Genre: Hawai'ian/Legal Drama/Adventure/Mystery/FantasyLogline: A 19th Century Naval Chaplain, who resisted the US takeover of Hawai'i, is reincarnated as a contemporary attorney who is confronted with the same dark energies that originally overthrew the Kingdom of Hawai'i, as he fights against unscrupulous developers to preserve a Hawai'ian family's ownership of land .Beyond WaileaBased On A True Story From The Island Of Maui.By J. D'Alba814.270.1977jpulehu@hotmail.comKnowing of the plight of the Hawaiian culture and the impeding challenge her people are facing with the continued loss of their land that is vital to their existence, a elderly Hawaiian Kupuna (Tutu Helen) summons her family's amakua, the shark, to compel the return of a nineteenth century American Naval Chaplain to aid her people. The naval Chaplain, who has been reincarnated as a contemporary attorney in the midst of a blossoming legal career, finds his life turned upside down when his fiancée finds him in a compromising interlude with his secretary. In his emotionally distraught state he seeks comfort in a French Canadian paramour only to find his plans thwarted by a winter blizzard that strikes Montreal. At the airport he learns that Montreal is inaccessible and the announcement of the final boarding call of a flight to Maui instills in him a sense of déjà vu that compels him to the island of Maui. Upon landing in Maui he checks into a posh hotel in Wailea, Maui's most upscale resort area when he expresses a desire to the hotel concierge for a memorable experience of the island.The concierge arranges a hang gliding expedition for him from the summit of Haleakala volcano and along the scenically spectacular north shore of Maui's coast. His awareness of this island's incredible beauty compels him to explore Maui's north shore. As he is photographing the coastline a rogue wave sweeps him into the ocean sending him into a panic to survive. During this struggle he experiences inexplicable thoughts of his past life as the Chaplain, as the Chaplain is bound and gagged on a naval freighter. During his near drowning he is approached by the shark who, unbeknownst to the attorney, thrusts him onto the safety of the reef only after the shark bequeaths upon his neck the revered Hawaiian malie lei.The attorney's struggle against near downing, his encounter with the shark, and his being thrust from the water is witnessed by a Hawaiian elder and his grandson who come to his aid and assist him back to health in the company of their ohana (family). The attorney finds himself living in their incredible valley and becomes enamored not only with these beautiful people, their culture, and their way of life, but also with the elder Hawaiian's niece, Moana, with whom he begins a wondrous love affair. Their affair only heightens his appreciation of the beautiful essence of the Hawaiian culture, their social graces, spiritualism, love, gratitude, knowledge, unique philosophical perspectives, and their essential, inextricable bond with the land.During breakfast one morning Moana reads that an Auntie, deceased decades earlier, is being sued in an action to quiet title to land of which neither Moana nor anyone else in the ohana has any knowledge. The attorney investigates the basis of this legal action, intercedes on behalf of the family, and learns of the tragic history of Hawaii and how the United States of America illegally acquired the once sovereign Kingdom of Hawai'i. He is lost however to explain the connection between the land that is the subject of the lawsuit and the family that has rescued him until he meets the matriarch of the family, Tutu Helen, who unequivocally informs him: "Smythe stole the land!" He learns of a previous action to Quiet Title to Tutu Helen's land and learns that in that case the opposition went so far as to publish a fake obituary of Tutu Helen's death! Knowing the veracity of Tutu Helen's statement he is left with the daunting task of proving this fact in a court of law only to learn firsthand of the unjust treatment of Hawaiians in the American system of justice, and the incredible lengths the powers that be will go to suppress anyone who attempts to help them rectify this injustice.This challenge presents the attorney with utter, hopeless frustration until he is mystically returned to nineteenth century Hawaii that is in the midst of being overthrown by a conspiracy initiated by the American government with the aid of the US naval and marine forces. There, as the naval Chaplain, he witnesses the planned efforts to acquire this paradise from its rightful owners only to find himself bound and gagged on a ship, being keelhauled for his refusal to aid in the unscrupulous conspiracy to overthrow the Kingdom of Hawaii, and steal the land. With the knowledge he gains from reliving his prior life experience