A Photo Exhibition of a Community
by Penny Levin
Waiahole: Ho'i Ka Wai is a collaborative photo essay by Mark Hamasaki and Anne Kapulani Landgraf (author/photographer of Na Wahi Pana O Ko'olau Poko: Legendary Places of Ko'olau Poko) just opening at the `Iolani Art Gallery, Windward Community College in Kane'ohe. The exhibit will be on view until June 9, 1996. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
Landgraf's beautiful signature black and white photographs document the kalo pa'a o Waiahole --the hard taro of Waiahole. The exhibit is like a community album; the faces and families familiar. The water will draw your breath, cause you to hesitate before each photo--understanding without words why these streams are worth fighting for.
The State's Water Commission has just begun the process of making a draft decision over use of this precious water and the exhibit is timed well for people to reconnect with the families who have fought, for all of us, to restore the integrity of Windward streams and coastal waters in the aftermath of Oahu's sugar industry. This photo essay is well worth a look.