May. 4, 2021

Contributed by KS Ho‘okahua Cultural Vibrancy Group

A new episode of “Pacific Conversations” is now available on the Kaʻiwakīloumoku website. The virtual talk show hosted by KS Cultural Consultant Snowbird Bento KSK’93 and Cultural Specialist Lāiana Kanoa-Wong celebrates indigenous peoples and places throughout Monananuiākea – the Great Pacific.

 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

“Rapa Nui: Looking to the Future” focuses on the dynamic people of Rapa Nui, formerly known as Easter Island. We begin with the Matariki Festival heralding the arrival of the recently built voyaging canoe, Kuini Analola.

Then, Sergio Mataʻu Rapu talks about his acclaimed film, “Eating Up Easter” which addresses complex issues like the disposal of tons of offshore garbage, the social, economic and environmental impact of tourism, and the efforts to strengthen Rapanui culture and lifestyle.

Vibrant images recount Hōkūleʻa’s 2017 landfall, and we visit Toki Rapa Nui, an environmentally-conscious music school built with recycled waste products which features a sustainable roof-top garden.

Finally, Foundation Ao Tupuna leaders Lynn Rapu Tuki, Maima Rapu Tching Chi Yen, and Ben Matariki Tuki, join Pono Pacific/Kupu co-founder Julianna Haunani Rapu Leong to share both the negative and positive effects of Rapa Nuiʻs COVID-19 shutdown.