he again is back in court only to find he is without concrete evidence to sustain what he knows to be true. Tutu Helen then directs him to the graves of her ancestors that are situated on property now 'owned' by the aging officer of Hawaii's largest corporate entity, a Hawaiian Sugar Company, and whose son, knowing of this outside Attorney's efforts to expose the century old fraud that enabled his father's corporation to rise to its status as Hawaii's premiere corporate entity, is determined to stop the attorney by any means. Despite the grave threat to their lives, the Attorney and his lover, Moana, sneak unto the lands of the corporation's leader where they discover the bodily remains of Moana's ancestors exposed on the eroding cliff along the ocean. Removing a tooth from the skull of one the ancestors, the attorney uses it to prove the family's ownership of the land.The Judge is dumbfounded by the Catch-22 he now finds himself in. His dilemma, either refuse to accept the inescapable conclusion that this land is indeed still rightfully owned by this Hawaiian family, and allow these lands to remain held by the sugar company and permit the developers to acquire the land which they seek to quiet title to, or deny the developers lawsuit and return all the land, some two thousand plus acres, to the heirs of the nineteenth century Hawaiians from which it was fraudulently acquired. In the end Tutu Helen appears near death as the attorney tells her of the Judges decision. The Judge refused to jeopardize his career by perpetuating a fraud that has existed for over a century and he not only denied the attempt by the developers to take the parcels of land they seek but also he returned the two thousand acres of land to this Hawaiian family. The attorney is overcome with distress, as Tutu Helen seems to gasp her last breath of life after learning of the decision. Surrounded by members of her ohana whose emotions over her loss are evident, Tutu Helen stuns them all as she opens her eyes and proclaims. "They said I was dead, but I still live."The final scene of the movie depicts the mansion once owned by the head of the Sugar Company being bulldozed to the ground and dozens of Hawaiians working to restore the land by planting trees, flowers, and gardens where the mansion once stood. As this scene concludes the movie fades along with the hauntingly beautiful voice of Hawaiian legendary musician Israel Kamakawiwo'ole:Cry for the gods,Cry for the people.Cry for the land that was taken away.And then yet you'll find.Hawai'i.Ua mau Ke Ea Oka Aina Ika Pono O Hawai'i.(The life of the land of Hawaii is preserved in righteousness.)
Aloha Kalani, You make your point well. Hollywood is about making money and the audience has to be catered to as they supply the money. My intent is to try to appease both by telling the history of Hawai'i that is absent from the history books in a manner that is consistent with what Hollywood accepts. Granted this is not an easy balance but it is very close to what actually happened.
"Tinges of colonialism'. Hmmm? At first this kinda irked me. Then I realized your right. Just as I am ha'ole to Hawai'i, Hawaiians are foreign to US justice. Literally and figuratively. Hawaiians don't seem to be fond of leaving their aina to go to Court. And the Courts don't want you to fight for your land.
You note that t is a "romanticized" version of Hawaiian life. Also some truth here. But it is a movie. The goal of a movie is to take the viewer into a world they've never experienced. Unfortunately, few have experienced Hawai'i Nei as I have. I am blessed. I see incredbly beautiful people who love their family.above everything. They laugh, respect their Kupuna, have incredible food (lau lau, opai, opihi...), fantastic music, God is their good friend, and they live in THE most beautiful place in the world.
Romantic? Absolutely. And questions about why this is so must be taken up with Ke Akua.
I think what Hokulani is saying regarding the romanticism & colonialism is the typical story lines focus on people like us or our culture as the object of desire. But we can never be the heroes in these stories, and that the protagonists are always Haoles depicted as somewhat naive but are the only characters able to accomplish such a difficult task, that is, producing the "happy ending" that everyone expects.
You'll never see Hawaians make a story such as this one b/c of the story line itself. Or, maybe one day someone actually may do a story like that. And in typical Hollywood fashion the story needs that "exotic" or "romantic" element, not romantic in the sense of love, but that unique, different, or "exotic" thing that paints a more dramatic theme to the story that makes the audience want to get the unknown, the unheard, the stuff that they're not accustomed to, unlike for us, it is the norm.
