Na Maka o ka ‘Aina (“The Eyes of the Land”) is 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, Na Maka o ka ‘Aina is committed to giving voice to the current movement toward recognition of Hawaiian independence.
Since 1982, Na Maka o ka ‘Aina has aired over 90 programs on Hawai’i Public Television, the Public Broadcasting Service, Deep Dish satellite network, Free Speech TV, and Hawai’i’s commercial stations, in addition to producing regular programming for Hawai’i’s public access cable channels. Their work has also been seen on Maori Television in Aotearoa (New Zealand), the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network in Canada, Televise Samoa, TV-Spot (Denmark), and the Community Channel in Australia.
http://www.mauna-a-wakea.info/documentary/producers.html
Pele's Appeal
In the swirling volcanic steam and misty rain forest of Kilauea volcano's east rift zone on the island of Hawai'i, two forces meet head on. Geothermal development interests, seeking to clear the rain forest for drilling operations, are opposed by native Hawaiians seeking to stop the desecration of the fire goddess, Pele.
Pele is a living deity fundamental to Hawaiian spiritual belief. She is the eruption, with its heat, lava and steam. Her family takes the form of forest plants, animals and other natural forces. But geothermal development interests see Pele as simply a source of electricity.
When Hawaiians take the issue to court, they find that nature-based religions are not respected by U.S. law.
Adding to the issue are environmental concerns over the threat to native species of plants and birds in an island group that is the world capitol for extinct and endangered species.
The fact that the geothermal wells are situated on one of the most geologically unstable areas of the planet leads to safety concerns for the surrounding residential communities.
Thus the stage is set for one of the most controversial issues ever to rock Hawai'i, an eruption exceeded only by that of Pele, who has been dancing on the east rift zone since the controversy began in 1983.
Produced for the Pele Defense Fund as an appeal for help to stop geothermal test drilling in the Wao Kele o Puna rain forest.
Featuring Pua Kanahele, Noa Emmett Aluli, Palikapu Dedman, Henry Auwae, Davianna McGregor, Paul Takehiro, Tom Luebben, Alapa'i Hanapi, and Ka'olelo 'Ulaleo.