kapu "sacred hawaiian burials"

125min. | documentary | hawaii | english

The ongoing effort continues in Hawai’i to protect Hawaiian burials and to keep the sacred bones of their ancestors safe from harm. In the late 20th century, my district of Puna, Hawai’i, became the target of developers who sought affordable property on the island. Faced with a home developer who threatened to plow through the cave near my home, I found myself in the position of David against my own version of a seemingly unconquerable Goliath. My story will take viewers along my journey to realize my identity, heritage, and ultimately my legacy within the tradition of protecting my ancestors' burial cave. I guard something that is more valuable and much more precious than gold: the resting place of the iwi of my ancestors.