Hawaiians, or any POC aren't easily accepted by the public as the hero. We could be portrayed as such, but the studios are more about banking & not losing too much money, so of course a well known face increases that chance, but most importantly these well known faces are usually non-POC. We are more accepted as the ones who guard our culture and not likely to expose them to just anyone, but the naive Haole are the ones who would do that. That's a typical Hollywood story. And of course, as I've said before, the end result is that only the Haole becomes the hero b/c (s)he has accomplished an amazing obstacle, by dealing with matters they're not accustomed to, learned from it, and now can teach their kind & show proof, while simultaneously being accepted by those (s)he supposedly had just saved.
Mahalo Hokulani Kina O, I wanted comments about my screenplay and you provided excellent thoughts. I will answer each point you raise.
First, Beyond Wailea is based on a true story. I am the attorney in the story. I am ha'ole, a white ha'ole. I am not Hawaiian nor an expert in Hawai'i, her people, history, or culture. Yes, I have gained some insight into these matters, but you (Hawaiians) have SO much depth and substance, I could never expect to comprehend even a simple majority of it.
This is why I'm endeavoring to have this movie made - the world needs a better understanding of what I see as the most beautiful, most civilized people ever.
In attempting to bring this story to light (Yes, Beyond Wailea is about one Quiet Title Action but that case involved land vacant since the time of the overthrow. This case therefore tells the whole story of Hawai'i since 1893) I have tried to write it for Hollywood. The story has been enhanced and somewhat romanticized.
Tutu Helen asking for assistance and getting a white man is true in that is what she got. But I cn't say she asked her amakua to bring me to Maui. But it did happen in a very strange way, and this is a pausible explanation. One that fits nicely into a movie.
"Tinges of colonialism'. Hmmm? At first this kinda irked me. Then I realized your right. Just as I am ha'ole to Hawai'i, Hawaiians are foreign to US justice. Literally and figuratively. Hawaiians don't seem to be fond of leaving their aina to go to Court. And the Courts don't want you to fight for your land.
This story never would have been told if Moana hadn't read the notice in the newspaper. She is brillant, smart, beautiful. She is Hawaiian! Maybe not posessing much formal education but smarter than most folkin' ha'ole I know!
So in the sense that an aspect of colonialism is that an outside people thinks it knows better than some people what is best for them, yes there is a tinge of colonialism to the story. The way this whole Quiet Title waha is played is unfair, unjust. This Hawaiian ohana likely would not have fought it without a white attorney who is naieve enough to believe that "justice for all" includes the Kanaka Maoli.
You note that t is a "romanticized" version of Hawaiian life. Also some truth here. But it is a movie. The goal of a movie is to take the viewer into a world they've never experienced. Unfortunately, few have experienced Hawai'i Nei as I have. I am blessed. I see incredbly beautiful people who love their family.above everything. They laugh, respect their Kupuna, have incredible food (lau lau, opai, opihi...), fantastic music, God is their good friend, and they live in THE most beautiful place in the world.
Romantic? Absolutely. And questions about why this is so must be taken up with Ke Akua.
In this regard I have to ask a question- In the Lord's prayer it is said:
"Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On Earth as it is
In Heaven"
So what "Kingdom" is it where God's will is done on Earth, as it is done in Heaven? I believe I know and you do too.
Why is Hawai'i Nei the most geographically isolated place in the world that is therefore difficult to get to? All I can say is Heaven isn't easy to get to no matter if its on Earth or elsewhere.
You say it is "cheap" of me to use Queen Liliu'okalani as I have. This is not my intent, but I do apologize if I have in any way maligned Her Majesty.
While I have no right to use the example set.by your Queen, I do. What better example of true leadership has EVER been demonstrated then Her refusal to risk shedding one drop of Hawaiian blood when Her country was illegally invaded, occupied, and siezed! If President (sic) George W. Bush had been banished to his room instead of invading Iraq, there would be thousands of less tears today, Memorial day, and thousands of keiki smiling to hear their parents say "I love you" who today, can't.
As I am not Hawaiian, I am not a skilled screenwriter. I just know that I have met incredible people in Hawaii with an incredibly beautiful culture, customs, and beliefs. The world is better because of you. I do want the world to be a better place by knowing of you. This is the purpose of Beyond Wailea - to malama kakou. To assist all of the world to realize that we best help ourselves by helping one another.
