PU‘UHONUA: HOW TO BUILD A NATION 

Tracing the journey from land occupations to cultural revival and land reclamation over 35 years, "Puʻuhonua: How to Build a Nation" explores the fight for Native Hawaiian sovereignty through the eyes of Pu‘uhonua Dennis 'Bumpy' Kanahele and Brandon Maka'awa'awa, weaving past and present to showcase the power of indigenous stewardship and the promise of self-determination.

The story of the Nation of Hawai‘i is a powerful, innovative and promising look into what sovereignty can look like for Kanaka Maoli and other indigenous peoples both in the present and the future. It is an example of possibility and of a people thriving - leaving a hopeful vision for all who seek to reclaim their native lands.

*In Development

The Nation of Hawaiʻi is an independent Nation based out of Waimanalo in the “Puʻuhonua ʻo Waimanalo” (Refuge of Waimanalo) on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. After a 6-year period of land occupation from 1987 - 1994, two arrests and imprisonment to a full pardon, and negotiations with the DLNR - Puʻuhonua Dennis Bumpy Kanahele, in an unprecedented case and through his relentless work, learnings and sacrifice - was able to secure a 55-year lease on 45 acres of land in Waimanalo through these events and by asserting our rights as Kānaka Maoli under U.S. public law 103-150, the Apology Law.

According to international law, the four criteria of an independent nation are: a settled population, a defined territory, government, and the ability to enter into relations with other nations. Fitting these requirements since the 1990s, the Nation was established to preserve and restore the national sovereignty and independence of the Native Hawaiian people, and has deeply innovative visions for restoration projects and education into the future.

Directed by Tiare Ribeaux

Produced by Brandon Maka‘awa‘awa and John Garcia

Cinematography by Tiare Ribeaux, Vincent Bercasio, Jordan Nakamura

Edited by: Jordan Nakamura

Original Music by: Pu‘uhonua Dennis Bumpy Kanahele