ON EASTER ISLAND:

There are now 17 taxis on the island. Locals use them as well as tourists who find them an inexpensive way to see or get around the island.

Two films have been made on the island recently. One, by a French company, is called Les Isoles and is directed by Henri Herre. It concerns a French couple that comes to Easter Island to leave the ashes of a brother. Before this project, a special program was filmed for Chile's Travel Channel. Nueva Imagen is bilingual (English and Spanish), and it is part of a project that includes all of Chile. The Rapa Nui episode lasted 30 minutes and should be seen in Chile next July.

In November, Sir Edmund Hillary (the first man to reach the top of Mt. Everest) was on the island. Also in November, national television began filming a soap opera about a typical situation: a native Rapa Nui girl and a continental Chilean guy fall in love and try to cope with cultural problems. This soap, called "Iorana", is a new TV series of TVN (TV Nacional) and one of the most popular programs in Chile. The filming of was not as easy as anticipated. The Consejo de Ancianos #2 demanded 800,000 pesos for permission to make the film there. TVN refused to pay but offered to construct a building for the island community. But this did not satisfy the Consejo #2, which insisted that TVN pay for the "use of their cultural patrimony."

Chilean sources have informed us that this year the island expects to have 20 thousand tourists, a significant increase that will stress the available resources.

The Rapanui canoe club, Mata Hoe Vaka Kahu O Hera, has donated two more outrigger canoes which are on the way to the island from California, courtesy of the Chilean Navy. The newest is dubbed Matarena and was donated by Tito Paoa and Tina Haoa, Rapanui islanders living in California; the other, used canoe, (as yet unnamed) was obtained with the help of Hanga Roa's Mayor, Petero Edmunds Paoa. One of two outrigger canoes formerly on the island, was wrecked last year on the rocks off the south coast, so these new additions are most welcome. Hard to have a canoe race with only one canoe!

We have just been informed that in 1993, a Belgian "scientific team" was given permission to spray Roundup weed killer at two sites on the island. The purpose was to kill Johnson grass growing at the islands' archaeological sites; one of the sites treated was 'Anakena. The herbicide and $10,000 were donated to the Belgian team by Monsanto. CONAF park personnel are continuing the control program.

It was announced by Sergio Hernandez, Home and Urban Minister' during his visit to to the island, that Easter Island will have an old persons' home sometime this year. The construction of a "hogar de ancianos' for some 90 persons will be built, using the same type of materials used in typical island constructions. The estimated cost: US$200,000. Hernandez stated that international organizations, the internal government, and the Red Cross will cooperate in the maintenance of the home and the attention to the elderly.

The recent paving of two streets, Simon Paoa and Tuki Have Hevari cost more than US$650,000. The latter calle also has sidewalks and curbs. The other paved streets in town are Te Pito Te Henua, Policarpo Toro, Kiri Reva, Atamu Tekana Hotu Matua and Tuhuko'ia. The total cost for paving: more than 3.5 million dollars. Road paving is now beginning on the road that leads from the Church to the Hospital. Rumors indicate that the south road around with island (from the village to Rano Raraku) will also be paved.

The Home and Urban Minister, Hernandez, also delivered 30 basic subsidized houses, to be located at different points on the island. Each has 3 bedrooms, living room, bathroom and kitchen, and contains 590 square feet. The cost: US$470,000. This price is double that of similar housing on the continent. The minister announced that 30 more houses would be constructed this year.

The Hokule'a will sail from Hawai'i to Rapa Nui in October of this year. Considerable advance planning is involved in the proJect, including plans for a big celebration upon their arrival to the beach at 'Anakena. A group of teachers from Kamehameha schools in Hawai'i is planning an educational film project related to the trip of the Hokule'a and another group from the public schools of Hawai'i will also be visiting the island in a project related to the Hokuleia.

Four F-5 Chilean fighter jets, one piloted by Air Force General Fernando Rojas, flew into Rapa Nui on January 12th. The novelty was that they had to be refueled en route--by a Boeing 707 tanker plane. Governor Jacobo Hey and the usual dance group greeted the general and the other pilots at the airport. Chilean newspapers featured color photographs of the visit, one showing the four jets flying in formation over the main ahu at Tahai. In answer to a question put to the General, "Isn't there preoccupation in the Chilean Air Force over the growing interest of foreign countries to increase their presence on Easter Island?" Rojas replied, "The truth is, that question has personally worried me for many years. And it is for that reason that I have been disposed to a more active presence on Easter Island."

