Pacific Heartbeat

An insider’s peek into the unparalleled talent and camaraderie of the Waimea ‘Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute, held annually in the quaint cowboy town of Waimea on Hawai‘i Island. During the five-day event, some of the world’s finest ‘ukulele and slack key guitar artists gather to share their passion for music with aspiring musicians, fans, and one another through one-of-a-kind workshops and rousing concert performances. Featured musicians include Muriel Anderson, Danny Carvalho, Benny Chong, Kalai Ho‘opi‘i, Richard Ho‘opi‘i, Bobby Ingano, Ledward Kaapana, Mike Kaawa, David Kamakahi, Dennis Kamakahi, Ozzie Kotani, Sonny Lim, Aaron Mahi, Chino Montero, Cyril Pahinui, and Jeff Peterson. Music lovers of all ages and genres will delight in this one-hour documentary/performance.

The story of 130 young men from Hawai‘i who, from the late 1930s through the early years of World War II, were sent on a clandestine mission by the U.S. Federal Government to occupy desert islands in the middle of the Pacific. The first wave of these colonists were Hawaiian high school students, chosen because government officials assumed that Pacific Islanders would be best able to survive the harsh conditions present on the tiny, isolated islands. For the young men, who were unaware of the true purpose of their role as colonists, what ensued is a tale of intrigue, courage, and ultimately, tragedy. Amazingly, these men (four of whom are still alive) are only now being recognized for their sacrifice, and efforts are underway for the United States to officially acknowledge them for serving their country.

In 1974, Hawaiians sailed the traditional voyaging canoe Hōkūle‘a from Hawai‘i to Tahiti and proved to the world that their ancestors had explored the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean by navigating with the stars. Papa Mau: The Wayfinder is the story of critical role that master navigator Mau Piailug played in that voyage, and the rebirth of Polynesian unity and pride that followed. The Hōkūle‘a was built by members of the newly formed Polynesian Voyaging Society, who dreamed of sailing in the way of their ancestors. Shortly thereafter, a search began for someone who could teach them the art of non-instrument navigation, which had been all but lost until they met Micronesian-born Mau, who agreed to share his knowledge. Follow the remarkable journey of an iconic voyaging canoe and a new generation of Hawaiian navigators who, under the guidance of Papa Mau, revitalized and reclaimed Polynesia’s voyaging tradition.

The idea of Aloha is Hawai’i’s greatest gift to the world. But a lot of people don’t know what it is, or how to find it, or how to discover it in our own hearts.” These words, spoken by legendary Hawaiian composer and musician Keola Beamer, provide insight to the multi-cultural musical collaboration featured in the PBS Hawaii production Keola Beamer: Mālama Ko Aloha (Keep Your Love). Based upon Beamer’s belief that musicians from different backgrounds can remain true to their own cultural heritage while learning and incorporating ideas from others, Mālama Ko Aloha features inspiring and unique musical performances by Beamer and a brilliant ensemble of musicians including Native American flute player R. Carlos Nakai and American jazz pianist virtuoso Geoffrey Keezer.

This episode gives a human face to the issue of global climate change. It is the story of a Pacific Island community fighting to preserve what really matters in the face of rising tides. Takuu Atoll is an idyllic home to articulate, educated people who maintain a 1,200-year-old culture and language. The island is disintegrating and when scientists arrive to investigate, residents realize that their attempts to preserve the atoll are making the situation worse. With limited means of communication or outside support, the people of Takuu must make the heart-wrenching decision of whether to risk their safety and remain on their beloved island or become environmental refugees and begin new lives in neighboring, but foreign, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. There Once Was an Island – Te Henua e Nnoho is a sobering exposé on climate change and how a community’s sense of identity will be lost in the rising tides.