Christopher Kahunahana

Name Christopher Kahunahana

Social Media @waikikithefilm @chriskahunahana

Age 50

Town/Moku Honolulu

Island Oʻahu

Leadership Category art/creative/music

Nominated by Nicole Naone

Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.

O Christopher Saichi Pomaikaʻi Kahunahana koʻu inoa piha. I was born and raised in Waimānalo ʻOahu and am currently residing in Kaimuki ʻOahu. My most notable film credit is as the writer and director of the award winning narrative feature film WAIKIKI (2020). I am most proud of my contributions to Nā Leo Kakoʻo, the media arm of Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu.

Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?

As a Kanaka filmmaker who has had the privileged to screen my films around the world my work has been the a point of entry for many communities who were completely ignorant of the struggles we face here in Hawaiʻi . While confronting misrepresentations, stereotypes, and falsehoods, film has provided me the platform to share our stories, through our own voice, lens and perspective. Ma ka hana ka ʻike. For the lāhui, my films have provided a route in which to name, process and discuss our historical trauma.

Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.

A leader should be fearlessness, to stand for what is right Pono, even in the most uncomfortable circumstances / situations. They should possess a strong sense of justice and always adhere to a solid moral compass. I strive to embody these through constant reflection and adjustment in, thought, relationship and action.

Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?

Haunani K. Trask

What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?

Sovereignty

What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?

Occupation