Mahalo nui loa,
Malama pono,
Aloha Ke Akua,
j.
PS- If you agree with me that this is an important story that needs to be told, please provide you kokua and talk, think, and pray that Beyond Wailea becomes a reality. If you know anyone in the entertainment industry ask them to express an interest (Jason Scott Lee, Tia Carrere, Kelly Hu, Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Willie Nelson,...anyone.)
Mahalo.
We are the people we have been waiting for.
Mahalo Hokulani Kina O, I wanted comments about my screenplay and you provided excellent thoughts. I will answer each point you raise.
First, Beyond Wailea is based on a true story. I am the attorney in the story. I am ha'ole, a white ha'ole. I am not Hawaiian nor an expert in Hawai'i, her people, history, or culture. Yes, I have gained some insight into these matters, but you (Hawaiians) have SO much depth and substance, I could never expect to comprehend even a simple majority of it.
This is why I'm endeavoring to have this movie made - the world needs a better understanding of what I see as the most beautiful, most civilized people ever.
In attempting to bring this story to light (Yes, Beyond Wailea is about one Quiet Title Action but that case involved land vacant since the time of the overthrow. This case therefore tells the whole story of Hawai'i since 1893) I have tried to write it for Hollywood. The story has been enhanced and somewhat romanticized.
Tutu Helen asking for assistance and getting a white man is true in that is what she got. But I cn't say she asked her amakua to bring me to Maui. But it did happen in a very strange way, and this is a pausible explanation. One that fits nicely into a movie.
"Tinges of colonialism'. Hmmm? At first this kinda irked me. Then I realized your right. Just as I am ha'ole to Hawai'i, Hawaiians are foreign to US justice. Literally and figuratively. Hawaiians don't seem to be fond of leaving their aina to go to Court. And the Courts don't want you to fight for your land.
This story never would have been told if Moana hadn't read the notice in the newspaper. She is brillant, smart, beautiful. She is Hawaiian! Maybe not posessing much formal education but smarter than most folkin' ha'ole I know!
So in the sense that an aspect of colonialism is that an outside people thinks it knows better than some people what is best for them, yes there is a tinge of colonialism to the story. The way this whole Quiet Title waha is played is unfair, unjust. This Hawaiian ohana likely would not have fought it without a white attorney who is naieve enough to believe that "justice for all" includes the Kanaka Maoli.
You note that t is a "romanticized" version of Hawaiian life. Also some truth here. But it is a movie. The goal of a movie is to take the viewer into a world they've never experienced. Unfortunately, few have experienced Hawai'i Nei as I have. I am blessed. I see incredbly beautiful people who love their family.above everything. They laugh, respect their Kupuna, have incredible food (lau lau, opai, opihi...), fantastic music, God is their good friend, and they live in THE most beautiful place in the world.
Romantic? Absolutely. And questions about why this is so must be taken up with Ke Akua.
In this regard I have to ask a question- In the Lord's prayer it is said:
"Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On Earth as it is
In Heaven"
So what "Kingdom" is it where God's will is done on Earth, as it is done in Heaven? I believe I know and you do too.
Why is Hawai'i Nei the most geographically isolated place in the world that is therefore difficult to get to? All I can say is Heaven isn't easy to get to no matter if its on Earth or elsewhere.
You say it is "cheap" of me to use Queen Liliu'okalani as I have. This is not my intent, but I do apologize if I have in any way maligned Her Majesty.
While I have no right to use the example set.by your Queen, I do. What better example of true leadership has EVER been demonstrated then Her refusal to risk shedding one drop of Hawaiian blood when Her country was illegally invaded, occupied, and siezed! If President (sic) George W. Bush had been banished to his room instead of invading Iraq, there would be thousands of less tears today, Memorial day, and thousands of keiki smiling to hear their parents say "I love you" who today, can't.
As I am not Hawaiian, I am not a skilled screenwriter. I just know that I have met incredible people in Hawaii with an incredibly beautiful culture, customs, and beliefs. The world is better because of you. I do want the world to be a better place by knowing of you. This is the purpose of Beyond Wailea - to malama kakou. To assist all of the world to realize that we best help ourselves by helping one another.
