Keoni Kealoha Alvarez is a Hawaiian independent producer, director and writer.

KAHULUI — The Akakū Upstairs salon will return on Thursday, Sept. 21, featuring a free discussion and screening of KAPU, “Sacred Hawaiian Burials” with filmmaker Keoni Kealoha Alvarez and special guest Clare Apana.

Register for free at https://bit.ly/akaku-upstairs-kapu (seating is limited). The event will be held at Akakū’s Upstairs Media Lab, Suite 205. Doors open early at 5 p.m. to allow guests to connect prior to the salon that runs from 5:15 to 8 p.m.

This salon will be recorded and will later air on Akakū Blue – Channel 55, on demand on akaku.org and on the free mobile app MauiStream.

Kapu “Sacred Hawaiian Burials” is about an indigenous Hawaiian man who discovers his path through the discovery of a hidden ancient Hawaiian burial cave.

Over 20 years ago, a Native Hawaiian named Keoni Kealoha Alvarez found his calling when he stumbled upon a secret cave in the forest near his ancestral home of Puna on Hawai’i Island. Inside this cave were iwi, the sacred bones of Kānaka Maoli from generations past.

At only eight years old, Keoni could not begin to imagine how this discovery would change his life. In 2002, Keoni’s district became the target for developers who sought affordable property on the island. Faced with a powerful, wealthy outsider who threatened to plow through the cave near his home, Keoni found himself in his own David vs. Goliath scenario.

KAPU, “Sacred Hawaiian Burials” will take viewers along Keoni’s journey in realizing his identity, heritage and ultimately his legacy within the tradition of protecting his land for his people.

Until Keoni knows what will happen to the property, he will remain the keeper of this cave to prevent this burial ground from going under.

Akakū Maui Community Media is an independent, nonprofit corporation established in 1992 to promote the creation of media by, for and about our community.

For more information, visit akaku.org, e-mail development@akaku.org or call (808) 871-5554.