise, a cinematographer's dream. Stunning landscapes, vivid colors and friendly people have naturally found their way into countless Hollywood films. However, Hawaii has a dark history that has been repeated around the world (including my own home country of Australia). Hawaii is a country overthrown, the local language banned for four generations, and their Queen deposed and dying in exile.

Today, only 5% speak the native Hawaiian language, and 10% live in poverty.

"I am Kanaka" gives a glimpse into Hawai'i's future with Kaina Makua, a local ex-teacher who became disillusioned with the conventional public education system, so he set up his own organization, "Kumano I Ke Ala." A non-profit program that tackles social injustice by passing on inter-generational knowledge to kids aged 5-20 from disadvantaged backgrounds: teaching Hawaiian language, culture, traditions, and sustainability. I hope you enjoy watching 'I am Kanaka'. Aloha!