Aug. 29, 2013 Ke Alaka'i

AUGUST 29, 2013

Ke Alaka i Volume 104: Issue 4

THE LEADER

PCC Throughout the Years 12-15 Looking back at 50 years of the PCC

Longest Service at the PCC 10-11 Bridges shares long-time experiences at the Center

Ke Alaka i

Table of Contents

August 29, 2013 • Volume 104: Issue 4 Editor-in-chief

Advisor

M a . V i s O. Ta g u ba

L e e A n n L amb e r t

Head Photographer

Art Director

M ei Yi n

Me i Y in

COPY EDITORs

ART & GRAPHICS

Tuc ke r G r i m s h aw Aust i n M e l d r u m Dyl a n - S a ge W i l cox

Kyo ko H as e gawa Mo rgan Bo uwh uis Ye Ste ph an ie L ian g

PHOTOGRAPHERs M a t t M cD o n a l d E m i ly Wa d d e l l Kyoko H a s e gawa

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS Tucker Grimshaw, Homer Wolman, Rebecca Sabalones, Alyssa Walhood, Robinia Tan, Keryna Monson, Austin Meldrum

INTERNS M ei Yi n M a . V i s Ta g u ba

AD MANAGER Sh aro n Wo n g

Pages

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PCC’s well known guests Labor Missionaries Evolution of Night Show PCC helps IWORK PCC by Numbers Gospel Conversions at PCC PCC’s Youngest Worker Longest Service at PCC PCC Throughout the Years ‘Behind the Scenes’ PCC Workers Seamstress worker retires One Stitch at a Time Cross Word Puzzle

CONTACT

E-mail: ke a l a k a i @ byuh .e du Ad Information: ke a l ak aiads @ gmail.c o m Phone: ( 8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 - 3 6 9 4 Fax: ( 8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 - 3 4 9 1 Office: C a mp u s , A l o ha C e n te r 134

NEWS CENTER Box 1920 BYUH Laie, HI 96762

Well-known visitors at PCC

Publisher P r in t Se r vic e s

E d i t o r i a l , p h o to s u bmis s io n s & dis tr ibut i o n i n qu i r i e s : ke alak ai@ byuh .e du.

To s u bs cr i be t o th e RSS FEED o r to view a d d i t i o n a l a r ti cl e s , go to ke alak ai.byuh . ed u .

ON THE COVER

The Polynesian Cultural Center celebrates its 50th anniversary from Sept. 1 to 8. Photo illustration by Mei Yin.

President Thomas S. Monson and his wife, Sister Frances Monson

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bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb PCC visitors continued

Actor Mario Lopez

Mickey Mouse

King of Tonga His Royal Highness King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga

Actor/Comedian Pauly Shore

LDS entertainers Donnie and Marie Osmond filming a Hawaiian Punch commercial at PCC

Fijian minister Ratu Dreunamisimisi

Former NFL Player Junior Seau

U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s wife, Jackie Kennedy

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana, Miss Universe 1999

Singer and actor Elvis Presley

TV and Movie Actress Pamela Anderson

For more information, please visit www.pcc50.com

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Dream Builders How service missionaries built today’s future from a dream of the past

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he Polynesian Cultural Center was born from two men’s dreams of creating opportunities for Pacific Islanders. That dream was for them to come to the temple.

According to Alice C. Pack, in her book entitled, “Building Missionaries in Hawaii,” Elder M.F. Cowley and E.L. Clissold both had served extensively in the LDS Church in the Pacific and expressed great concern in advancing the people of the Pacific culturally, economically, and spiritually.

In 1953, the idea was conceived to create a place where Pacific Islanders could showcase traditional dance and music while providing a livable income for students studying at the Church College of Hawaii, says Pack.

“The PCC provided me with a future. I learned how to build and after that I had a career in construction 45 years. I went straight into the union and started working,” said Sione Feinga, a labor missionary who now resides in Laie.

Elder Cowley echoed the feelings of President David O. McKay when he said, “I hope to see the day when my Maori people down there in New Zealand will have a little village at Laie with a beautiful carved house. The Tongans will have a village out there, and also the Tahitians. Samoans already have a start—all these islanders of the sea. President McKay had said, “I hope to see the day when our people will be all along here, living along. Well, we will have hundreds of them, and thousands.”

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Later in 1958, after the Church College was completed, faculty members and board members of the college met together to discuss the formation of a group of students who could be trained and perform in Laie.

A group of 75 students formed the first PCC dance group under the ‘Halau Imi Noeau’ and organization seeking wisdom and skill. After receiving great reviews following a performance at the Kaiser Dome in Honolulu, school authorities considered expanding and improving the program.

After much deliberation, artisans were called in from New Zealand, Tonga, and Samoa to build the PCC in March 1960. Artisans and workers voluntarily gave of their time to help build the center.

Each pacific culture was divided into a village where the workers from their respective cultures worked to create a representation of their island homes.

The Maori Village consisted of a large carved meeting house, a small meetinghouse, a museum, and a tower. The houses were made of concrete block and covered in redwood siding to make them look like logs. John Taipa, the master carver, completed the carvings in about two years. It is believed to be the best collection of carvings outside New Zealand.

Mr. and Mrs. Taroaiti came to Hawaii from Papeete, Tahiti as missionaries to work as a carpenter and a farmer respectively. They both served in church callings during their time here. The Tahitian village in the PCC had five houses and a temple, all of which were authentic in design.

The Tongan village contained five houses. The Queen’s house was an authentic design and was made with ohia wood and the roof was made from coconut trees and sugar cane thatching.

In total, the PCC contained five different villages and laid the foundation for the PCC of today.

“I think its impressive to see what they did and it inspires me to work hard for my goals,” said Abigail Smith, a senior studying marine biology from Iowa.

-Home r Wolman

Above: Artisans begin building the villages. Workers came from their native islands to craft representations of their island homes.

Below: the framework for some of the PCC’s first structures. Photos courtesy of BYU-Hawaii Archives

Evolution of the Night Show

One of the performances of the night show.

PCC’s night show has grown from a theater of 600 people to nearly 3,000. Photo courtesy of BYU-Hawaii Archives

From a humble beginning to a prestigious performance

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or the past 50 years, the PCC night show has entertained people from all around the earth. According to Laura Willes, in her book entitled, “Miracle in the Pacific: The Polynesian Cultural Center,” “A theater was an integral part of plans for the PCC right from the initial concept, and the Captain Cook Theatre was built by the labor missionaries.” When the Captain Cook Theater opened in 1963, there was seating for 600, and a few years later it was expanded to 750, and then to 1,300, says Willes.

