Kamaʻāina Child of the Land

16 min, 48 sec  |  English  |  Kimi Howl Lee

Mahina, a 16-year-old native, finds herself homeless after fleeing a volatile home environment. Feeling misunderstood due to her identity and abandoned. Mahina comes across Pu’uhonua o Wai’anae, the largest homeless encampment on the island, and finds a community of local Hawaiians that have been overlooked by society, giving her acceptance and hope as a child of the land, herself. The stunning scenery that the state is known for is contrasted by the reality that so many are experiencing on the island: a hidden community of homeless Hawaiians. The island has one of the highest rates of homelessness per capita in the country, but this is often overshadowed by the scenery and tourism. Mahina navigates her identity as a homeless LGBTQ teen, but finds community and acceptance in the encampment of natives who rely on, support and stand with each other.

- Callie Thompson