A troop of Rapa Nui dancers led by Pedro Atan Paoa made a hit in Australia in January. The Riu Hoko Rapa Nui dance group, under the direction of Pascal Pakarati, performed at the first National Multi-Cultural Festival as well as for the Chilean Embassy in Canberra. Last year's Miss Chile, Hetu'u Rapu, was one of the dancers in the group. Traveling along were three sculptors from the island who carved a 2 meter wood moai as a gift to the people of Canberra. It was placed in front of the Chilean Embassy. These events were Chile's contribution to Australia's first National/Multi-Cultural festival.

Politics on Rapa Nui

A denunciation regarding harassment and illegal charges made against movie makers, scientists, and foreign investigators who work on Easter Island was presented by the City Council of Hanga Roa to the island's Court of Letters. The objective was to block a group of some 60 islanders who call themselves "Consejo de Ancianos No. 2."

Five island council members—Alberto Hotus, Marcelo Pont, Enrique Pakarati, Claudio Cristino and Rodrigo Norambuena—made the following statement: a) that the Consejo #2 is a subversive group that illegally occupies a part of the church land, upon which they have installed all kinds of defiant and belligerent signs offensive to the Nation of Chile, and have presumed representation of the community of Rapa Nui; b) that the collection of any "cultural tax", is counter to what is stipulated in article 41 of Law 16.441 that exempts Easter Island from the territorial assessments; c) that the group in question transgressed Article 6, letter (c) of the Law of Internal Security of the State, which demands the quick intervention in the island of competent authorities; d) that if no action is taken with corresponding severity, it sets a dangerous precedent for the future of the island; and f) that in light of the above, the collection of $500,000 pesos ($1200 dollars) from the U.S archaeologist Christopher Stevenson and $800,000 pesos ($1900 dollars) from the French film maker Henry Herre, was illegal. Both individuals had valid permission to work in Rapa Nui. Similarly, the Consejo Municipal of Easter Island noted that they were taking part in the denunciation. Governor Hey stated that the situation has its origin in the deep divisions that exist within the community of Rapa Nui, although he recognized the irregularity involved in the collection of moneyforeigners by members of the Consejo #2.

Two members of Consejo #2 were arrested for obstructing the entrance to 'Orongo, and charging tourists a park entrance fee—normally collected by CONAF. Thus tourists were charged a "cultural toll" at the entrances to the Parque Nacional de Rapa Nui. They claimed to have been acting in the name of the Consejo #2, but it was said that other members of that group were appalled.

The situation prompted a high level government investigation. Governor Hey added: "There are documents which clearly reveal this action, but a "subversive organization" does not exist. " He stated that diverse tribal divisions on the island provoke conflicting sentiments among these groups, each of whom claim to be the true defenders of the island's interests.

And More Island Politics

The Consejo de Ancianos #1 has been around since 1888, but the Consejo de Ancianos #2 was created only in 1993. One of the differences between the two is that the latter has been demanding payments from various projects, with the amount varying along with the size of the project.

On the 5th of January, members of the Consojo de Ancianos #2 began to interfere with the TV filming, despite the fact that TVNational had all the necessary permits. The TV producers agreed to hold conversations rather than delay production and a meeting was held in the Municipality between the production manager of the program, Cecilia Stolze, Mayor Petero Edmunds, and members of the Consejo de Ancianos #2. The final agreement was that TVN would construct a 5200 square foot building for approximately US$8,900 on property provided by the Municipality, and for the benefit of all the community. The filming started up again, but the Consejo de Ancianos #2 still was unhappy with the offer. Matias Riroroko, a member of the Consejo de Anianos #2, told El Mercurio that they would take "other steps" to get "just compensation". Riroroko said, "They will make a building for US$8900, but for what purpose...." and "... it is not what we want; we are asking for money. We want them to pay us, and we want respect."

Alberto Hotus, leader of the Consejo de Ancianos #1, was absolutely opposed, calling the other group a "terrorist group." He added, ". . . they have no right to call themselves a Consejo de Ancianos." He said that the film production would benefit the community because it promotes the island, adding that "We cannot return to the past." Hotus stated that, ". . . constructing the building would be a big mistake because the Consejo #2 requested an office in the new structure for their use. This is a shameful request; TVN should not build it and the Municipality should not provide land."

According to Consejo #2 spokesman Riroroko, the practice of illegal collections began when the Spanish explorer Kitin Mufloz took totora reeds from Rano Raraku to make his reed raft: "He took what he wanted, he took something of ours, part of our patrimony, and left ...." The same "tax" was applied to a group of scientists who were excavating on the island, and a French delegation that made a film. "Both paid us...." said Riroroko. The next action of the Consejo de Ancianos #2 was to charge an entrance fee for 'Orongo.

