In August of this year, widespread fires broke out on the island of Maui, located in the Hawaiian Archipelago. This evening has been organised to raise funds for displaced families, grassroots organising and solidarity work that is fighting against the disaster capitalism that is currently taking place in Lahaina and elsewhere on the island.

These fires have a direct connection to the US occupation and colonisation of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. In reality, these fires were not inevitable as the most impacted area, Lahaina, was once a thriving wetland but has become a tourist hotspot, rife with predatory property developers diverting up to 75% of the area’s water away from Indigenous communities and natural habitats. This is one of the most visceral representations of why Hawaii needs full independence, however that looks, from the yoke of US imperialism.

Hawai'i is often seen as a tropical paradise, where dreams are made amidst white beaches & palm trees. The reality for the indigenous Kānaka Maoli is a far cry from this image. For over 120 years the US has colonised & committed genocide against Hawaiians in an attempt to destroy their culture & take their lands. 

Rest in Power to all those who died. Hawaii will be free!

Running Order: 

7:00 pm - Doors open 

7:10pm - Traditional Polynesian Dance performances from the London School of Hula and ‘Ori and Nicola Bianca. 

“Hula comes from Hawai'i and ‘Ori comes from Tahiti. Both are traditional storytelling dances that encourage a deeper understanding of the self, each other, and nature and help align mind, body, and soul.” (https://www.lsho.co.uk/) 

7:40pm - Screening of the film “Act of War'': his hour-long documentary is a provocative look at a historical event of which few Americans are aware. In mid-January, 1893, armed troops from the U.S.S. Boston landed at Honolulu in support of a treasonous coup d’etat against the constitutional sovereign of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Queen Lili’uokalani. The event was described by U.S. President Grover Cleveland as “an act of war.” 

8:40 pm - Intermission

9:00 pm - Panel Discussion with co-director Joan Lander, Te Rangitu Netana, Samuel Kaleikoa Kaeo, Healani Sonoda-Pale 

10:30 pm - Rough end time / raffle draw.