Film Compels Us To Cherish Life, Culture

Linda Dela Cruz
Wednesday - April 15, 2009
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KGMB9 will air Life in These Islands April 22 by Kaneohe filmmaker Don Mapes and Waimanalo musician Kawika Kahiapo. The 90-minute show will begin at 6:30 p.m. - in time for Earth Day - hosted by actor Jason Scott-Lee and radio personality Skylark Rosetti.

“Everything that we cherish is at risk,” explained Mapes. “What are we going to do about our culture, our children and the future of this place? It boils down to living pono, living with aloha, and fulfilling our kuleana, our responsibility.”


After eight months of production, the documentary shows what people are already doing to help. It also stirs up the conversation by asking people to make the decision every day on how to treat people, educate children and guard Hawaii’s values and culture. Local music in the show is by Na Leo, Jack Johnson, Kaukahi, Makaha Sons and others. The film’s theme song of the same name is written by Kahiapo, Mapes’ friend of 10 years and the 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Slack Key Artist of the Year.

“Hawaii is the diverse cultures that make it special,” said Kahiapo, who served as a producer of the film project.“The lyrics says ‘In Hawaii there is a certain way that we do what we do day by day at work or play.’ The meaning is trying to protect the past, present and the future. This is a call, a kahea, to be a platform to show what people are already doing. We need to rally and remind ourselves we have each other. How do we become more sustainable like we used to be?”


A 1972 Kailua High graduate, Mapes has filmed stories with national and local appeal, such as that of Charlie Wedemeyer and a tribute for Irmgard Aluli’s 85th birthday. During his 35 years in media, he’s also run the website www.wholeworld.net in addition to his company Kalo Productions.

Mapes and Kahiapo said they appreciate the support of all the people who helped make this film possible.

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