Join us for an evening exploring the deep connection between wai, ʻāina, and the health of Maui’s watersheds and communities.
We’ll begin with a screening of “Remembering Wai,” by local filmmaker De Andre Makakoa that explores the importance of mauka-to-makai streamflow and how the ecology of the surrounding ʻāina is fundamentally dependent on healthy streams.
The film examines how plantation-era water diversions disrupted stream systems and displaced Hawaiian people from their ʻāina, with lasting ecological, cultural, and community impacts. It weaves together ʻike kūpuna, lived experience, ecological science, and contemporary conflicts over water to tell a grounded, human story of water extraction, stewardship, destruction, and restoration. The film also explores the relationship between these histories and the conditions surrounding the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfire.
Following the film, join us for a community panel discussion featuring De Andre Makakoa, Kekai Keahi, Hōkūao Pellegrino, and Kyle Nakanelua. Together, we’ll continue the conversation about Maui’s streams and watersheds, the history of water use and diversion, and what it means to restore and protect wai for future generations.
📍 Maui Ocean Center Dome
🕠 Doors open: 5:30 PM
🍽️ Light pūpū served
🎬 Film begins: 6:00 PM
💬 Community panel follows the film
Come listen, learn, and be part of the conversation about the future of wai on Maui. Space is limited please RSVP here.
Hosted by Sierra Club Maui and Lahaina Strong. All are welcome.