“A Night through Polynesia,” the first night show, took place on October 12, 1963, with 700 performers, under the direction of Michael Grilikhes and his team, says Willes. This first show did not start with beating drums, but with the blowing of conch shells. According to Willes, the waterfalls were not working and the stage manager, Larry Nielsen, said, “We did a lot of praying.” When the show went off without a hitch, Nielsen said, “To see a dream come true before my eyes was something I’ll never forget.”

“In the beginning, there were often more performers onstage than audience

members, and so to lure more guests into the show, performers often dressed in costume and stood along the side of Kamehameha Highway to wave traffic to turn into PCC. The technique worked, and eventually the theater boasted much fuller attendance,” said Delsa Moe, current director at the PCC. At this time, “The night show became the premier Polynesian entertainment not only in Hawaii, but in the whole Pacific,” says Willes. She added that demand was great for night show tickets, and seats were continually added to the theater.

According to Willes, throughout the years the night show took on varying titles, which included; “Invitation to Paradise,” “This is Polynesia,” “Mana,” “The Spirit of Our People,” “Horizons,” “Where the Sea Meets the Sky.” “Dancing with some of my best friends was a highlight of my PCC experience,” said Bill Keni, a HPD officer, on the PCC 50th talk story blog.

“In February 1976, the new Pacific Theater debuted, with seating for 2,500 guests. Three years later it was expanded to seat 2, 775,” says Willes. The roof that protects the audience and performers from the

rain was added at this time.

According to Willes, the fireknife dance is often the showstopper of the night show, and “Although the dance, performed with a hook knife, is ancient in origin, the fire on the end of the knife is a Hollywood-style innovation.”

The current show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” took the place of the show, “Horizons!

Where the Sea Meets the Sky,” on August 14, 2009. “Ha” was developed with the help of consultant David Warner, and the organization took place over a planned, “measured pace,” says Willes. According to Moe, “It was like opening up these layers [of an onion] that got down to [our] true identity that had somehow been lost.”

“Before the opening of ‘Ha’, 120 students had to be trained, and over 2,000 new costumes had to be made. Alterations were made to the Pacific Theater to accommodate the new production. In an effort to draw the audience in and make the stage look more like an island, the water curtain was eliminated and a sandy beach was built right up to the front seats,” says Willes.

- T ucke r Grimshaw August 29, 2013

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IWORK:

Helping students gain experience and pay for education PCC workers perform at opening of new 4D theater. IWORK students work for PCC on a scholarship program. Photo by Mei Yin

The International Work Opportunity Returnability Kuleana, known also as IWORK, is a scholarship program created for students who require some financial support to attend BYU-Hawaii for an education, said Financial Services personnel. It is also a program that provides students the opportunity to work at the Polynesian Culture Center.

Rebecca Harrison, the director of Financial Aid at BYUH Financial Services, said, the IWORK program “provides an opportunity for students with specific financial needs to come and get a college education, and also learn some valuable work and living skills while they’re here on campus.”

It is a program that helps students get an education without any worry of debt after graduation. Harrison said the majority of “the average United States student leave college with a $55,000 student loan.” But, IWORK students accepted into the program are given jobs, education, and return home with no debts if they meet the returnability requirements. After students return home, they have one-fourth of the their debt forgiven each year for four years. After four years, their educational loans are completely forgiven and they owe nothing.

“I think that it is a great opportunity that if I had been in college, and I had been offered this program, I would have taken it in a second. It’s a great opportunity for students to get a college education and to go out to work with no debt,” said Harrison.

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She said this program focuses more on international students because the mainland students have support from the government.

And once the international students are accepted into the IWORK program, they are given the “opportunity to work” at the PCC as well as receiving an education for nine semesters. However, Harrison said joining the IWORK program means students “commit to return home and accept the stewardship to be responsible, and to contribute to their families and countries.”

When IWORK students first arrived at BYUH, they’re required to get a job at PCC. Although Harrison said, “There are some circumstances where IWORK students can appeal to work on campus, but it is not a guarantee [because] they’re very tightly managed.”

IWORK is strictly a BYUH program to help students attend college and receive education, but although it is a BYUH program, the PCC also has a big role in it that benefits and helps students financially.

Harrison said PCC’s role is to “provide jobs for IWORK students, just like they provide jobs for other students here at the campus.”

She explained it’s important for IWORK students to work at PCC to “make sure that PCC has some of the right mix of student workers in order to make the center be successful.”

While IWORK is a BYUH program, “PCC depends on this program to be

successful, and we [BYUH] depend on PCC to provide students jobs so that students can afford to be here,” said Harrison. It’s a program, where BYUH and PCC are tied together, as they depend on each other to provide students the opportunity to work as well as being independent financially.

Becky Bayardelger, a BYUH accounting graduate from Mongolia, who was an IWORK student when she first applied for BYUH, said without IWORK, she would not be able to attend BYUH because “it is expensive and I can’t afford that.” She said what she like about IWORK was the jobs already available for them at PCC. She said IWORK students get jobs first over other people because the program guarantees them a job. “So in a sense it was nice cause I [didn’t really need] to worry about not finding a job. It was already there for us, “ said Bavardelger.

Another IWORK student, Kaye Destacamento, a BYUH business management graduate from the Philippines, said she was grateful for the IWORK program “because without IWORK I wouldn’t be here.” She liked working at PCC, which the IWORK program requires the students to do because she was “able to meet with different kinds of people, and I was able to learn from them, and at the same time, have fun with my co-workers and also International students.”

-Robinia Tan

bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb The Pineapple Deelite was created in 1963 - the same year the PCC opened.

PCC by the numbers

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There are 70 nations/countries represented in the PCC workforce.

The cost of the first tickets to PCC were $1.50 for adults and 75 cents for children.

The PCC amphitheather seats 2,775.

When the PCC opened in 1963, about 110,000 people came to Hawaii each year.

Between 1963 and 2013, there have been 37.7 million visitors who have come to PCC.

The average visitors a day during 2013 has been 2,177.

Photos by Kyoko Hasegawa and courtesy of BYU-Hawaii Archives

In 1968, more than 1 million visitors came to PCC.

The annual pass was created in 1979 and cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.

The first location selected for the PCC was by the temple. But church leaders suggested it be moved to its current spot off Kam Highway.

The first name for PCC was Polynesian Village, but BYUH art faculty member Wylie Swapp suggested Polynesian Cultural Center.

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Conversion Story at PCC Spiritual experiences at the center leads investigator to embrace the gospel

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he PCC has touched the hearts of millions of tourists over the years with its song and dance, opening the door for students to share a little bit about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Over the years, people’s contact with the Church through the PCC has led to people investigating the church and eventually joining the Church. One such man is Jack Regas.

Hired in 1960 as a professional choreographer from Hollywood, Regas came to Laie to choreograph the first dance show.

Upon arriving on site, Regas recalled surveying the ongoing construction and his conversation with President Windenhall. He said, “‘Do you know how much those workers make?’ I said I have no idea.

