The Caretakers of Ka Lae

This is the story of a Hawaiian family who makes a home at Ka Lae (South Point), a remote and rugged area at the southernmost tip of the island of Hawai'i.

For eleven years, under threat of eviction by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Viernes family have remained committed to caring for and preserving the sacred and historic sites of Ka Kae, sites so significant that the area was declared a National Historic Landmark in the 60's by the occupying government of the U.S.

Come and meet the Viernes family as they share their knowledge of the archaeological sites, including a heiau built in the 4th century, a habitation cave, canoe mooring holes and ancient burial sites. Unique land features such as the bottomless Lua Palahemo brackish water pond, a green sand beach and the magnificent Ka Lae cliffs are also featured, along with endangered plants such as the 'ohai.

The family demonstrates how to live off the land by catching fish and farming. They also describe their efforts to provide an annual month-long summer cultural immersion experience for the children of Ka'u, and lay out a vision for the future care and management of Ka Lae.

Featuring Wiliama, Leimomi, Jashua and Ekolu Viernes.

Following the program is a music video of the song Every Child a Promise, performed by Robi Kahakalau and written by E. Doodie Cruz.

Length 48:20

2002

Cablecast
Hawai'i public access channels


All VHS and DVD copies are U.S. standard except for PAL VHS

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