Hawaiians Not to Watch ‘Aloha’, a Movie Shot In Hawaii

The movie ‘Aloha’ is all set to hit the theaters on Friday loaded with several Hollywood star including Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray and Alec Baldwin.

The film has been shot mostly in Hawaii and showcases beautiful scenery. But many native Hawaiian people said that they will not be seeing the movie due to a glaring reason.

Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte said, “It could not have come at a worst time in the Hawaiian community for somebody to nationally use one of our most cherished words for money making”.

He also said that using the word ‘Aloha’ for a film that has nothing to do with Hawaiian culture is an insult for them.

Ritte referring to the TMT being constructed on Mauna Kea affirmed that it is equal to the scientists coming to our most sacred mountain and using it for science without any concern about the sacredness of that mountain.

Donne Dawson of the Hawaii Film Office agreeing with the Hawaiian activists said that she thinks they have a point.

She said she is part Hawaiian and while she helped with the Hollywood production, she wished they would ask permission from native leaders to use the word ‘Aloha’.

It is most important words in Hawaiian language, so why not pay respect to that host culture why not pay respect to those native peoples.

Some Asian American activists are also critical saying that the movie doesn’t feature enough people of color considering Hawaii is a diverse place.

Guy Aoki of the Media Action Network for Asian Americans stated that it is very patronizing when one don't include Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders in the movie in any kind of meaningful way.

It has been said that Sony Pictures did not respond to the entertainment magazine, US Weekly, about the criticism saying the film respectfully showcases the spirit and culture of the Hawaiian People.