Documentary Highlights Decades-Long Struggle for Water

Photo Courtesy: OHA

A new film from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs captures the East Maui community’s decades-long efforts to “protect its stream water resources.”

The documentary, “Hoʻi Ka Wai I Kahi Kūpono,” details recent victories and other developments in the struggle of Native Hawaiians to return water that has been diverted from East Maui streams for nearly 150 years.

This is the third movie from OHA that focuses on Maui water issues.

“Hoʻi Ka Wai I Kahi Kūpono” will premiere at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College tomorrow night, followed by a panel discussion featuring kalo farmers, advocates, and water rights experts.

Panelists will include Koa Hewahewa, Hōkūao Pellegrino, Ed Wendt, Summer Sylva, and Ke’eaumoku Kapu.

The event will be held at the college’s Pāʻina Building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

OHAʻs other water rights documentaries are available here.