Palace Theather, Hawaiʻi Island
NOVEMBER 2023
Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth attended a special screening of Keoni Kealoha Alvarez’s documentary, KAPU: Sacred Hawaiian Burials, at the historic Palace Theater in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island.
The screening brought community members together to learn about the importance of protecting iwi kūpuna, sacred Hawaiian burial places, and the cultural traditions surrounding our ancestors. Mayor Roth’s attendance helped recognize the importance of bringing these conversations into the community.
Pictured: Mitch Roth – Hawaiʻi County Mayor; Keoni Kealoha Alvarez – Director of KAPU: Sacred Hawaiian Burials; and Aileen Alvarez – Keoni Alvarez’s mother.
Native Hawaiians came together to watch Keoni Kealoha Alvarez’s documentary, KAPU: Sacred Hawaiian Burials, and many expressed how proud they were to see this important story being shared. The film brings greater awareness to the ongoing responsibility to protect ancient Hawaiian burial sites and honor the iwi kūpuna of Hawaiʻi.
Through KAPU, Keoni continues his commitment to educating the community about the sacredness of Hawaiian burials and the importance of preserving these places for future generations. Our ancestors deserve respect, protection, and the right to remain undisturbed.
Protect our iwi kūpuna. Honor our ancestors. Preserve our culture.
A very special moment for Keoni Kealoha Alvarez as he was greeted by his former high school teacher, Mrs. Castro, who believed in his talent and encouraged him long be
fore his professional career as a filmmaker and director.
Their connection goes back to one of Keoni’s first high school theater productions, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Keoni played Romeo Montague, while Mrs. Castro took the stage as Lady Montague, Romeo’s mother. The production was a big success and became an important part of Keoni’s early journey in the performing and creative arts.
Years later, Mrs. Castro was able to see how far her former student had come and gave Keoni a big aloha in recognition of his accomplishments in film. It was a beautiful full-circle moment between a teacher who believed in her student and a student who never gave up on his dreams.
Mahalo, Mrs. Castro, for believing in Keoni from the very beginning.