2008... Dedicated to the kupuna of Molokai who have kept the ancient wisdom and stories alive. After years of degradation, the small Hawaiian island of Molokai is working to reestablish ecological and social balance, sustainability and self-governance. Not simply "fighting" development, but looking to create economic engines that compliment and enhance the island's unique lifestyle, culture and natural resources. The effort will be successful only if they look to the lessons of the past and revive the values that once made ancient Molokai great. "Ho`i i ka Pono" = to return to pono... a state of being physically and spiritually in accord with the sacred; correct living; righteousness; balance; abundance; wealth. www.quazifilms.com. For more info about what's happening on Molokai please go to: www.maimolokai.com. Music performed by www.lonomusic.com. Video funded in-part by Group 70 International. Commissioned by Apu a Hina. (This is an unfinished draft of the video. An official final version is coming soon.)
A favorite among steelers, this classic song evokes the soft, lilting sounds of the islands. "Sand" was written by the great steel guitarist & saxophonist Andy Iona in 1930. The tuning is B11: lo to high C#,D#,F#,A,C#,E. I used an "Aloha" 1950's Steel Guitar. Various island images accompany the audio. visit my website for more info: www.rosscosta.com
He starts with the story of hula on Moloka'i, then chants a song (starting at 2:49 of this clip) with one of the dancers from his Hula Halau (hula school), the Halau Hula O Kukunaokala.
John studied for three years, starting at age 14, with Kawahinekapuheleikapokane--she was 92 at the time, but danced like a young girl and passed many stories, dances, songs and legends and old ways to John.
"When she had given me this knowledge, she left me with a responsibility," he recalled of his late teacher. "Back then I didn't understand what that responsibility was. After I opened my halau, I understood the fullness of that responsibility, which was to enlighten and educate all
people about our culture.
"When she had given me the genealogy and completed my training, she told me, 'This knowledge that I gave to you was once a great and
mighty tree, whose branches spread to all of the islands. And in time, all of the branches died and all that remains is the root. I give to
you this root to plant upon the Earth, to make this tree flourish and grow and spread, as it once was in times past.'
He started his school at age 19, and later founded the annual Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko festival.
Many scholars (of course) question his belief that hula originated on Moloka'i.
Sadly, John passed away last June, age 47, obituary here:
http://starbulletin.com/2006/06/10/news/story06.html
a tribute to him here:
http://kearen.freehostia.com/Kaimikaua.htm
video produced, directed, and edited by Robert Mugge
2007... Controversy surrounds a proposed development on the "Most Hawaiian Island." This is an informational video about the fight to stop high-end development at Molokai's La'au Point. Produced under "Hui Ho`opakele `Aina." Edited by Matt Yamashita... www.quazifilms.com. "Keep Molokai, Molokai" performed live by Lono... www.lonomusic.com. For more info about what's happening on Molokai please go to: www.maimolokai.com.
Shot this story with Reporter Dan Rascon from Salt Lake City, Utah -- back when i was a news photog at KGMB-TV 9 in Honolulu, HI.
A profile of some of the last people at the Leper colony on Moloka'i. We had to ride some mules down thousand foot cliffs, just to get to Kalaupapa. Unfortunately, you don't get to see that, but trust me, it was quite an adventure.
6:56 minute music and inspirational video. Original Hawaiian Mele / Chant followed by 4 part female choir in english. Lyrics are inspired from the writings of Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai, who is being considered for Sainthood by the Catholic Church. Pictures from reknown artist and photographer Kim Taylor Reece highlight the history of the sisters at the leper colony of Kalaupapa since the year 1883. Mother Marianne and the sisters have also been instrumental to my continuing recovery from severe heart failure.
