2023 marks the 30th anniversary of one of the most extraordinary events in Hawaiian history. Five days of commemoration and observance of the 1893 overthrow of the sovereign Hawaiian Kingdom. Onipaa—the queen’s motto would become the community’s rallying cry then, and now. A film by the same name—Onipaa, was imagined and crafted by David Kalama and crew from hours of footage, documenting events on Iolani palace grounds and sites throughout Honolulu’s historic district. History came alive that January in 1993, through street plays, band performances, church apologies, protests and formal cultural protocol.

Onipaa, the documentary film was shown Friday September 29, 2023, at Aliiolani Hale. Filmmakers David Kalama, Meleanna Aluli Meyer (moderating), Aina Paikai, and Kekahi Wahi artists Sancia Nash and Drew Kauhaina Broderick gathered with a public audience at the Hawaii Supreme Court, to discuss the importance of telling our stories, past, present and future.

Watch and share “Onipaa” the documentary at: uluulu.hawaii.edu