Mahalo nui loa,
Malama pono,
Aloha Ke Akua,
j.
PS- If you agree with me that this is an important story that needs to be told, please provide you kokua and talk, think, and pray that Beyond Wailea becomes a reality. If you know anyone in the entertainment industry ask them to express an interest (Jason Scott Lee, Tia Carrere, Kelly Hu, Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Willie Nelson,...anyone.)
Mahalo.
We are the people we have been waiting for.
This is one of the principles the story intends to convey - Malama Kakou. That we best help ourselves by helping others. The principles of the US are outstanding but these principles were betrayed in the case of Hawai'i. By doing right by the Hawaiians, the US will be best helping itself!
Miliaulani, I understood what you meant as you were not the first person to obseve that they "knew the story".
Hokulani Kina O, I appreciate and respect your comments and will respond in detail in the morning. Know that this is based on a true story, of a real Hawaiian family and a real Ha'ole trying to explain and give an explaination to his very surreal involvement in this legal case that seemed beyond belief in his understanding of what justice is. In the screenplay he says "This is America", to which he is told, "No, its not".
The story was also explained in such a way to give it potential interest to Hollywood. It is a combination/colliding, if you will, of worlds. The world of the Hawaiians, the world of the Ha'ole, and the world of the reality of these two worlds in which they are both adulterated by efforts to reconcial the hypocrisy of an illegal overthrow and the "rule of law". Both worlds are hurt.
When I made the comment "A story line all too familiar in many of our family histories." I was referring to a loss of land in a questionable way, which I can attest to in my family. I don't think there is any denying that this has happened in many families and is still ongoing today.
Comments
Imua Hawaii Films
It's not an easy balance at all. At least you recognize it, whereas most people dismisses it, if not ignore it.
You note that t is a "romanticized" version of Hawaiian life. Also some truth here. But it is a movie. The goal of a movie is to take the viewer into a world they've never experienced. Unfortunately, few have experienced Hawai'i Nei as I have. I am blessed. I see incredbly beautiful people who love their family.above everything. They laugh, respect their Kupuna, have incredible food (lau lau, opai, opihi...), fantastic music, God is their good friend, and they live in THE most beautiful place in the world.
Romantic? Absolutely. And questions about why this is so must be taken up with Ke Akua.
I think what Hokulani is saying regarding the romanticism & colonialism is the typical story lines focus on people like us or our culture as the object of desire. But we can never be the heroes in these stories, and that the protagonists are always Haoles depicted as somewhat naive but are the only characters able to accomplish such a difficult task, that is, producing the "happy ending" that everyone expects.
You'll never see Hawaians make a story such as this one b/c of the story line itself. Or, maybe one day someone actually may do a story like that. And in typical Hollywood fashion the story needs that "exotic" or "romantic" element, not romantic in the sense of love, but that unique, different, or "exotic" thing that paints a more dramatic theme to the story that makes the audience want to get the unknown, the unheard, the stuff that they're not accustomed to, unlike for us, it is the norm.
Hawaiians, or any POC aren't easily accepted by the public as the hero. We could be portrayed as such, but the studios are more about banking & not losing too much money, so of course a well known face increases that chance, but most importantly these well known faces are usually non-POC. We are more accepted as the ones who guard our culture and not likely to expose them to just anyone, but the naive Haole are the ones who would do that. That's a typical Hollywood story. And of course, as I've said before, the end result is that only the Haole becomes the hero b/c (s)he has accomplished an amazing obstacle, by dealing with matters they're not accustomed to, learned from it, and now can teach their kind & show proof, while simultaneously being accepted by those (s)he supposedly had just saved.
First, Beyond Wailea is based on a true story. I am the attorney in the story. I am ha'ole, a white ha'ole. I am not Hawaiian nor an expert in Hawai'i, her people, history, or culture. Yes, I have gained some insight into these matters, but you (Hawaiians) have SO much depth and substance, I could never expect to comprehend even a simple majority of it.
This is why I'm endeavoring to have this movie made - the world needs a better understanding of what I see as the most beautiful, most civilized people ever.
