Meleanna Meyer Speaks About Her Documentary – Mauna Kea: Sacred Mountain, Sacred Conduct.

Director/producer and Hawaiian activist Meleanna Meyer. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

by Dina Pinos

In the most recent show of support for all things ‘āina aloha- beloved of the land, Native Hawaiians, as kia’i—guardians and protectors, and thousands of supporters-peoples from all over the world, had spent eight months since July 12thof last year at the base of Mauna Kea. They were occupying the mountain’s only access road to protest the construction of an 18-story, $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). Mauna Kea is the world’s tallest, and for its indigenous, also it’s most sacred mountain. Already home to 13 telescopes, Hawaiians are making a stand and saying “No More.” “No” to further desecration, “No” to ongoing broken promises for removal of decommissioned telescopes that were to have taken place years ago, and “No” to any additional buildings.

Protestors block the road up to the Mauna Kea summit. (Photo courtesy of Meleanna Meyer)

Organizers transformed the base camp of Pu’uhuluhu into a community-based place with tents for shelter, food, medical facilities, and a place of learning. They held language workshops, history seminars, and taught protocols of chant and hula for all who had traveled from all corners of the planet. As was recently announced, construction plans have ceased until the end of 2020. Protesters decamped when the Coronavirus pandemic caused a shut-down of all facilities for the safety of the broader community earlier in the spring of this year.

The massive telescope project, led by an international consortium including US, Canadian, Chinese, Indian and Japanese universities and research centers, intends to lead explorations deeper into space than ever before. The demonstrations are not protesting the advancement of science. Rather, its location on the Mauna Kea summit – as Native Hawaiians believe it is a most sacred place—iconic of our earth mother. It is a rallying point for all Hawaiians to come together to support the reconciliation and return of their lands and the righting of historical wrongs against the indigenous peoples of Hawai’i.

The controversy over construction of TMT has become a symbol of historical injustice and inequalities for Native Hawaiians, beginning with the seizure of their lands before and after the US illegally annexed the islands in 1898. Historical issues that have yet to be resolved include indigenous land rights, the return of Hawaiian sovereignty and lands, environmental protection, and the fact that 50 years of mismanagement by the state regarding Mauna Kea does not bode well for Hawai’i’s state government.

Director and Producer Meleanna Meyer speaks to Honolulu Vibes about her recently released documentary, “Mauna Kea: Sacred Mountain, Sacred Conduct.

Meleanna Meyer, producer/director of documentary ‘Mauna Kea: Sacred Mountain, Sacred Conduct’. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

1. How did you get involved with the making of Mauna Kea:  Sacred Mountain, Sacred Conduct?

  I was compelled after my 3rd visit to the mountain in August 2019 by a strong desire to contribute in some meaningful way to the ongoing efforts being made by the many Kia’i- guardians/ protectors of Mauna Kea. I had not made a documentary for a long time. My last completed documentary, HO’OKU’IKAHI: TO UNIFY AS ONE, was in 1998, and I have been working on another feature-length documentary intermittently for the past 15 years. I had been thinking, “what about a documentary
short made as a Ho’okupu – an offering, to those up at the base camp, that could be used to articulate the stand Hawaiians are taking, and some of the reasons for these actions?”

  I was able to engage two filmmaker colleagues and friends, Tom Coffman and David Kalama, to go up to Mauna Kea last October to see for themselves. It was their first time. They witnessed the movement firsthand and were moved by everything that was going on. As often happens on many projects, I had uncertainties about the outcome regarding who I would be available to interview, as these kinds of significant issues are very complex, with many moving people and parts! Nevertheless, they agreed to join me, and off we went. I approached a generous friend (deeply supportive of Hawaiian causes) if there was any financial support available for this important cause, and the answer was an unequivocal “yes.” This green light gave me additional encouragement to proceed with the project in earnest.

(2) Since its recent release both private and public, what have been the reactions?

 Reactions to the documentary short, Mauna Kea: Sacred Mountain, Sacred Conduct, have been tremendous and quite frankly, overwhelming – such fabulous enthusiasm, both from initial private, pre-release screenings for 3-4 groups of Kia’i and Halau, in community and at the University of Hawai’i. I share a few comments from viewers:

“Just watched Sacred Mountain, Sacred Conduct a few times, and it was strong, beautiful. It made me feel the inner strength and determination that is within the people.”

“Wonderful film.  It should be screened with discussion through the state. Are there plans for Kaua’i?”  I’d like to be involved.” 

“Very moving and powerful for perpetuating the mana’o to younger generations.” 

“Beautiful and powerful. You captured the community so movingly. This is a lovely tribute and also an opportunity to inspire building ongoing dialogue.”

“So moving, so beautiful. Sacred conduct- congratulations.” “I have no words, the film went straight to my Na’au.”  “This is a sacred gift to the world.”

I was especially moved by the following from Alice Walker who has been a great supporter of my films/work for the past twenty years.  She has also been a great mentor.

