Palikapu Dedman

The Hawaiian world view was once clearly reflected in a society created over 2000 years of existence in the islands. With the changes brought in the last 200 years, we who now live in the land of the Hawaiian may wonder: what does it mean to be Hawaiian in Hawaii today? A contemporary Hawaiian world view is shared here by 11 Hawaiians who have struggled with the question of maintaining cultural identity in this modern world, and who have each found their own answers. (Victoria Keith)

In the swirling volcanic steam and misty rain forest of Kilauea volcano’s east rift zone on the island of Hawai’i, two forces meet head on. Geothermal development interests, seeking to clear the rain forest for drilling operations, are opposed by native Hawaiians seeking to stop the desecration of the fire goddess, Pele. Pele is a living deity fundamental to Hawaiian spiritual belief. She is the eruption, with its heat, lava and steam. Her family takes the form of forest plants, animals and other natural forces. But geothermal development interests see Pele as simply a source of electricity. When Hawaiians take the issue to court, they find that nature-based religions are not respected by U.S. law.