KSK student filmmakers produce Punaluʻu farm video

Sept. 3, 2015

Contributed by Mae Nishimura

A valuable partnership grew when Kamehameha Schools Land Assets Manager Joey Char asked KS Kapālama kumu Leah Kihara’s video production class to film a short documentary about mahiʻai (farmers) located within KS’ Punaluʻu Ahupuaʻa Farms (PAF).

Char wanted a video to share at presentations with agricultural organizations like GoFarm Hawaiʻi, to showcase how KS is partnering with farmers to increase local food production in Hawaiʻi. The result is a professional-grade documentary about the ahupuaʻa that features mahiʻai and kūpuna sharing information about their experiences with and relationship to Punaluʻu.

The haumāna in turn were able to practice their craft of filming, while learning more about agricultural sustainability and also listened to kūpuna share moʻolelo about fond Punaluʻu memories.

Students also interviewed and assisted with a survey of the farmers. The students learned how the farmers work the land, what kind of crops they grow, the challenges they face and how KS can best support their operations.

Upon completion of the filming, the haumāna returned and concluded the class project with a presentation and video debut that was shared with the Community Engagement and Resources team at Kawaihaʻo Plaza.

“Mahalo to the talented filmmakers who produced this wonderful video,” said Char. “An especially big mahalo to kumu Leah Kihara, whose enthusiasm and tutelage made this project possible. This is a great example of what our haumāna can achieve when they connect with Princess Pauahi’s lands."

For more information about how Kamehameha Schools partners with farmers to increase local food production for a sustainable Hawaiʻi, visit www.ksbe.edu/land.

About Punaluʻu Ahupuaʻa Farms

Punaluʻu Ahupuaʻa Farms was established in the year 2000, when Kamehameha’s lease agreement with Koʻolau Agriculture expired and management of Punaluʻu Valley was returned to KS. The agricultural park encompasses approximately 337 acres, 187 of which are currently occupied by 30 farmers.

The KSK video production class finishes their day of filming at Punaluʻu Ahupuaʻa Farms with KS staffers Joey Char, Sierra Fox, Mae Russell (far right) and farmer Roberta Taira from Māmaki Native Hawaiian Herbal Tea (second from left).

Film and production kumu Leah Kihara and a few of her students film Land Assets Manager Joey Char at the PAF loʻi.

KS Video Technician Christian Mosher and two students prep to film Roberta Taira at her māmaki farm in PAF.

KSK video production haumāna, Joey Char and Community Engagement and Resources intern Sierra Fox (far right) participate in an oli before entering PAF.