PBS Hawaiʻi is a unique, multimedia educational organization, and with that uniqueness comes the responsibility of unwavering accountability. Our understanding and acceptance of this role requires ethical conduct and owning the decisions we make. It is one of the many reasons PBS has been America’s No. 1 most trusted media institution for more than 20 years.
Last July, after careful review, fact checking and working closely with filmmaker Keoni Alvarez, PBS Hawaiʻi made the decision to air Alvarez’s two-hour film, KAPU: Sacred Hawaiian Burials.
Alvarez started working on the film more than 20 years ago after discovering ancient human remains in a cave in Puna on Hawaiʻi Island. The project was an adventure of self-discovery and advocacy and we believed it was a story we needed to share with the world.
We anticipated the subject would stir strong emotions and evoke controversy, but shying away from controversy is not who we are and never will be. Public media is about taking risks, sharing controversial content and diverse viewpoints, and upholding the principles of free speech.
Thought provoking content also prompts critical thinking and encourages individuals to question their own assumptions and biases. Society is diverse, and PBS Hawaiʻi must reflect this diversity in all that we offer, to ensure that different viewpoints are heard and not just those that align with mainstream narratives.
Alvarez admits it was not easy finding cooperative sources for his film because it is kapu (forbidden) to talk about family practices. “They would ask me why I wanted to do this, and I had to let them know it was because it was personal to me, and we were trying to protect our burial cave but I needed their knowledge.”
Like Alvarez, we are responsible to address taboo topics that many ignore or marginalize. By shedding light on injustices and inequities, we raise awareness, challenge stigma and contribute to positive change.
On May 9 at 8:30 pm, please join us for a special encore of KAPU: Sacred Hawaiian Burials. While we understand there are challenges and criticisms associated with airing the film, the benefits far outweigh the risks. It is part of the responsibility of being unique.