He said, ‘Fifty cents a week and we pay for their food and housing.’ That’s what impressed me the most about the Mormons; how willing people were to give up so much of their time for a common goal. That really impressed me.”

Briana Garrido, a sophomore study-

ing peacebuilding from Hawaii said there was a different spirit there at the PCC. “People came up to me and said that everyone looked so happy.”

During his time at PCC, Regas made many friends and noted his spiritual experiences.

“I was first introduced to a prayer at the PCC. On my first meeting, we had to choreograph the dance and somebody stood up and asked, ‘Mr. Regas could we please have a prayer before we start?’ I was a little surprised, but I said ‘Sure, if that’s what you want then you can do it.’ I gained a strong testimony of prayer during my time at PCC,” he said.

Although he never took discussions from the missionaries while he was working at PCC, Regas said his fellow coworkers were happy to have conversations about the gospel and gave him the base of his testimony. He said, “I learned most of the gospel from friends and coworkers.”

Matthew Duffus, a junior studying social work from Australia, and a PCC tour

guide said he tries to incorporate something about the church. “As a tour guide I get to talk to people every day and there is always an opportunity to talk about the gospel. It’s a great experience,” he said.

After leaving the PCC, Regas returned to Hollywood to work on the Andy Williams show where he met with a group of talented performers like the Osmond brothers. When working with the Osmonds, Regas was able to continue his friendship with members and continue learning about the Church.

One night while at the Osmonds, they brought up the question, ‘To whom can we introduce the gospel?’ Regas recalled that George Osmond, the father, turned to him and said, “‘It’s time for you guys to get baptized.’”

That very night George Osmond and his family drove Regas and his wife around Los Angeles looking for a baptismal font to perform the baptism. Jack Regas and his wife, Kit, were baptized in March 1967.

“It was momentous occasion for us, for me especially. It was hard for me to give up smoking, but the day I got baptized, I put them down and I never picked them back up,” said Regas.

Regas said he never could have imagined that the PCC would have such an impact on his life.

“I know for a fact that PCC was meant to be. It was a struggle to stay alive in the beginning days, but we did it. I will forever be grateful for the PCC and the people I worked with,” said Regas.

-Home r Wolman

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Jack Regas gained his testimony about the gospel during his time at the PCC. He and his wife, Kit, were baptized in March 1967.

Photo courtesy of Jack Regas.

Youngest PCC worker

Tyler Taokaha Magalei [above] is the youngest PCC night show dancer. He credits his success from his parent’s teachings about the value of choices. Photos

by Kyoko Hasegawa

Keiki’s young career prepares him to save for LDS mission

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yler Taokaha Magalei is a 6-year-old boy, who works as the younger Mana at the Polynesian Culture Center night show. He has danced in the Hawaiian section of the show since the beginning of 2013.

Tyler was born as the eldest son of Taofi Magalei Jr. and Carey Magalei. He has two younger sisters and another younger brother. He said he first started learning to dance from a friend of his. When he began to have fun with dancing, his parents signed him up for a hula lesson with Sunday Mariteragi, a Laie hula teacher. She said Tyler is a very teachable young boy. “He loves to learn, and it’s not just hula. He catches on very fast, and I would suspect that he will catch on fast for all dances that he is interested in learning,” said Mariteragi.

Tyler’s grandfather, Taofi Magalei Sr., said everything Tyler decides to do is from his own choice. Tyler’s parents gave him the option to choosing what he wants to pursue, like his interest in dancing or other sports he plays like soccer, volleyball or basketball. When Tyler decided to continue dancing, “his parents told him this is not something that you do and give up when you don’t feel like doing it.

It’s something that when you make a commitment, you need to fulfill it,” said Magalei Sr.

According to Magalei Sr., the Magalei family believes in freedom of choice where their children are given the right to decide their own future and interests. However, the children were also taught the value of their choices. “It’s good for the kids to make choices, but then you’ve got to teach them the value of their choice so they can learn something. Teach them that they need to be committed to dancing for however long the center wants him to dance,” said Magalei

Sr. He continued, “Then you can teach them about commitments and honoring what they said they wanted to do.”

Tyler pursues his interest in dancing not only in the night show, but he also expands his knowledge of dance by dancing for the luau too. Sometimes, he dances in Hale Ohana, Hale Kauai, or at the Marquesas Village. Sonny Ah Puck, a luau Lead male dancer and Magalei’s teacher, said, “I can see that he really enjoys dancing. He just is very active. He has a lot of energy [and] he likes to just be around other kids and have fun.”

Fire-knife dancing was one of the dances that Tyler learned.

When he was 3 or 4 years old, he said the fire-knife dancing shown in the night show captivated him. When his father worked at the night show, he was usually brought along and it was there that “I started watching all the fire-knife because it was my favorite part,” said Tyler. Having a new interest for fire-knife dancing, he said he asked his father to make a fire-knife for him to practice with, which his father did. And they began to practice a few minutes every night together “with the big boy (the other teenager working for the night show),” his uncle, David. He also participated in a fire-knife competition in the Samoan Village at PCC for the Samoan Culture Day, which was in May.

Tyler said he wants to learn and dance in every different culture of the night show as well as every character in the night show, like his father did. He has yet to know of his future plans, but one thing that he does know is he wants to serve a mission and to continue dancing when he comes home from his mission. “My parents want me to save my money for my mission, and if I have too much, then I can use it for other things,” said Tyler. -Robinia Tan August 29, 2013

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Spanning the ‘Bridges’ of Time Longest-working PCC employee shares his experiences throughout the years

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eing a Polynesian Cultural Center employee since 1967 and having done more than 20 jobs at PCC, Cy Bridges is said to have given the longest service at the Center. His fruitful experiences with the community, his strong relationship with his Hawaiian ancestry and the cultures in different Polynesian islands, he said, have motivated him to stay loyal to the PCC.

Bridges explained what drove him to work at PCC in an early age, “First, I wanted a job. Second, I was always interested and even fascinated with history and things relating to my Hawaiian and island culture.”

When he was asked what made him stay longer, he replied, “Why go anywhere else? Many people came here from far away for various reasons, mostly because of school For me, this is home, and it has been for many generations. Interestingly enough, with every place in the world, including all the isles of the sea, the church came into our moku [or area], into our community and built this cultural center, which in many ways has been a showcase to the world of our cultures as well as our beliefs. I have had a number of opportunities to go and join other companies doing similar things, but I decided against all of the offers.”

Bridges attended the Church College of Hawaii, now called BYU-Hawaii, and moved to the University of Hawaii to pursue Hawaiian studies, which was not available at BYUH during his time. For 10 years, he taught hula for the Hawaii State Foundation on Hawaiian Heritage and began a hula halau at PCC in 1980, says the BYUH website.

His wife, Iraani, is a native of New Zealand.