“Mauna Kea, Sacred Mountain, Sacred Conduct demonstrates this intuitive knowing of what is Sacred. Love is the most Sacred of all experiences on our Earth.  May this magnificent offering of a film, condensed into one long song of liberation, guide us to our deepest connection to what truly matters: Defending our right to honor, protect, and celebrate the grandest Love of all, a Love that never leaves us alone, our planetary Mother, Earth. “

~Alice Walker

     For me personally, it was a life changing event – a sobering, joyful and extraordinary time. The experience spent there with everyone involved –  all working, praying, learning and supporting this cause was indeed larger than any of us.

Protest signs in support of protecting the mountain encircle the makeshift encampment of the Kia’i community on Mauna Kea. (photo courtesy of Meleanna Meyer)

(3) What were the major challenges in filming and completing the film?

Challenges presented themselves on a number of levels; (1) in terms of weather—the conditions up on the mountain were very harsh- so much so, that I never ended up staying up there. Altitude was also a problem, not to mention the general living conditions in that climate. It was very difficult for those who made the commitment throughout the encampment, to stay, to sleep, to be present daily at that site. It was no picnic.

(2) There were numerous significant filmic challenges that were worked out because of the remarkable Kokua assistance offered by other filmmakers in the community. This kind of broad cooperation is unusual, as typically filmmakers work only on their own projects, with their own crews, etc. As there was a deeply felt, focused energy and effort up at Pu’u Huluhulu, I put the word out to other film folks such as Dawn Kaniaupio of 4 Miles LLC, Mikey Inouye of Banzai Media, Na’alehu Anthony of ‘Oiwi TV, Tom Visser, and Jo Andrews of Renegade Media who were all incredibly helpful —and without hesitation, everyone offered their footage and assistance. It was a most remarkable sharing of important footage, for the greater good, the Mauna, and the larger community—without which this documentary would otherwise not have been made as well as it was.

(3) All of us involved in this project also worked for much less than regular rates to complete the film. Everyone gave of themselves so generously to the cause. Even during this time of Covid-19, the epidemic did not stop production. Without the tremendous collaboration of my colleagues, this film could not have been made the way I had envisioned it. This includes Writer/Director Tom Coffman and Editor Lisa Altieri. No one ever creates a film by themselves. I owe each of them a debt of gratitude. It is a profound model of trust, built around meaningful relationships and for a cause beyond that of one person or self-interested group.

Protestors on Mauna kea chant and sing as part of the cultural protocols they put into practice on while on the mauna. (photo courtesy of Meleanna Meyer)

(4) What are the intentions of where do we go from here?

Good question. It will go where the Kia’i want this film to go and where there is interest in learning about our beloved mountain and what we, the Indigenous, want in our homeland. Finally, the aspirations of Hawaiians and others who wish to protect the land from further desecration and development are being heard. These telescopes situated on Hawaiian land have not served the Hawaiian community and others as fully intended or envisioned. We continue to strive for truth-telling and the ultimate return of stolen lands and our sovereignty. These are Hawaiian lands ceded to the United States illegally. Awareness and action are initial steps—what are the next steps then? To continue resolving past transgressions and educating all who live in Hawai’i and elsewhere about the legacy of aloha and kuleana that Hawaiians as the indigenous of the land have for their beloved Hawai’i, and the planet. This encompasses care, stewardship, and protection for the lands, waters, and all that is shared with us. Awareness through the media and other collective efforts is being done right now, at this moment. But, the work continues until there is justice for Hawaiians in our homeland.

Kia’i community members (left to right) Lynette Cruz, Patricia Lei Murray, Meleanna Aluli Meyer, and Hillary Hacker, hold a quilt they helped to make at Maunakea, Nov. 29, 2019. The quilt was created to honor Lā Kūʻokoʻa, Hawaiian Independence day – Nov. 28th. (photo courtesy of Meleanna Meyer)

(5) As a result of the public viewing of the FB platform what dialogue is being created and what other further actions?

These media platforms have a staggering reach- within two days, over 40k viewership, and counting. I am astounded at the outreach these platforms have. Dialogues have been ongoing for decades, but the extraordinary reach of social media has been a profound tool for many who need to know what is really going on in Hawai’i, both the good and the bad. Public viewing has the potential to become a salient voice for the people. It can be used as a tool to direct others, here and elsewhere, who may not be aware of these difficult and pressing issues. We can now align ourselves with others’ struggles and offer tangible support.

(6) How can we tie in climate change and your devotion to Hawai’i- and also care for Mother Earth?

  These planetary issues are one and the same, in that climate change is ultimately a consequence of nature telling us through global events such as COVID-19, that we are not ultimately in charge of the planet. Because “we” have degraded, desecrated, extracted, and fouled so much of this beloved earth and its resources, papa honua—Mother Earth is giving us this last chance to figure out what we need to do collectively to heal. Not only the planet but ourselves and one another. We are being given this profound and tumultuous time now, not only to reset but globally to see our interconnectedness – our need to protect and care for all resources of nature. Our planet is a complex, living, and whole system — so extraordinary and unique in the universe. Our mountains, skies, and oceans, every living organism needs humanity’s collective action and will, to heal, repair, and set a new course. All this is required to radically transform the destructive direction humanity has been going towards regarding the care of our beloved Mother Earth— ku’u ‘āina aloha.

by Dina Pinos

Dina Pinos is a Canadian-born Greek, former UH graduate student and EastWest Center grantee. Thriving world traveler, seeking to uncover passionate stories to share with and serve the community.