In attempting to bring this story to light (Yes, Beyond Wailea is about one Quiet Title Action but that case involved land vacant since the time of the overthrow. This case therefore tells the whole story of Hawai'i since 1893) I have tried to write it for Hollywood. The story has been enhanced and somewhat romanticized.
Tutu Helen asking for assistance and getting a white man is true in that is what she got. But I cn't say she asked her amakua to bring me to Maui. But it did happen in a very strange way, and this is a pausible explanation. One that fits nicely into a movie.
"Tinges of colonialism'. Hmmm? At first this kinda irked me. Then I realized your right. Just as I am ha'ole to Hawai'i, Hawaiians are foreign to US justice. Literally and figuratively. Hawaiians don't seem to be fond of leaving their aina to go to Court. And the Courts don't want you to fight for your land.
This story never would have been told if Moana hadn't read the notice in the newspaper. She is brillant, smart, beautiful. She is Hawaiian! Maybe not posessing much formal education but smarter than most folkin' ha'ole I know!
So in the sense that an aspect of colonialism is that an outside people thinks it knows better than some people what is best for them, yes there is a tinge of colonialism to the story. The way this whole Quiet Title waha is played is unfair, unjust. This Hawaiian ohana likely would not have fought it without a white attorney who is naieve enough to believe that "justice for all" includes the Kanaka Maoli.
You note that t is a "romanticized" version of Hawaiian life. Also some truth here. But it is a movie. The goal of a movie is to take the viewer into a world they've never experienced. Unfortunately, few have experienced Hawai'i Nei as I have. I am blessed. I see incredbly beautiful people who love their family.above everything. They laugh, respect their Kupuna, have incredible food (lau lau, opai, opihi...), fantastic music, God is their good friend, and they live in THE most beautiful place in the world.
Romantic? Absolutely. And questions about why this is so must be taken up with Ke Akua.
In this regard I have to ask a question- In the Lord's prayer it is said:
"Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On Earth as it is
In Heaven"
So what "Kingdom" is it where God's will is done on Earth, as it is done in Heaven? I believe I know and you do too.
Why is Hawai'i Nei the most geographically isolated place in the world that is therefore difficult to get to? All I can say is Heaven isn't easy to get to no matter if its on Earth or elsewhere.
You say it is "cheap" of me to use Queen Liliu'okalani as I have. This is not my intent, but I do apologize if I have in any way maligned Her Majesty.
While I have no right to use the example set.by your Queen, I do. What better example of true leadership has EVER been demonstrated then Her refusal to risk shedding one drop of Hawaiian blood when Her country was illegally invaded, occupied, and siezed! If President (sic) George W. Bush had been banished to his room instead of invading Iraq, there would be thousands of less tears today, Memorial day, and thousands of keiki smiling to hear their parents say "I love you" who today, can't.
As I am not Hawaiian, I am not a skilled screenwriter. I just know that I have met incredible people in Hawaii with an incredibly beautiful culture, customs, and beliefs. The world is better because of you. I do want the world to be a better place by knowing of you. This is the purpose of Beyond Wailea - to malama kakou. To assist all of the world to realize that we best help ourselves by helping one another.
Mahalo nui loa,
Malama pono,
Aloha Ke Akua,
j.
PS- If you agree with me that this is an important story that needs to be told, please provide you kokua and talk, think, and pray that Beyond Wailea becomes a reality. If you know anyone in the entertainment industry ask them to express an interest (Jason Scott Lee, Tia Carrere, Kelly Hu, Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Willie Nelson,...anyone.)
Mahalo.
We are the people we have been waiting for.
First, Beyond Wailea is based on a true story. I am the attorney in the story. I am ha'ole, a white ha'ole. I am not Hawaiian nor an expert in Hawai'i, her people, history, or culture. Yes, I have gained some insight into these matters, but you (Hawaiians) have SO much depth and substance, I could never expect to comprehend even a simple majority of it.
This is why I'm endeavoring to have this movie made - the world needs a better understanding of what I see as the most beautiful, most civilized people ever.