The same newspaper item contained an aside that compared the Chilean TVN show with the film (Rapa Nul) made on the island by Kevin Costner. Both hired islanders as extras, but the Americans paid US$25 for every appearance by an islander, no matter how brief; and US$36 to any woman if she went topless. On the other hand, TVN offers US$13.30 for an appearance and US$27 for a days work. Islanders recall that the "gringos" filming Rapa Nui offered coffee, sandwiches and cold drinks to everybody; TVN limits refreshments to a glass of water. One islander complained that after TVN filmed sequences in the church, she went to pray in the church, but found that there were still cables and installations lying around, not suitable for a sacred place.

The minister of the Valparaiso Court of Appeals, Julio Torres Allu who investigated the charges, decided against the members of the Consejo de Ancianos #2 and ordered detention for the six leaders. Around one hundred persons protested in front of the offices of Governor Jacobo Hey Paoa, demanding liberty for the detainees. The leader of the protest suggested that Governor Hey go to jail himself in place of the detainees.

Minister Allu issued a summons for the six directors, Jose Abimareka Pakomio, president of the Consejo de Ancianos #2, Mario Tuki Hey, treasurer, Mito Teao, Raul Teao, Terai Hucke Atan and Ernesto Tuki.

The Judge, Ricardo Soto Gonzalez, authorized bail for the six, set at 20,000 pesos (US$44.50). The penalty for this misdemeanor: a maximum of 3 years and a day. Some refused to accept liberty under bail, saying that they would remain in jail as an expression of protest. Judge Soto Gonzalez noted that the case is the same as if someone were to install himself at the base of Cerro Santa Lucia or at San Cristobal [Santiago] and demand payment for entering. Archaeologist Jose Miguel Ramirez, local head of CONAF, said that "A number of misdemeanors were involved including illicit association, the illegal usurping funds, and appropriations of fiscal monies ...."

Matias Riroroko, one of the members of Consejo de Ancianos #2, and the person who has become the voice of the protest, stated that not only is the Consejo de Ancianos #2 keeping vigilance over the island's cultural patrimony but also it is trying to resolve the problem of land ownership. He noted that, m 1933, Chile took control over all Rapanui land and agreed to return it to the legitimate owners, the islanders. He said that 14,000 of the 16,500 hectares of the island are in the hands of the state, and CONAF is not using the funds generated by the park to protect the historic monuments from deterioration.

Riroroko declared that the only thing they want "is to vindicate their right to be treated like a different ethnic group, of Polynesian culture and origin, freely incorporated in our country. For that they have solicited money from the thousands of tourists who visit the island in order to get the necessary funds to avoid the destruction of their legacy. This would not be necessary if the government of Chile kept its agreements and promises with Rapanui."

The president of the traditional Consejo de Ancianos #1, Alberto Hotus, rejected the protest and maintained that Minister Allu is the national representative of Judicial Power and that the law applies to all the country. Hotus called the Consejo de Ancianos #2 a disruptive and subversive group that is not connected in any way with the historic Consejo de Ancianos #I that always has used that name.

On the fifth of February, Allu allowed bail for the four jailed members of the Consejo #2: Terai Hucke Atan, Jose Abimareka Pakomio, Ernesto Tuki Pate and Antonio Tepano. The other two, Mario Tuki Hey and Ramon Raul Teao Hey, are being represented by an attorney.

Shortly before midnight on February 4th, a fire was reported in the offices of SASIPA [Sociedad Agricola y Servicios de Isla de Pascua]. It was set intentionally, according to Albert Hotus who found a bottle smelling of gasoline in the building. Part of the office and a computer were destroyed. Hotus noted that one of the protesters had shouted "burn the island" if the six Consejo members were not released. Another fire occurred in the scenery set-up for Tapati Rapa Nui; it was attributed to the demonstrators.

At press time, the island was generally calm despite some 25 protesters gathered in front of the governor's office. Hotus claimed that no more than sixty persons participated in the demonstrations. Hotus also predicted that the return of the land will come eventually, but only through negotiation. Beleaguered Governor Hey noted that his double role of being a Rapanui and a representative of the government puts him into uncomfortable situations, and he affirmed that the protesters are in the minority.

