Pele's Appeal

In the swirling volcanic steam and misty rain forest of Kilauea volcano’s east rift zone on the island of Hawai’i, two forces meet head on. Geothermal development interests, seeking to clear the rain forest for drilling operations, are opposed by native Hawaiians seeking to stop the desecration of the fire goddess, Pele. Pele is a living deity fundamental to Hawaiian spiritual belief. She is the eruption, with its heat, lava and steam. Her family takes the form of forest plants, animals and other natural forces. But geothermal development interests see Pele as simply a source of electricity. When Hawaiians take the issue to court, they find that nature-based religions are not respected by U.S. law.

Cast

Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele

Self

Noa Emmett Aluli

Self

Palikapu Dedman

Self

Henry Auwae

Self

Davianna McGregor

Self

Paul Yosh Takehiro

Self

Tom Luebben

Self

Alapa’i Hanapi

Self

Ka’olelo ‘Ulaleo

Self