In attempting to bring this story to light (Yes, Beyond Wailea is about one Quiet Title Action but that case involved land vacant since the time of the overthrow. This case therefore tells the whole story of Hawai'i since 1893) I have tried to write it for Hollywood. The story has been enhanced and somewhat romanticized.
Tutu Helen asking for assistance and getting a white man is true in that is what she got. But I cn't say she asked her amakua to bring me to Maui. But it did happen in a very strange way, and this is a pausible explanation. One that fits nicely into a movie.
"Tinges of colonialism'. Hmmm? At first this kinda irked me. Then I realized your right. Just as I am ha'ole to Hawai'i, Hawaiians are foreign to US justice. Literally and figuratively. Hawaiians don't seem to be fond of leaving their aina to go to Court. And the Courts don't want you to fight for your land.
This story never would have been told if Moana hadn't read the notice in the newspaper. She is brillant, smart, beautiful. She is Hawaiian! Maybe not posessing much formal education but smarter than most folkin' ha'ole I know!
So in the sense that an aspect of colonialism is that an outside people thinks it knows better than some people what is best for them, yes there is a tinge of colonialism to the story. The way this whole Quiet Title waha is played is unfair, unjust. This Hawaiian ohana likely would not have fought it without a white attorney who is naieve enough to believe that "justice for all" includes the Kanaka Maoli.
You note that t is a "romanticized" version of Hawaiian life. Also some truth here. But it is a movie. The goal of a movie is to take the viewer into a world they've never experienced. Unfortunately, few have experienced Hawai'i Nei as I have. I am blessed. I see incredbly beautiful people who love their family.above everything. They laugh, respect their Kupuna, have incredible food (lau lau, opai, opihi...), fantastic music, God is their good friend, and they live in THE most beautiful place in the world.
Romantic? Absolutely. And questions about why this is so must be taken up with Ke Akua.
In this regard I have to ask a question- In the Lord's prayer it is said:
"Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On Earth as it is
In Heaven"
So what "Kingdom" is it where God's will is done on Earth, as it is done in Heaven? I believe I know and you do too.
Why is Hawai'i Nei the most geographically isolated place in the world that is therefore difficult to get to? All I can say is Heaven isn't easy to get to no matter if its on Earth or elsewhere.
You say it is "cheap" of me to use Queen Liliu'okalani as I have. This is not my intent, but I do apologize if I have in any way maligned Her Majesty.
While I have no right to use the example set.by your Queen, I do. What better example of true leadership has EVER been demonstrated then Her refusal to risk shedding one drop of Hawaiian blood when Her country was illegally invaded, occupied, and siezed! If President (sic) George W. Bush had been banished to his room instead of invading Iraq, there would be thousands of less tears today, Memorial day, and thousands of keiki smiling to hear their parents say "I love you" who today, can't.
As I am not Hawaiian, I am not a skilled screenwriter. I just know that I have met incredible people in Hawaii with an incredibly beautiful culture, customs, and beliefs. The world is better because of you. I do want the world to be a better place by knowing of you. This is the purpose of Beyond Wailea - to malama kakou. To assist all of the world to realize that we best help ourselves by helping one another.
Mahalo nui loa,
Malama pono,
Aloha Ke Akua,
j.
PS- If you agree with me that this is an important story that needs to be told, please provide you kokua and talk, think, and pray that Beyond Wailea becomes a reality. If you know anyone in the entertainment industry ask them to express an interest (Jason Scott Lee, Tia Carrere, Kelly Hu, Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Willie Nelson,...anyone.)
Mahalo.
We are the people we have been waiting for.
Hokulani Kina O, I appreciate and respect your comments and will respond in detail in the morning. Know that this is based on a true story, of a real Hawaiian family and a real Ha'ole trying to explain and give an explaination to his very surreal involvement in this legal case that seemed beyond belief in his understanding of what justice is. In the screenplay he says "This is America", to which he is told, "No, its not".
The story was also explained in such a way to give it potential interest to Hollywood. It is a combination/colliding, if you will, of worlds. The world of the Hawaiians, the world of the Ha'ole, and the world of the reality of these two worlds in which they are both adulterated by efforts to reconcial the hypocrisy of an illegal overthrow and the "rule of law". Both worlds are hurt.
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