Ka moʻopuna i ke alo, The grandchild in the presence (2021)
15 minutes and 17 seconds
16:9, color, sound

“Ka moʻopuna i ke alo, The grandchild in the presence” is a short documentary made in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities honoring the life, work and legacy of Mary Kawena Pukui. Kawena dedicated her life to perpetuating ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, na mea Hawaiʻi, and ʻike kupuna. Through interviews with her eldest grandson, Laʻakea Suganuma; Kanaka ʻŌiwi scholar Noenoe K. Silva; and Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Historian, DeSoto Brown, we’re given a glimpse into the magnitude of her influence as a scholar, educator and composer. She helped preserve hula kahiko; translated nūpepa, mele and oli at the Bishop Museum; co-authored the 1957 Hawaiian Dictionary; recorded oral histories throughout ka pae ʻāina; and collaborated with social workers at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Children’s center. Kawena drew inspiration from her relationships with her moʻopuna: “She was determined to preserve her mother tongue [...] She said I’m doing this for my moʻopuna and someday yours will benefit too” (L. Laʻakea Suganuma). And, she was guided by her kūpuna: “She was the 20th century embodiment of moʻokūʻauhau consciousness. she was aware that the generations after her, and after us, were going to need this knowledge.” (Noenoe K. Silva.) 

“Knowledge to me is life. Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono.” (Mary Kawena Pukui)