Fallout from the "uprising" included a criticism of Governor Hey. Jose Letelier, regional counselor, stated that "The action of the Governor of Easter Island was absolutely negligent" and he affirmed that a group of islanders literally assaulted the offices of the provincial government and that neither the Governor nor other personnel responded properly in the face of the provocation. "The offices of a company [SASIPA] were set on fire after a clandestine radio broadcast that incited locals to burn the monuments of Easter Island as well as the pasture land, but there was no clear response from the Governor." Letelier indicated that there existed ". . . greater interests that were hidden by these persons" and connected this to the dissension in the island population regarding land division. One part of the population is agreeable to a division of land if it were made by means of a community process where the farming community would acquire an acceptable amount of land for them to work. Others want this to be done rapidly and with small lots so that the economic power can be shared by islanders. Letelier also criticized the administration of CONAF which he claims ". . . acted in a way to damage the patrimony, by authorizing excavations with back hoes, i.e., methods not satisfactory when dealing with archaeological sites. Thus the constant deterioration of the cultural patrimony created a situation encouraging the actions of dissident groups of islanders."

Assistant superintendent, Luis Bork, stated that the situation on the island is now normal. The six accused islanders are out on bail and authorities are now in "full control" in order to prevent further outbreaks.

On 13 February, the Court of Appeals revoked the ruling of Minister Allu, basing the decision on historic antecedents: ". . . for the first time in the history of Chile, a Polynesian ethnic group is being persecuted—that voluntarily ceded its sovereignty to our nation." The court added that Chilean authorities cannot intervene in internal conflicts between "social organizations" of ethnic Rapanui. After hearing this decision, the head attorney of the justice department of the Ministry of the Interior, Christian Arevalo Araneda, stated that the government will conduct a study to see if the case will be taken to the Supreme Court.

Independent of the summons, two members of the Consejo #2, Mario Tuki and Ramon Raul Teao, will be tried for fraud, charged with the illegal collection of money.

The head of CONAF on the island, Jose Miguel Ramirez, responded to the situation, stating that the main problem is the non-existence of territorial regulation. This results in a great number of animals grazing freely when there is neither enough land nor pasturage for them. As for critics of CONAF, he noted that a budget of $90,000 is insufficient to manage a zone with more than 200 archaeological sites.

EntelPhone has been working to move many telephone lines underground and has installed another 100 telephones in the village of Hanga Roa.

The internet is now accessable to Easter Island residents (initial software & incorporation fee, approx US$33.00; monthly service fee, approx $47.00; per minute connect-time charge, approx $00.05 -variable).

Work is nearing completion on the re-roofing of all the school buildings, and a new school director has been selected.

Sadly, Martin Rapu died recently due to complications from diabetes. Martin was Bill Mulloy's assistant during the excavation at Vinapu in 195556, and then accompanied the Norwegian Expedition on its further travels to Pitcairn, Rapa, Tahiti, and Nuku Hiva. In later years, partly due to their association with Bill, Martin and his wife were among the first islanders to enter the tourist business, opening their guest house and importing one of the first tour buses to be seen on Rapa Nui.

Pisco Capel's new
Moai-shaped bottle

The following "letter to the editor" appeared in El Mercurio de Valparaiso, written by Florentina Hey, Director, Association Pae Pae Here Taine, Easter Island. The item was titled "Alcoholic Moai" and was in response to the new pisco bottle formed in greenish-black glass in the shape of a moai, while the top replicates a pukao.
"Sr. Editor: It has caused us great surprise and indignation that an alcoholic beverage has been launched on the market by Pisco Capel, in a bottle shaped as a moai. The moai is a part of our cultural heritage and for the Easter Islanders it is a sacred symbol and one of much respect for our community. We do not understand how they can make merchandise from a symbol of such importance and pride and of great historical, religious and moral value for us. We ask what would happen if another company used the Christian symbol of a cross with the purpose of promoting a product on the market. What is clear to us is that the use of our image for their own benefit is an exercise in arrogance."

Another film in the offing Dr. Markus May, a freelance filmmaker from the Westdeutscher Rundfunk of Cologne, Germany, spent eighteen days filming a new TV documentary. May's program will air on WDR in March.

Tapati Rapa Nui

Tapati Rapa Nui l998 stretched over a two-week period. The stage backdrop (set up outdoors, again) was a large Vai'a Heva, with the platform itself being the open mouth. The festivities included a few interesting new things: dance, body painting, and Rapa Nui language competitions with tourist participation; a presentation-dramatization of the history of Rapa Nui women's dress or costume; large scale carving competition, not of the typical "moai-ette"as in previous years, but of replicas of Vai'a Heva. Another stone carving competition was of 'Orongo/Tangata Manu motifs. There were several good music and dance performances. The two queen candidates were Francesca Avaka (Paoa) and Sabrina Tuki Pont. The island weather was unusual for mid-summer; instead of hot and summer-like, it was windy, grey, and even cool, but without rain. It is assumed the fault lies with the El Nino phenomenon.

- Rapa Nui Journal, Vol 12 (1) March 1998

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