They have three children, Sarah, Maria and

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Michael. Bridges said their oldest daughter, Sarah, died in a car accident in 2000.

Having been one of the longest-working employees at PCC, Bridges said he has worked as a guide, cart driver, Hawaiian village demonstrator, musician, assistant chief or supervisor, night show dancer, chanter, and at the Hibiscus Buffet. He said he has also worked in PCC construction as a thatcher, painter and electrician, and in PCC Maintenance as an appliance repairman and utility man.

“For me, this is home, and it has been for many generations...I have had a number of opportunities to go and join other companies doing similar things, but I decided against all of the offers.”

-Cy Bridges

He has worked as the theater manager, Cultural Presentation Division manager, vice president of Product, vice president and managing director of Presentations, vice president and managing director of Theater, and Staff vice president. He has worked in Sales, Marketing, and a variety of cultural jobs such as Cultural Island manager, assistant Cultural Island director and Cultural Island director and theater director. Currently, he works as

PCC’s Cultural Artistic director.

Bridges said PCC has given him wonderful experiences, but the cultural and spiritual aspects of PCC have touched him the most. He shared some of his unforgettable memories like “meeting and learning from some of our living treasures of the time.

Performing for President Joseph Fielding Smith at his visit to PCC, and being an escort for the President Kimball while he was here. I stayed at Kuilima (now Turtle Bay) in the next room.

I spent the day taking Pres. Howard W. Hunter and his family around the island and to historic spots on the island. Having meetings, trainings, activities as well as devotionals with our board of directors headed by our chairman Elder Marvin J. Ashton and then Elder Dallin H. Oaks. On the board was also J. Willard Mariott of Mariott Hotels, F. Wiliiam Gay, assistant to the Howard Hughes Corp., George Q. Cannon, grandson of George Q. Cannon, one of the first missionaries to Hawaii who translated the Book of Mormon with Jonathan Napela and whose statue stands on the grounds of BYU-Hawaii, and Elders Richard G. Scott and Jeffrey R. Holland.”

He said he also experienced having sacrament meeting at the Pulehu Chapel on Maui, the first LDS chapel built in Hawaii, with Elder Ashton presiding. Additionally, he gave some well-known people tours of PCC including King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga; His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumalili II of Samoa; Te Ariki Nu Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen; Makea Ariki of Avarua, Rorotonga, Cook Islands; Pa Ariki Queen of Takitumu, and the presi-

Cy Bridges, the PCC Cultural Artistic director, has been working at PCC for more than 40 years. Photo by Mei Yin

dent of the house of Ariki, Rarotonga, Cook Islands; and John Rangihau, a senior lecturer of Waikato University referred to as Mr. Maoritanga.

Over the years, Bridges said he has encountered difficult challenges but also gained years of experience. However, he credits his positive outlook on life for helping make it through them all. “Challenges in our lives are necessary elements for us to grow and become better than what we were,” he said, “and will strengthen us that we may be made equal to other challenges that lay ahead of us in the future.”

Bridges had several callings not only at PCC but also in the LDS Church.

He became an Elders Quorum president, was in the Sunday School Presidency/SS Teacher, Ward and Stake Missionary, High Priest Group Leader, Bishopric Counselor, Bishop, Stake High Council, Ward Mission Leader and Temple Ordinance worker.

Looking back from the time he started working at PCC, Bridges recounted how the Center has influenced his life. “It is where I earned a living to help sustain myself as well as my family. I put myself through school. I met my eternal companion here. It allowed me to buy a piece of land and build us a home for my family. The cultural center is owned and operated by the church. It is a cultural learning center and had given us the opportunity of sharing that culture with people from all over the world. I’ve met some of my closest friends here,” he said.

He gave some advice to new PCC employees and to those who aspire to work at the Center. “Count your blessings and the opportunity that you have to be here to gain a higher education. Be thankful for the many others who have laid the stepping-stones you now walk upon. Work hard. Learn as much as you can. Remember who you are and exemplify those standards through words and deeds and actions each day with those that you come in contact with,” he said.

-Ma. vis Tagu ba August 29, 2013

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Looking back at 50 years of the Polynesian Cultural Center Jan. 31, 1948 Members of the Laie Ward start a hukilau — a traditional method of fishing, a feast and entertainment — for tourists at Laie Bay to help raise building funds to replace their chapel that burned down.

school, I tell you, will go men and women whose influence will be felt towards the establishment of peace internationally.” At that time, approximately 110,000 tourists came to Hawaii each year; but since the PCC opened in 1963, over 37-million people have visited Laie.

February 1951 Elder Mathew Cowley, of the Quorum of the Twelve, visits President Edward L. Clissold in Laie and suggests Maoris coming from New Zealand to do temple work should build their traditional houses, sell handicrafts and perform so they could live inexpensively while here. Clissold thinks this is also a good idea for all visiting Polynesians.

Sept. 26, 1955 Church College of Hawaii begins classes in the Laie Chapel and several war surplus buildings.

1957–58 Clissold, Wendell B. Mendenhall and others talk about getting employment for Church College of Hawaii students. “Our thoughts turned to tourist dollars and the possibility of getting some of those going around the island in big buses.”

June 1951

School year 1958–59 With about 75 students and local youth, CCH art professor Wylie Swapp starts up Halau Imi Noeau — “organization seeking traditional knowledge.” Hawaiian cultural expert and Church member Mary Kawena Puku’i suggests using the term halau. A small group of the students perform in Waikiki.

Other cultural leaders are hired to assist.

President David O. McKay sends a delegate to Hawaii to study setting up a college.

July 21, 1954 The First Presidency announces the establishment of The Church College of Hawaii.

School year 1959–60 The Polynesian Institute forms as a CCH adjunct and includes the student performing group, with Dr. Jerry K. Loveland as the first director.

Feb. 12, 1955 President McKay breaks ground for the Church College of Hawaii and prophesies “…from this

March 8, 1960 Fifty-eight labor missionaries leave their South Pacific islands to work on the CCH Project Number Two.

February 1962 Labor missionaries begin construction of the Polynesian Village on its existing site.

April 14–15, 1960 Halau Imi No’eau puts on its first performance, Polynesian Panorama, at the Kaiser Hawaiian Village Dome (now the Hilton Hawaiian Village). The show draws only a small crowd but receives a favorable newspaper reviews.

Early 1963 Large groups of volunteers from the local community under the direction of Bishop James Uale help prepare the Polynesian Village.

Feb. 12, 1961 President McKay authorizes funds for planning and developing the Polynesian village. Soon after, the labor missionaries begin initial site work. They dig the beginnings of the village’s lagoon between the new CCH campus and the Temple.

Nov. 29, 1961 Elders Delbert L. Stapely and Gordon B. Hinckley, of the Quorum of the Twelve, acting on President McKay’s directions, review the project and recommend another site closer to the highway.

