America Unearthed Lost Tribe of Menehune

I hope the viewers enjoyed the "Wolter's go to Hawaii" episode as much as we did.  Here's how H2's website described the show: "While vacationing with his family in Hawaii, Scott Wolter uncovers some key geological facts to determine whether this ancient, legendary race of tiny people really existed on the islands." Link here

Not only were the islands amazing, but it was really fun to learn about the mythical little people of Hawaii.  I had never heard of them before and I've been to Hawaii at least a half dozen times growing up with my father as a pilot for Northwest Airlines.  It was a great experience to film an episode with my family included and what better place to do it?

For me, the most memorable part of shooting this episode was spending time on the sacred island of Kahoolawe with Native Islanders who educated us on the sacredness of it to their people.  Some have already written asking why we didn't show the actual Navigator's Chair or play a song on the sacred stone.  While she demonstrated the sounds to us (and they were amazing), at the request of the Natives we did not air those scenes. They consider this place very sacred, going back thousands of years.  It was an honor to even have been allowed there.  How tragic that our government used it as a bombing target and land assault training area for over half a century.

It's still unclear exactly who the Menehune people of Hawaii actually were.  There is no question they played an important role in Hawaiian history and lore.  Regardless, the Menehune enabled us all to learn more about them, Native Hawaiian culture, and to see first-hand that incredible geological wonder of cross-cutting basalt dikes in the form of the giant "X."

The Committee Films crew arrive at the Navigator's Chair on Kahoolawe.

The Committee Films crew on the way to shoot a scene at the Navigator's Chair on Kahoolawe. 

Scott and Son Grant share a laugh after riding a wave on Maui.

Jim Morgan ponders his mortality with a skeleton at the Uof Hawaii.

America Unearthed Fans Write In

As you might imagine, we get a lot of emails from fans of America Unearthed on The History Channel's H2. I keep many of these. They keep me going when the looking gets difficult.

To fans of America Unearthed, Thanks!! And keep the comments coming.

[Last names removed to protect privacy, I applied color to emphasize some text]


Hi Scott Wolter,

I am a big fan of your America Unearthed TV programs on H2.  I don't agree with everything I see and hear, but I do enjoy the controversial topics.  I especially enjoy the manner in which you present the info.  I don't feel that you are "preechy" or suggest that your interpretations and theories are the only right ones.  You present the information, along with your expert opinion, and the opinions of other experts, which moves me to think and explore these theories in greater depth.  You raise many valid points and your explanations are every bit as likely as some of those who do not agree with you.  Thank you very much for the interesting and stimulating spin you put on these issues.

Thanks very much.

Jon



Hi,

Thank you for the information.  I would like to pass along to Scott and everyone at Committee Films my deepest thanks.  Spending the day filming at Petrified Forest National Park was one of the greatest experiences of my life.  Best wishes to you all!

Thank you very much!

Jim



Mr. Scott Wolter -
This is just a note to thank you for your rather heroic intellectual courage. I am a physician who lives in […] MN and have read "the Hooked X", watched your shows on H channel, and have read the blogs. It just seemed important to point out that you have many who appreciate your efforts and are a "silent majority" not on any radar screen.

Thanks again,
Noel […] M.D.



To Scott Wolter of America Unearthed,

My name is Michelle and I'm following your show on H2 like a hawk. Growing up my dad taught me to question everything and to always seek the Truth. Your motives and approach are inspirational to me.
I wonder all the time what I could do to help you in your search.

Thanks for all you do and I wish you all the best.

Michelle


Hi Scott,

After watching – and enjoying – America Unearthed, I did a little web surfing to learn more about you and your background.  I was surprised to find so much bad press and opinions.  You impressed me as a regular sort of guy who is not too impressed with puffing himself up.  Other folks sure must see you differently.  Or, perhaps, they just don’t like your subject matters.  Sort of like a lawyer discrediting a witness because he did something 30 years ago – that has no relevance to his testimony.  Anyway, forget about people like that.

I work in an engineering office and need to deal with PG’s on a regular basis. Mining permits, Proctor tests, and the like. Great, down-to- earth people (no pun intended).  I was sorry to read of the tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of your father.  I lost my Dad 25 years ago, and still think of and miss him every day.  You never get over it, really.  But I’m sure that your Dad would be proud of you and your accomplishments.
[…]
I greatly enjoy America Unearthed and appreciate your contributions to the geology field. The ancient peopling of the Americas and pre-Columbian visits have always been of great interest to me, and your shows stir renewed interest. I understand that your shows present subjects in a dramatic format, but, hey, that’s why they’re called “shows“. If it was all dry as dirt (again, no pun intended), no one would watch them. Keep it up, and to Hell with Covalito and the like.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

George



Hi Scott,

I'm a big fan of America Unearthed.  I realized something curious when I googled your name.  A guy named Colovito comes up.  He goes on to bash you and I saw you posted there too.  I applaud you for sticking up for yourself. […] You have made enemies and that is a good thing.  The questions you ask are enlightening.  You must be doing something right because archaeologists are slinging mud at you.  They don't even think you should be doing the things you are doing and want you to stick to geology.  Geology has a place in archaeology.  Please keep doing the things that you are doing.  The show is great.  I hope you discredit all of the pompous academics who are bashing you.

Regards,

Nikin



Scott Wolter,

Hi ..my name is justin […] and I live in Appleton, Wisconsin. I just wanted to leave a quick message to say thank you. Long story short, about 18 months ago I was awarded full custody of my then 8 yr old daughter, we've always been close but when she came to live with me, there was a period of time when things were... a little tense. This is where you come in.... [She] is an avid explorer of many things, one of the more prevalent....is rocks! She also loves history, and situations that involve following clues and solving problems. Having the truth be known and not hiding stuff to "fit the mold" are all qualities that my little girl holds most dear... She's way beyond her years in some ways... Anyway, I too find all these things to be captivating.... We discovered your show, and immediately we had something to be level on... the work you do and the way you do it.... We think its cool!! Over the last year we have gotten super close and things couldn't be better... We still watch your show, read your books as well as others, and discuss everything together... Its really cool... So again, thank you Scott.... Indirectly, you have helped a father and daughter get through some pretty rough times, and become closer.

Best wishes,

Justin […]