What do you think of when you hear “Hawaii?” Do you envision inviting beaches with golden sand and crystal blue water? Can you smell the slightly chemical scent of coconut sunscreen misting through the humid air? Do you taste the crunch of mango flavored shave ice underneath ridiculous amounts of haupia cream? All of these details conjure an image of paradise, but paradise is dying and we are the ones who are killing it. 

Beneath Hawaii’s postcard-perfect image lies a deeper story of displacement and identity, a story “Dear Aloha” – the newest project from filmmaker Cris Romento – brings to light.