January 1962

President McKay approves building the Polynesian Village on a 12-acre taro patch on Kam Highway.

Summer 1963 Clissold asks Swapp to come up with a better name for the Polynesian Village. Swapp suggests the Polynesian Cultural Center, which President McKay approves.

Aug. 14, 1963 The First Presidency instructs Mendenhall and Clissold to officially organize the PCC as a nonprofit corporation.

Aug. 25, 1963 At the first official meeting of the PCC Board of Directors,Vice Chairman Clissold says PCC’s relationship with the Church College of Hawaii must be completed, and announces CCH President Richard T. Wootton, Dean of Students Ralph D. Olson, and Professor Jerry K. Loveland, Director of the Polynesia Institute, become ex officio members of the board.

Oct. 12, 1963 With over 1,500 people in attendance, President Hugh B. Brown, of the First Presidency, dedicates the Polynesian Cultural Center. In his dedicatory prayer, President Brown says: “We thank Thee for this spot of ground, hallowed and

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Ke Alaka‘i

Canoe pageant begins; Elvis films at PCC

1966

Polynesian Cultural Center opens; Pineapple Deelite created

1963

Polynesian village on Kam Highway is approved; building missionaries begin

1962

Church College of Hawaii is announced

1954

Church leaders talk about islanders making money while visiting the temple

1951

1948

Laie Ward Hulikau starts, forerunner of PCC

Photos courtesy of BYU-Hawaii Archives

October 1964 The PCC Board of Directors selects Lester W. Hawthorne as the Center’s general manager.

Center attendance in its first year of operation reaches 175,000.

February 1966 The Church-owned Laniloa Lodge, a motel adjacent to the main entrance of the Polynesian Cultural Center, opens.

Oct. 14, 1963 The center opens for regular business from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Sundays), except for a Saturday evening show. Initially, tickets cost $1.50 per adult and 75 cents per child.

April 10, 1966

February 1979 The PCC introduces its Lei Alii Seasonal Pass for $10 per adult and $5 per child (ages 5–11): The pass allows holders free admission to the Center and a 20 percent discount on the Hibiscus Buffet and evening show.

Dec. 31, 1968 For the first time over 1 million guests in a single year attend the PCC. Sept. 1970 During his trip for the 15th anniversary of the Church College of Hawaii, Joseph Fielding Smith becomes the first president of the church to visit the PCC.

1974 PCC announces a major expansion project that includes adding a large new amphitheater as well as relocating the Hawaiian Village and adding the Marquesan compound.

July 4, 1976 Elder Howard W. Hunter dedicates the major expansion of the PCC, including a new front entrance, the new Hawaiian village, the amphitheater, and other cultural and service buildings.

November 1977 TV star Lee Majors films part of the “Six Million Dollar Man” at the PCC. Spring 1978 A crew from the Church-owned Bonneville Corporation films halfhour documentary, “The Aloha

July 14, 1978 The PCC premieres its new night show, This is Polynesia.

Jan. 12, 1979 Howard W. Hunter dedicates the new Gateway Restaurant, which had been created inside the Orientation Building.

Spring 1979 PCC’s half-hour documentary film, The Aloha Experiment, receives the Creative Excellence Award out of about 800 entries from 12 countries at the 12th annual U.S. Industrial Film Festival in New York City.

Jan. 25, 1980

Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve and President of the PCC, dedicates the Lorenzo R. Snow Administration Building on the BYUH campus: The PCC moves its offices into the building closest to the Center.

This year the PCC sponsors the hula halau established by Bill Wallace III, Keith Awai, Enoch Kaina and Cy Bridges.

People’s Republic of China Premier visits; his daughter was part of Asian Executive Management program

Continues on Page 14

1984

1978

People’s Republic of China Vice-Premier visits PCC; relationship develops

June 1966 Singing star Elvis Presley spends one week at the Polynesian Cultural Center filming a portion of Paradise Hawaiian Style.

The PCC premieres its new night show, Isles of Paradise. An admission, dinner and show ticket for an adult costs $7.90 and $4.60 for children under 12. General admission costs $2.10 and $1.05 for children.

Night show premiers

July 4, 1964 The PCC inaugurates its first major food services, the “Polyne-

The PCC premieres its Canoe Pageant, originally with only Samoan and Maori performers.

1980

February 1964 Television entertainer Art Linkletter visits the PCC. Other VIP visitors in the early years include Lynda Bird Johnson, daughter of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson; Hawaii’s U.S. Senator Hyrum Fong; Steve Allen; Kirk Douglas and family; Jane Powell; Arthur Godfrey, Henry Fonda, Tony Bennett, Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows, Edie Adams, Johnny Mathis, Tony Martin, James Garner and others.

1 million guests attend PCC that year

December 1966 The PCC becomes profitable.

Oct. 5, 1972 The PCC introduces the Laie Tour.

December 1963 The original version of the Pineapple Deelite is born.

1968

Experiment,” to be shown on the Public Broadcasting System.

Source: PCC50.com

Aug. 5, 1964 Ground is broken for the Laniloa Lodge (which was demolished on January 25, 2010, to make way for a new, larger hotel on the same site).

Aug. 31, 1966 The PCC night show closes while about 175 PCC performers begin a two-week promotional tour on the mainland, including a four-night run at the Hollywood Bowl in California. Over 100,000 people attend Festival Polynesia. The group also appears on the most popular TV variety program of the day, “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

Fijian Prime Minister visits PCC

sian Feast” in the Samoan village.

Guests sit on mats on the floor and enjoy traditional foods from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Aotearoa, Tahiti and Hawaii.

1986

blessed as it is... We thank Thee for the faith and courage and devotion of brothers and sisters who have devoted themselves unstintingly to the preparation of this spot for the purposes for which it has been erected, and will be employed... May all who have come here see in this Center an effort to bring people of different nations, of different races together in a better exemplification of true brotherhood...”

August 29, 2013

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Nov. 1, 1984 Elder Ivin and Sister Pearl Gee from Lander, Wyoming, are the first of many senior missionaries to serve at the PCC. July 1, 1985 Chinese President Li Xiannian tours PCC. Network Photo takes over the Center’s photo operation as an independent concession and renames it Photo Polynesia.

March 24, 1986 Fiji Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara presents the Fijian camakau sailing canoe commissioned by the Center and built on the Lau Island of Kambara.

April 1988 The PCC begins its Ambassador fine dining service.

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Ke Alaka‘i

Jan. 4, 1992 Over 600 volunteers from Laie Church stakes help perform a “million dollar facelift” on the PCC grounds. As part of this project, PCC Maintenance crews widen walkways, dredge the lagoon, and build canoe landings.

May 24-29, 1993 The Center launches a series of special events, starting with its first Samoan World Fireknife Dance Competition. PCC “coconut man” Chief Sielu Avea wins the first title.

