As part of the PBS Hawai'i Presents series, "Washington Place: Hawaii's First Home" will air on December 4, 2008 at 8:30pm on PBS Hawai'i.
This 27-minute documentary, produced and written by local filmmaker Robin Lung, focuses on Washington Place's unique history as the long-time home of Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's last reigning queen, and the residence of all of Hawaii's past territorial and elected governors until 2002. The film traces the important role the home has played since its origins in 1841 to its recent transformation into a unique living museum that is both open to the public and continuously used by the Governor of Hawai'i for official occasions. Interviews with historians, former First Ladies of Hawai'i and the community give insight into the intimate nature of the home, the poignant impact of visiting the home, and the symbolic role the home plays today as a National Historic Landmark and a reminder of the strength, hospitality, and aloha of the Hawaiian people.
The documentary features an assortment of songs composed by Queen Lili'uokalani whose story provides the emotional backbone to the film and whose spirit continues to resonate within Washington Place itself.
For more information contact:
Robin Lung
808-258-7874
robinlung@hawaii.rr.com