This Video of Hawaiians' Eviction from Property Is a Film Trailer
The Claim
A video shows the eviction of native Hawaiians from their property following the wildfires.
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Emerging story
Following the Maui wildfires, social media users circulated a video clip purporting to feature the eviction of native Hawaiians from their property following the wildfires.
In the video, distressed young children and adults who are in tears plead with uniformed police officers.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team found the video to be older than claimed.
The Video Is a Trailer for a Documentary on the 1985 Hawaiian Eviction
The video is not related to the recent Maui wildfires, but it shows a trailer for a documentary about the June 3, 1985, eviction of Hawaiians from Waimanalo Beach Park in Honolulu.
Hawaiian Voice, a YouTube channel, uploaded the video on April 9, 2012, under the title, "Waimanalo Eviction - TRAILER."
Nā Maka o ka ‘Āina, also known as "The Eyes of the Land," a Hawaiian video production company, created the documentary, with filmmakers Joan Lander and Puhipau operating it.
The production company is an independent video production duo that has been dedicated to documenting the land and people of Hawaii and the Pacific since 1981.
The documentary's description on the company’s website reads, "In 1985, a group of houseless native Hawaiians took a stand for their right to live at Waimanalo Beach Park, an area set aside as Hawaiian Home Lands. The resulting police action and violent eviction is the subject of this video. Iconic footage from this video has been used in numerous other documentaries around the world."
Hawaii Wildfires Claims 115 Lives
One month after the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century, Governor of Hawaii Josh Green announced on Friday that the number of missing individuals has decreased to 66. The wildfires devastated the historic town of Lahaina. The confirmed death toll remains at 115, and authorities are preparing to facilitate visits for residents to assess their property.
The fire, which began on August 8, 2023, originated in the hills above the historic oceanfront town. Within hours, it rapidly spread, engulfing single-family homes, apartment buildings, charming city streets, art galleries, and restaurants, resulting in the destruction of over 2,000 structures. Many individuals sought refuge in the ocean to escape the flames. The estimated damage caused by the blaze is approximately $5.5 billion.
Governor Green also mentioned that tens of millions of dollars in aid will be provided to support families and businesses in their recovery efforts. Moreover, starting October 8, 2023, travel restrictions will be lifted, and West Maui will reopen to visitors.
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