July 17, 1993 HRH King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga bestows the chiefly title Mafi Fakapotu on PCC President Lester Moore at BYU-Hawaii.

March 21-26, 1994 Ihe PCC features a Rarotongan group and “Wonder Woman,” a Cook Island Maori who husks coconuts with her teeth.

1993

December 1990 PCC’s Management Information Services staff installed a new mainframe computer, increasing

PCC Brass Band performs for U.S. Pres. George H. W. Bush in Waikiki

1990

1988

Ambassador fine dining opens

July 25, 1984 The PCC dedicates its new

November 1990 The PCC holds a “sneak preview” of its new large-format film, “Polynesian Oddysey,” in Hukilau Theater. Academy Award winner Keith Merrill directed it.

Pres. Thomas S. Monson dedicates Hukilau Theater

Spring 1984 PCC Maintenance crews and community volunteers begin a six-week series of projects to re-landscape the Center’s villages.

Oct. 19, 1990 The PCC Brass Band performs for U.S. President George H.W. Bush during a reception in Waikiki.

1991

People’s Republic of China Premier Zhao Ziyang, tours BYU– Hawaii and the PCC. About a year later it is discovered his daughter, Wang Yian Nan, had participated incognito as one of the first six Chinese interns in the Asian Executive Management program.

Aug. 18, 1989 The hit TV show Full House — starring the Olsen twins (Ashley and Mary Kate) as well as John Stamos — films most of a halfhour segment at the PCC.

PCC premieres its latest night show, “Mana! The Spirit of Our People.”

July 8, 1994 The PCC premieres its new canoe pageant, “Ancient Legends of Polynesia.”

Summer 1995 The PCC premieres its new night show, “Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky.” May 28, 1996 President Gordon B. Hinckley becomes the first president of the Church to visit the People’s Republic of China when the Folk Culture Village in Shenzhen extends him a lavish VIP greeting as “president of the PCC” He was in the area to dedicate the new Hong Kong Temple the day before.

May 10, 1997

His Royal Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, Head of State of Western Samoa invests PCC President Les Moore with a chiefly title at ceremonies in front of BYU-Hawaii.

September 1997 PCC attendance surpasses 25 million.

September 1998 The Center launches its latest — and still in use — logo in time for the 35th anniversary.

December 1998 Vanna White tapes a portion of

1996

Jan. 7, 1984

July 6, 1991

Tongan King bestows title on PCC Pres. Les Moore; Samoan World Fireknife competition begins

August 1981 The first six interns from the People’s Republic of China come to Laie as part of the joint BYU-Hawaii/Polynesian Cultural Center Asian Executive Management program.

Jan. 18, 1991 President Thomas S. Monson dedicates the new 600-seat Hukilau Theater.

May 7, 1994 The People’s Republic of China Vice Premier Zou Jiahua visits the PCC.

Western Samoan head of state invests PCC Pres. Les Moore with chiefly title

Dec. 8, 1980 Popular TV personality Mike Douglas films one of his shows at the Polynesian Cultural Center. By the end of this year, total cumulative attendance at PCC surpasses the 10-million mark.

capacity from 1 to 1.5 gigabytes and significant speeding up procedures. For example, payroll processing was reduced from 3-4 hours to about 30 minutes.

1997

Mission Complex (now called the Hawaii Mission Settlement) featuring a recreated 1850s-era missionary home and chapel. The bell over the chapel was originally used at the LDS chapel in Pulehu, Maui — one of the first in Hawaii.

President Gordon B. Hinckley visits China as the “president of PCC”

June 4, 1980 People’s Republic of China Vice-Premier Geng Biao, the first high-ranking leader from that country, and 14 Chinese generals visit PCC. This begins a relationship between the PCC and China.

Photos courtesy of BYU-Hawaii Archives and Ke Alaka’i

Oct. 20–26, 2003 Thousands of people, including President Gordon B. Hinckley, help the PCC celebrate its 40th anniversary.

April 2004 Alberto Hotu, 75-year-old traditional leader and former mayor of Rapa Nui, visits the Center following an invitation in February from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland — the first apostle to visit Easter Island.

May 2007 Vice President of Human Resources “Uncle” John Muaina represents the Center on a BYUH Concert Choir tour of China to celebrate

PCC opens Easter Island moai exhibit; PCC celebrates 40th anniversary

2003

2001

BYUH Iosepa canoe is launched at Hukilau Beach; now berthed at PCC

Feb. 3, 2003 PCC Pres.Von Orgill marks the completion of the Center’s five new Easter Island exhibit moai when he and four carvers from

Summer 2006 For the first time a PCC performing group appears in Branson, Mo.

Oct. 21–31, 2008 PCC launches the Haunted Lagoon, a scary night-time canoe ride. More than 12,000 people come the first year.

July 22, 2009 After 14-plus years and more than 4,000 performances, the PCC “drops the final curtain” on its night show, “Horizon.” Elder Dallin H. Oaks meets with the cast on stage after the final show.

Aug. 14, 2009 PCC officially premieres its new evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” after 3 years of planning and more than $3 million in improvements.

Oct. 29, 2009 The Laie Inn, the motel near the PCC originally known as the Laniloa Lodge, closes to the public.

On Jan 25, demolition work begins to make way for new hotel.

Nov. 19, 2010 President Thomas S. Monson, along with President Henry B. Eyring, their wives and several other General Authorities visit the PCC two days before President Mon-

2007

February 2003 PCC completes a $2.4 million renovation project, installing museum displays in the front entrance, landscaping along Kam Highway and installing 18 new tiki.

October 21, 2005 More than 6,000 alumni, special guests and others associated with BYUH’s 50th anniversary (1955–2005) at the PCC.

Queen of Tonga visits PCC and BYU-Hawaii

Nov. 11, 2002 Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his wife visit the PCC.

June 2004 The PCC Promo Team makes its visits Cambodia and Vietnam and then continued on to appearances in Korea.

2004

Thousands throng Hukilau Beach for the blessing and launching of BYUH’s 57-foot traditional twinhulled Hawaiian sailing canoe, the Iosepa, which is now berthed in the Hawaiian Village.

March 12, 2004 Her Royal Highness Queen Halaevalu Mataaho of the Kingdom of Tonga visits BYUH and the PCC.

June 25, 2008 PCC Board Chairman Mark Willes dedicates the new halau wa’a in the Hawaiian village where BYUH’s traditional twin-hulled 57-foot Hawaiian sailing Iosepa is berthed when it’s not on the water. It was built with private donations of $2.65 million.

June 2011 PCC Pres.Von D. Orgill announces a $38 million, five-year renovation including a makeover of the Gateway Restaurant, expanding the shopping plaza and converting the Hukilau Theater into a 4D experience.

Nov. 10, 2011 The Gateway Restaurant celebrates a grand reopening.

