Television Interview with

Hawaiian Cultural Specialist Leighton Tseu on Na Mano - Sharks

Shark Film On TV

March 5, 2014

With the recent rise in shark incidents in the Islands, a timely show on cable TV should offer viewers a different slant on the feared species next week.

Produced by filmmaker Ann Marie Kirk with Livable Hawaii Kai Hui, the two-part series concludes this month at 7 p.m. March 11 on ‘Olelo Channel 53.

Na Mano (Sharks from a Hawaiian Perspective) is presented in a talk-story format between Kirk and Leighton Tseu, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner and waterman who has sailed aboard the Hokule’a.

“I believe what Leighton Tseu shares is so important for everyone to hear and learn from,” said Kirk, a Hawaii Kai resident and member of the Hui’s cultural and natural resource committee. “I hope you are able to catch the show.”

Tseu discusses the shark as ‘aumakua to Hawaiian families, how that came to be and what it means today. He also talks about their hierarchy and what the Great White, Tiger, Thresher and Mako represent to Hawaiians and to their belief system.

The first part aired Feb. 11 and the following three Wednesdays. Na Mano Part 2 is scheduled for March 11 with repeat broadcasts at 10:30 p.m. March 12, 19 and 26.

The monthly program is titled Maunalua: East Oahu Community Groups Working Together.