Public Broadcast Service is airing nationally three short films about Hawaii’s natural resources.

What You Need To Know

  • The first film “Kumu Niu” highlights the role of niu (coconut) as an indigenous food source

  • The second film is titled “Kāhuli” and it is about Hawaiian snails

  • The third film “After the Ending” is a mixed-media story about the last Achatinella apexfulva snail

  • The hour-long episode can be viewed on PBS’s website or app. It will also air in Hawaii on Sept. 7 at 10 p.m. 

The hour-long episode titled “Hawaii’s Precious Resources” is part of the Pacific Heartbeat series, which is produced by local nonprofit Pacific Islanders in Communications, according to a Department of Land and Natural Resources news release.

The first film “Kumu Niu” highlights the role of niu (coconut) as an indigenous food source. The documentary is directed by Alex Cantatorre and the National Association of State Foresters.

"Today, the coconut in Hawaii is considered an ornamental tree, and a liability. We have thousands of niu on Oahu, but most coconut trees do not have coconuts in them as the nuts are cut down before they are mature enough to eat. This has now become an issue because of the food insecurity of our communities,” a voiceover says at the start of the documentary. 

The second film is titled “Kāhuli” and it is about Hawaiian snails. Directed by Chris A. Johns, the short film focuses on the Snail Extinction Prevention Program at the DLNR and the Bishop Museum Malacology Program. 

“I think people look to the mountains and they think our native snails are up there,” says DLNR biologist Dr. David Sischo in the film. “But the animals aren’t there. They’re being erased.” 

The documentary features a lei made of snail shells that was owned by Queen Liliuokalani and is now part of the Bishop Museum’s collection. It also follows snail experts searching in the mountains for remaining native Hawaiian land snails. Along with exploring the work to save the snails, the film explores the emotional toll working with endangered species can take.   

The third film “After the Ending” is a mixed-media story about the last Achatinella apexfulva snail, who was named George and died in 2019. The film is directed by Daniel A. Kelin II. 

The episode can be viewed on PBS’s website or app. It will also air in Hawaii on Sept. 7 at 10 p.m. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

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