Jan. 19, 2013 PCC stages the 23rd annual Moanikeala Hula Festival.

March 29, 2013 The newly renovated Hawaiian Journey Theater opens with “Hawaiian Journey”debuting a large-format, 12-minute experiential movie. It is also the re-opening of the renovated Hawaiian Village.

May 8-11, 2013 Top Fireknife dancers come from around the world to the PCC for the 21st annual World Fireknife Championship and the high school Samoan Arts Festival.

July 2013 PCC puts on its 14th annual Te Mahana Hiro’a o Tahiti Tahitian dancing competition.

Sept. 1-8, 2013 The PCC will hold a weeklong celebration of its 50th anniversary.

August 29, 2013

Source: PCC50.com

August 2003 Alii Luau manager Raymond Mokiao and the PCC Promo Team appear on a Hawaiian cooking segment with Al Roker on NBC’s “Today Show” in Manhattan.

Pres. Thomas S. Monson and others attend PCC and also rededicate Laie Temple

March 5, 2008 LDS Philanthropies, which coordinates Church fundraising, creates the Matthew Cowley Society to honor donors who make estate planning gift contributions to BYUH and/or PCC.

2010

April 25, 2003 PCC welcomes its 30-millionth visitor Dianna Hill, a rural postal carrier from Woodland, Calif.

son rededicates the Laie Hawaii Temple. The temple was closed for almost two years of extensive renovation work.

Night Show “Ha: Breath of Life” begins

Nov. 3, 2001

25 years of the Asian Executive Management training program.

2009

January 2001 The PCC increases the number of senior missionaries serving at the Center from an average of eight to as many as 48 at a time. The Center also increases the number of part-time volunteers.

Rapa Nui place the eyes in the statues “so they can see.”

PCC’s John Muaina goes on BYUH Concert Choir tour of China

the “Wheel of Fortune TV” show at the PCC. December 2000 The Center unveils its new canoe show, “Rainbows of Paradise.”

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Behind the Scenes

here. If they have concerns, we help the managers with them. We also help with special events,” said Brooke.

Meet the PCC workers you probably don’t know

T

he Polynesian Cultural Center has always worked to deliver a special and unique experience. Visitors can meet Polynesians and enjoy cultural tours, shows, and food during their stay, but what about the people that you don’t see? How much goes on behind the curtain? Don’t these people also deserve some recognition? These workers who are only seen mostly at the back of PCC work just as hard to make the customers happy. Listed below are some of these wonderful people.

Kjistine Tatarata: Uniform Supply Worker

M

any of the recently hired workers on the floor of the PCC have had the opportunity to meet Kjistine Tatarata, a uniform supply worker and a sophomore from Denmark majoring in business. Tatarata has been working in Uniforms since March and has helped many people look clean and pristine at the PCC.

She said, “We take the uniforms in and out, make repairs, and get the new uniforms ready. I like when it’s hectic because there are a lot of new people. New people are so excited about their new jobs and are excited to get new uniforms.”

When asked how she contributes Gregory Magalli: Production Cook to the PCC, Tatarata said, “We make people look clean and presentable—they are the face regory Magalli has worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center since high of the PCC, so we make people have nice school. He first worked as a tour guide for 14 clothes and look nice.” years but decided to cook for the PCC about 6 months ago. Magalli lives in Hauula, but comes to Laie to cook for PCC customers in all the different restaurants. While he was a little shy to talk at first, he did admit that since he’s started working in the kitchen, he has seen improvement in customer approval.

“Approval of food has gone up 2 points in the past six months,” said Magalli. Brooke Amnuaychoke: Student Advisory Committee “We need to exceed customer expectations. rooke Amnuaychoke, a senior from When I cook, I try to cook with some Hong Kong in elementary education, Polynesian flair along with some Asian style. works in the Food and Beverage office at the We’re trying to give guests a different experi- Polynesian Cultural Center. She is a Student ence here through food.”

Advisory Committee worker.

Even though he has worked as a

“We do orientation and leadership cook for only about half of a year, he has training for Food and Beverage and our had a big effect on the food served at the focus is mostly on training student workers, Center. student leads, and managers, so that they can

G

Edna Garduque: Multi-Purpose Custodian

E

dna Garduque lives in Kahuku and has been working as a multi-purpose custodian for more than seven years. As a multi-purpose custodian, some of the many duties of Edna’s job are to help to pull trash, sweep the Pacific Theatre, and check if everything is ready for the night show, as well as clean the theatre after the night show.

When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Edna replied, “Clean the bathroom--just to make people happy when they use the bathroom, especially the guests.”

Being a custodian for the center is a lot of hard work. Listed under the job description is a list of at least 24 responsibilities and tasks, and over 29 tools and materials that the custodians need to know how to use.

“I really do contribute much,” said Edna, “we clean the bathroom every 15 minutes for the guests.”

B

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Ke Alaka‘i

appreciate their job and become more effective workers and improve their experience

Anund Kumar Vakapalli: Field Security

A

nund Kumar Vakapalli came all the way from India to study TESOL at BYU-Hawaii. As a way to support himself while he is here, under the IWORK program, Vakapalli works to secure and maintain safety

at the PCC. “I have to check students’ ID’s and see if they are students and whether they are impersonators or not, and make sure they are in standards. We try to make sure everything goes well, from the employees’ side, maybe from the students’ side, and also from the visitors’ side. We always try to help people so that things go smooth,” said Vakapalli.

scape design over the whole PCC, including the landscape in the buildings, he is also in charge of the entire nursery located on the Hau’ula side of the center.

According to Victor, the key to success is to “help people—mostly the villagers and my boss. If you don’t do what they say, things are not going to get done.”

Vili Malani: Canoe Guide

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George Pasi: Lighting Technician

G

eorge Pasi has worked as the Polynesian Cultural Center’s lighting technician for about 33 years. George is originally from Tonga, but is now living in Hauula.

Pasi oversees a lot of the responsibilities at the Pacific Theatre. He said, “We test the equipment and if we have any problems or issues, we can try and fix it before the show and we set up special effects. We do spotlight operation and set up the props for the show (like the garland that descends from the ceiling) and we make sure those things work. . . Doing a great show each evening is a great part of the experience.

“When you look at the part of the mission statement, ‘preserve the culture’, the show is one of the highlights of the people’s cultural experiences here and we help make sure people enjoy their experience here.”

Pasi’s favorite part of his job involves the people he works with. One of the center’s purposes is to help support the students, and Pasi said, he enjoys the students that come and work with him.

“I’ve worked with so many student over the years and the reward is seeing them come and learn good work ethics. I keep in touch with some of them and to see them do well makes me happy. Seeing them achieve their goals is a great thing about the job.”

y favorite part of the job is seeing the customers are satisfied with the service that we provided them with. Seeing them smile really helps us know that we are really making a difference in enjoying their time here,” said Vili Malani, a sophomore from Fiji studying math education.

