The Films
Waters of Pu‘uloa
Directed by Tiare Ribeaux
Waters of Puʻuloa chronicles the transformation of the ʻEwa District on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, and the area now known as Pearl Harbor, from a thriving hub of abundance of fertile lands and fishponds to a site of environmental crisis, featuring Hawaiian farmers, fishermen, and activists – highlighting the revival of indigenous practices and the ongoing struggle for restoration and reclamation. (Directors Cut)
OCEANS
OCEANS by Sir David Attenborough includes a scene of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument situated in the northwestern portion of the Hawaiian archipelago.
Youth v Gov
Is a about the climate lawsuit brought by youth from ten different states against their federal government. One of the national plaintiffs is Kaua'i resident Journey Zephier.
TEAM
Imiloa Borland
Co-founder. Imiloa is a writer and edits communications for the film festival. She is a moderator at public events in Honolulu and New York City. She assisted the Sierra Club of Hawaii in developing and implementing environmental advocacy campaigns focused on Red Hill. She graduated from Punahou School in 2020 and earned a BA in Global Studies and Creative Writing from The New School in New York City in 2024. During the university’s 105-year history, Imiloa was the first student from Hawaii selected to give the graduation speech. Imiloa Borland worked for State Senator Karl Rhoads as the Committee Clerk for the Senate Judiciary committee during the 2025 Legislative session. She continues to study hula as a member of Hālau Hula KaLehua Tuahine.
Kiara Bacasen
With communications and technological expertise, she joins the team to improve the film festival’s website and expand the reach and impact of this event. Kiara has a Bachelor of Engineering, Architectural Design and a Masters in Sustainability Science and Practice from Stanford University. Her studies emphasized the study of indigenous governance/knowledge systems to sharpen her application of earth and environmental sciences and principles of organizational management. Kiara has spent the past several years utilizing technology to support organizations here in Hawaii centered on healthy food and healthy aging systems. Currently, she continues those efforts as IT Specialist for the Hawai’i ‘ulu Cooperative while also serving as an active member of the community via the Sierra Club, Hawai‘i Chapter.
Hawai'i is the most isolated and ecologically fragile archipelago on the planet.
Native Hawaiians understood the "delicate balance" necessary between human beings and our environment. They lived sustainably. After 250 years of extractive industries and the introduction of invasive species, many endemic (found nowhere else on earth) plants and animals are now extinct or critically endangered. Beach erosion and sea level rise are other crises Hawai'i faces.
History Solving Problems
The people of Hawai'i have been leaders in combating climate change. In May 2015, Hawai'i became the first state in the nation to mandate a 100% conversion to renewable energy by 2045.
When the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) held their first and only meeting in the United States, they selected the state of Hawai'i in 2016. Ten thousand delegates from around the world learned how Native Hawaiians lived sustainably pre-European contact. The ahupua'a is a wedge-shaped land division running from the mountain (mauka) to the sea (makai), encompassing a complete watershed ecosystem. The ahupua'a, was a traditional Hawaiian system of sustainable land and resource management.
A population that values its ‘āina and wai (land and water) deserves their own Environmental Film Festival.
Green Technology
The Inspiration Hawai'i Museum is the ideal location to host the Hawai'i Environmental Film Festival. It has exhibits about scientists from Hawai'i who invented green technology adapted around the world. The museum also tells the story of U.S. Senator Spark Matsunaga from Kaua'i, Hawai'i, who provided important federal research funding to develop America's solar, wind, geothermal, and hydrogen energy. Matsunaga played a key role 48 years ago in creating the renewable industry we have today.
The most beautiful land on earth.
Environment
Rare species
Hawai'i is considered the endangered species capital of the world.
Population
1.4 million residents plus 10 million annual visitors from around the world.
Beach Erosion
Sea Level Rise
Sea Level Rise
Waikīkī Beach
Sea Level Rise
Sea Level Rise
Sea Level Rise
Kaka'ako
Hawai'i Environmental Film Festival
January 2, 3, 4, 2026
Film screenings at
Inspiration Hawai'i Museum
900 Richard Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Hawai'i Environmental Film Festival
January 2, 3, 4, 2026
Live on Nov. 1
Sponsorships Available