tagged w/ Waikiki
-
In March 2006, a rare continuous approximately 40 days of rainfall occurred in the Hawaiian Islands, causing massive coastal flooding, and eventually leading to one of the biggest short-term fecal discharges in the history of Hawai'i when approximately 50 million gallons or more of raw sewage was dumped into the Ala Wai canal after a sewer line busted, threatening to back up hotels and homes in human waste. Instead, the raw sewage flowed to Waikiki beach, and to South Shore O'ahu's infamous surf break 'Ala Moana Bowls'. One surfer even died of flesh eating bacteria after falling into the canal nearby the sewage discharge site.
The film was produced in 2006 by Pikoi Ke Kaula Kualena a few months after the sewage spill occurred in Waikiki. Shortly after filming finished, the film stalled in production, and now five years later, is being released for the first time.
The short film documentary investigates the response and conflicts by government officials regarding a lack of on-site warning systems during federal guideline exceedances of fecal bacteria concentrations in Waikiki surface waters polluted with human and animal feces. This film compares and contrasts claims made by the State of Hawaii Department of Health over the last few decades regarding natural versus human and animal sources of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recommended fecal bacteria indicator Enterococcus in surface waters of tropical islands, with a focus on the response related to the 2006 sewage spill during 40 days and 40 nights of rain. In conclusion, the film ties in the most current internationally peer reviewed research that shows significant associations between stream deforestation, urbanization, ungulate and human presence, and excessive recreation with increased incidence rates of fecal bacteria in surface waters of tropical islands.
Regardless of the politics and science behind increased rates of fecal matter in surface water of Waikiki and the lack of a thorough epidemiology study to causally connect water pollution with illness rates on any tropical island, the film most importantly, provides sustainable solutions using plant based remedies to improve surface water contamination and public health.
Music in the film was composed by brotha.deep, Wayne Cobham, Osmar Cobo, and, contains the title track 'Surfing Medicine' from the charity album 'Surfing Medicine: Volume I' by Joe Isaacs of the Soul Vendors. The film was directed and edited by Surfing Medicine International.
--
Surfing Medicine International, 501(c)(3)
"Fostering and creating international collaboration between traditional healers and surfers to develop sustainable medicinal plant systems for coastal communities"
Official Website: www.surfingmedicine.orgIn March 2006, a rare continuous approximately 40 days of rainfall occurred in the... more
-
-
Latest Complete News Updates This time of year we see lots of pictures of our favorite celebrities sunning themselves and their families on the beaches of Hawaii. A small earthquake hit Hawaii on Thursday, with a jolt felt across Honolulu.Latest Complete News Updates This time of year we see lots of pictures of our favorite... more
-
-
Waikik reminds more of Miami than Hawaii... but I'm here! And so is the ocean~ so life is feeling pretty sweet. And the exciting news to this nature lover, is that right around the corner are the mountains.
I was hoping to get a real sense of place and get the stories of the land and of the people when I was here, and yet it takes time to gain a true sense of pace, so I figured I would cheat and hook up with a local expert.
When I heard about Hina Adventures I was beyond excited: they promise to take you on hikes, talk about the local plants and their medicinal meanings, and best of all, tell the local lore and legends.
I remember when I worked as a naturalist in Alaska and how people would go from elated to slightly deflated as soon as they realized I was their guide. They were expecting a rough and tough macho man with a big beard and a checkered shirt and gun to protect them from bears. Instead, they got me and a can of bear spray.
I experienced a bit of that same deflation when I opened the van door to discover my guide was a young white woman. I had been fantasizing about an older Hawaiian native medicine man with tattoos and hula skirt :)
But founder, Ena Sroat won me over in two seconds flat with her authentic interest, sensitivity, love of the land, extensive knowledge, and knack for story telling.
Ena introduces the local gardens (a native plant restoration project): Na Pohaku o Hauwahine (The Stones of Hauwahine = a lizard/dragon shafeshifter goddess/ protector water-spirit of the marsh & ancient fishpond), on the edge of Kawainui Marsh outside of Kailua town on the Oahu.
Taken at the Ulupo Heiau, and aquaculture temple (heiau = place of worship), outside of Kailua on Oahu.
Ena tells the legend of the at Na Pohaku o Hauwahine (the tree you are looking at in this video)
Of all of the travel I did, this was one of the most connective days I had to Hawaii. It provided me a sense of place...total random side bar, but the experience reminded me of this story:
I worked on one of the first environmental expeditions on Everest a few years back. During that time I spent three months coordinating service projects in the Solu Khombu valley, and spent my time toggling between Namche Bazaar and Everest base camp. I mention it now because I was sitting in a tea house talking to another American as she trekked through the area. When she discovered that I was spending my entire three months in Nepal in this one valley she asked with authentic surprise, “How could you spend all of your time only in this valley?” and my response was, “How could you not?” I had gotten the opportunity to participate and get to know the people, experience the culture of sitting in the kitchens rather than just sit on the outside. It changed the way I wanted to travel forever, understanding that less (travel) really can mean more (experience).
Related links:
Coconut! Build with it, eat out of it, heal hang overs…and more~
[re]Thinking sustainability in Hawaii
Video Postcards of Hawaii
Waikik reminds more of Miami than Hawaii... but I'm here! And so is the ocean~ so... more
-
-
leahl
-
added this
-
2 years ago
- |
-
The 82nd Annual Academy Awards, also known as The Oscars, will be broadcast live from Los Angeles over the ABC Television network beginning at 8 pm Eastern, 5 pm Pacific time. Across the U.S., sanctioned viewing parties will be given, produced by local nonprofit organizations with the active participation of the local ABC-TV affiliate station. http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978081526The 82nd Annual Academy Awards, also known as The Oscars, will be broadcast live from... more
-