Malani has worked as a canoe guide at the PCC for four months now. He told us a story of how a Canoe Guide can have an effect on the center’s visitors. He said, “I took a group of Vietnamese tourists, and at first, when they got on the ride, they were kind of skeptical about the ride. I guess it was because they had a bad experience before then, so I was kind of nervous with that. So I tried my best and made up my mind that before they leave I wanted to give them a good time, and by the end of the tour they were smiling and laughing, and when they came back I saw them smiling and waving before they left.”

Michael Mosiah Hernando: Food Service Runner

F

ood Service Runners, like Michael Mosiah Hernando, help deliver things for the different restaurants at the PCC

Hernando is a senior in hospitality and tourism management from Philippines. When asked what the favorite part of his job is, he said, “Some of my favorite things to do at work are to have fun with my coworkers, help each other out, and drive those golf carts. So far, my favorite memory since working there is getting to know a lot of diverse people working in different restaurants, and working with them to achieve their goals for the day.”

He added, “Every worker at PCC, whatever their job is - whether they work in the front or at the back office, is contributing to the overall experience of every guest who visits the center. As we do our job properly, we are bringing out the guests biggest smiles, radiating the spirit of love and hospitality within us, and making them feel like ohana.”

- rebe cca sabalone s

Victor Daguio: Landscape Maintenance Worker

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ictor Daguio is in charge of the PCC’s landscape design, and has worked in his department for 31 years, getting a lot of practice taking care of the grounds at the PCC. Not only does Victor oversee the land-

“Behind the Scenes” PCC workers shared their experiences while working in the Center.

Photos by Kyoko Hasegawa and Mei Yin

August 29, 2013

17

Goodbye to a Legacy

her cranky or even say no to anyone. No matter what the size of the task is, she says yes. What a legacy,” said Keni.

The works of Nona and fellow seamstresses can be seen all around the PCC. The department sews and makes almost all of the costumes you see around the center. The only costumes they don’t work on are the ones used in the dining area and tour guides.

When asked about what has kept her here all of these years, Nona replied, “I really enjoy the work, and with the people here, you can’t go wrong. I really enjoy the tremendous variety of students. They are so inquisitive and just here to help and glad to do it.”

A tear-filled Smith shared the following statement when reminiscing on the time spent with Nona and her upcoming retirement. “If I could do the same when I leave, to leave your mark that way, it’s something that’s truly amazing.”

The motto that Nona lives by is, “Enjoy the Day. Don’t let it ever go to waste.”

- Keryna Monson

‘Seamstress goddess’ to retire after almost 45 years of service

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heresa Warner, better known as “Nona,” will be laying down the thread and needle when she retires in October. In December, Warner would have marked her 45-year anniversary at PCC. In the 50 years of PCC’s operation, she has worked nearly all but five years.

Warner showed her dedication and love to the Center in her response to a question about life after retirement. When asked if she plans on visiting the workplace after she leaves, she said, “I will probably still call into work and talk to the ladies… see if ‘hey do you need any help with work today?”

Coworkers Elizz Keni from Australia, and a senior missionary, Jolene Smith, Ke Alaka‘i

chimed in almost simultaneously to say Warner stays so much longer than her hours all the time, and she never leaves. Even when she’s not working, Nona is helping people.

She likes making leis for others, said her co-workers.

The love and admiration for Nona from all of those around her is felt just by entering the room. Sister Smith said, “The PCC is a unique treasure, and Nona will leave her legacy of 44 years. What a blessing it is to come to the Center, she said, for the students and everyone else “who enter this unique place.”

“I thoroughly enjoy coming to work because of these ladies. Nona really is the seamstress goddess. I have never seen

PCC Seamstress Theresa Warner, popularly known as Nona, retires in October. Her co-workers said Nona’s sweet and approachable spirit makes them miss her when she retires.

Photo by Ye Stephanie Liang

One stitch at a time PCC’s seamstresses discuss upcoming 50th anniversary

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ith the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 50th Anniversary just around the corner, the women in the seamstress department have been hard at work creating all of the needed costumes and uniforms. Fatai Feinga, the supervisor of the seamstress department, said 90 percent of the elaborate and decorative costumes that you see in the Center are produced and sewn right on site.

The women of the seamstress department have seen many people come and go over the years. One of the most anticipated events of the upcoming anniversary is getting to see familiar faces again. Feinga has been working at the PCC for 26 years.

In those years she has come across a lot of treasured friends. As she anxiously awaits the 50th anniversary, she said, “I am very excited to see many of the alumni come back. I am really looking forward to showing some of my friends and coworkers how much

has changed. Especially now that the building we are working in is almost five times as big as our previous one.”

Feinga has produced costumes for the past four night shows, and said seeing the change in the shows is one of her favorite parts of working at the PCC. She loves being able to be a part of the change and working with such great people. Currently, there are only two full time employees, two students, one community member, and nine missionaries.

“I am so grateful to have the sister missionaries working here with us, for that we get double, triple, quadruple the blessings.

They help us physically and spiritually as well. It’s so great for the students who come in to work to be able to ask them questions and get that grandmotherly advice. The PCC is blessed to have the missionaries working with us,” said Feinga.

- Keryn a Mo n so n

PCC’s seamstress department sews and produces 90 percent of the decorative costumes in the Center. There are two full time employees, two BYUH students, one community member and nine senior missionaries who work in the department.

Photo by Ye Stephanie Liang

august 29, 2013

19

Polynesian Cultural Crossword Test your PCC knowledge!

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18.

Across 7 a.k.a. Easter Island 8 number of total acres of PCC grounds 12 PCC Welcomes__-millionth visitor in April, 2003 14 Name of Hawaiian sailing canoe 15 Canoe show made debut in 2000; __ of Paradise 16 This scary seasonal attraction made its debut in 2008 17 Total years in operation for PCC 18 Name of the current night show

Down 1 Famous sweet treat; Pineapple __ 2 Ancient Hawaiian ‘Checkers’ 3 PCC promo teams joins NBC’s “Today Show” with this host 4 Original theatre name 5 Church president who envisioned PCC 6 a.k.a. New Zealand 9 A member of French Polynesia 10 PCC installs 18 of these in February 2003 11 A Night Through __; 1st night show 13 A village at PCC that features hula and ukulele lessons 16 Hawaiian journey Theater’s previous name

1. Deelite 2. Konane 3. Al Roker 4. Captain Cook 5. McKay 6. Aotearoa 9. Marquesas 10. Tikis 11. Polynesia 13. Hawaii 16. Hukilau

7. Rapa Nui 8. Forty Two 12. Thirty 14. Iosepa 15. Rainbows 16. Haunted Lagoon 17. Fifty 18. Ha

DOWN

ACROSS

Answers: