Hawaii: A Voice for Sovereignty

On January 16, 1893, U.S. Marines entered Honolulu, capital of the sovereign nation of Hawaii, to back a group of mostly American businessmen in a coup that deposed the country's queen and placed a man named Sanford B. Dole (a cousin of James Dole, the pineapple mogul) in charge. Despite Queen Liliuokalani's protest to President Grover Cleveland, the U.S. remained a presence in Hawaii, annexing the country in 1898 and establishing a state in 1959. Filmed over four years, Catherine Bauknight's documentary examines that history and details the efforts of native Hawaiians to retain their culture and spirituality. Bauknight interviews activists and protesters, musicians and elders, taro farmers and fishermen, as she explores the Hawaiian experience. Among those featured are professor and human rights organizer Huanani-Kay Trask, Grammy nominee Willie K, author Gregg Braden, and cultural specialist Clifford Naeole. What emerges is a sense of the growing desire of Polynesian Hawaiians to return to an embrace of spirituality and connection with the natural world, as well as a determination to right the land grabs and disenfranchisement of the past. Beautiful Hawaiian scenery provides a lush backdrop to this informative, thought-provoking film. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner)