At this year’s 23rd annual Celebration of the Arts, Clifford Naeole will be asking attendees to "I na … Imagine."

That theme expresses what the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s cultural adviser experienced one day at the Honokahua Preservation Site on the hotel’s grounds, where the remains of more than 900 Hawaiians were buried between 610 and 1800.

"I envisioned this place, this island and all the people who have worked hand in hand to pass the legacy of our ancestors forward," said Naeole, who has been involved with planning for Celebration of the Arts since its inception and has served as its chairman since 1996. "I am asking participants to imagine and plan for the future of our islands while striving for the greater good."

Each year, respected Hawaiian artisans, educators, musicians, dancers and practitioners share their knowledge, skills and talents at this renowned cultural event. "I na … Imagine" considers factors that threaten the islands’ welfare and resources and ways lessons of the past can have a positive impact on the future.

"Ola I ka Wai … Water Is Life" will be screened during the presentation titled "Imagine … Flowing Waters, Healthy Lands and Streams." Funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the film examines the right of traditional farmers to have access to water.

Naeole defines traditional farmers as individuals whose practices are not determined by demand and sales, but rather on what they receive from nature in reward for their hard work and malama (care) for the land.

"They depend on water, but in many cases water has been directed elsewhere, so our farmers and their crops suffer," Naeole said. "That is why having fewer essentials for success such as fresh water and healthy lands threatens their lifestyle. They are fighting for water rights and the ability to farm using methods that have been practiced in Hawaii for hundreds of years."

He points out there are acres of grazing and agricultural land throughout Hawaii that are not being used. And although the islands are surrounded by the ocean, fresh fish is expensive.

"So people resort to eating canned fish, meat and vegetables," Naeole said. "Economics dictates our diet; we eat what we can afford. We have gone to a diet dished out from cans."

The result, he believes, is illness, not wellness. With its clean air, temperate climate, fertile soil and ocean locale, Hawaii should be the poster child for self-sustainability and good health. "Instead," Naeole said, "we — especially those with Polynesian blood — have high rates of diabetes, asthma, heart diseases and other serious chronic conditions."

"Imagine … The United Nations of Polynesia" evolved from an observation the respected kupuna Sam Ka‘ai once made: "Most people live on a sea of land; we … live on a continent of water." Can Polynesian nations work together to establish businesses, better health care, educational opportunities and political status? Can they unite to protect their cultures and the "great connector" — the Pacific Ocean?

"Ocean resources are being depleted by diving, overfishing and foreign fisheries," Naeole said. "Chemicals and runoff from soil are killing reefs. The rising tides due to global warming are threatening many smaller island groups. Our Polynesian nations will bear the brunt of these challenges. By uniting in thought and purpose, we can initiate programs and legislation that will benefit us and keep abuse in check."

Where Hawaii will be tomorrow is in the hands of our youth of today. "Imagine … Steering (Y)our Own Canoe" addresses the need to inspire young people to believe that they can plot their own course by becoming doctors, lawyers, politicians and top managers.

"People on a meandering canoe eventually run out of energy, desire and time," Naeole said. "A canoe with leaders who have a shared vision and the ultimate belief of success will follow a straight course and create employment, financial gain and a continuity of leadership styles. Together, they can perpetuate our traditions, preserve our islands’ beauty and resources and steer our canoe toward a promising future."

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.