Elder Neil Andersen visits PCC

Submitted by: Jimmy Mapu, Guest Services Manager 

Elder Andersen & Family experiencing PCC

Aloha PCC Ohana,

Just wanted to thank everyone for helping to create a successful and memorable experience for Elder and Sister Andersen and their family on Thursday.  They spoke very highly of everyone they met and their time here with all of you.  

Big Mahalo to President Grace for greeting them when they arrived and seeing them off after the night show.  Thank you so much to Security for helping secure their parking stalls before their arrival.  Mahalo to Pres. Steve La’ulu and all of the Islands for being so well-prepared and hosting the party with so much love and hospitality at both the cultural presentations and at the different activities. (My apologies to Tahiti, who was first on the agenda but had to be skipped because the party arrived late.)  Thank you to Pewa, Sam, and all those involved in the fabulous lu’au production on stage as well as Greg, Misty & the team for the preparation and presentation of the delicious food.  Elder Andersen said the food was “even better than he remembered it being last time” and Sister Andersen said she loved the new costumes and, of course, the beautiful dancers who wore them.  They all enjoyed meeting Delsa and the night show cast before the show and were among the first to jump to their feet as part of the standing ovation afterward.  

Elder & Sister Andersen, along with their children and grandchildren, continually expressed their gratitude and said how pleased they were to see the Center open again and thriving.  In fact, at the end of the night, one of their grandsons, who was probably only 9 or 10 years old, tugged on my shirt while I was mid-conversation with his grandfather.  “I just wanted to tell you how much I loved our time here”, he said.  Impressed, I glanced at Elder Andersen, who was smiling proudly, then back again at this young man.  “So you had fun today!  I guess it was a good day.” I said smiling.  He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “THE.  BEST.  DAY.  EVER.  I wish I could stay here forever!”  

Thank you to everyone who made their visit here “the best day ever”.  That’s what “wow’ing customers” looks like to me! 

 **Attached are some of the photos of their visit.  As is our tradition, we gifted them with over 200 photos taken throughout the day by the talented Isikeli Fehoko, for which they were extremely grateful.  

 

Keali’i Haverly becomes a board member of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association  

Submitted by: Jay Reid Weekly Update Coordinator 

 

Congratulations and mahalo to Keali’i Haverly (Director, Facilities) who because of his dedication and passion for the preservation of the beautiful rich Hawaiian Culture has become a board member of the NHHA. Keali’i has always made an impact wherever he has been. As a Bishop, Stake President, Director of Facilities , and now a new board member with the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, he has always found a way to lead by example.  

He has served many years within the Polynesian Cultural Center and we are grateful to have such an inspiring leader to perpetuate the purpose of the Center. We congratulate Kea and express our appreciation for his continued level of community service through this distinguished appointment.

 

Employees go above and beyond

Submitted by: Jay Reid, Weekly Update Coordinator 

 

Hello PCC,   

My name is Christian and I recently visited PCC for the Exclusive Alii Luau Package (Order #151113). Me and my girlfriend (Hannah) had an amazing time and I cannot thank you enough. What I am writing to you about is the staff. When I came out from PCC ~9 pm, I came back to my rental car in the parking lot finding it with a flat tire.  

I walked back into PCC and asked for help because I do not know how to change a tire. Tanner and Chris both came out to the car with me to help me change it. The tire had a master lock on it that we were not able to get off so we could not change the tire. I called the rental owner and he said it would take 2 hours for him to get out to me. I told them they should go home since we were just going to be waiting and nothing else, we could do. They refused! They said they were going to wait until we were taken care of. Their generosity and extraordinary efforts made us feel so much better and I cannot thank them enough. After an hour of being out there, Brian and Emma stopped by to also hang out with us. Finally, Spencer, the security guard came over to hang out with us too. We tried to tip Tanner and Chris, but they would not take any money from us. 

Hannah and I are so thankful and I wanted to make sure all five of them were recognized, but especially Tanner and Chris. I sincerely appreciate everything PCC and please let me know if there is anything else I can do for them. 

Thank you, 

Christian 

 

COVID Vaccination Chart 

Submitted by: Elder Tom Davis

Here is a chart of the vaccination levels at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  Please remain vigilant and aware of CDC guidelines to ensure a safe environment for all. 

Hurricane Season 

Submitted by: Elder Tom Davis

 

Currently, there are two storms Southeast of Hawaii.  One named Felicia has been downgraded to a Tropical storm. The other is an unnamed tropical depression. Neither of which is likely to impact Hawaii but they do offer a reminder that we are in hurricane season. The following comes from our “Emergency and Security Procedures”: 

Hurricane Watch: In the event that a Hurricane Watch is issued, Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. 

Hurricane Warning: In the event that a Hurricane Warning is issued, Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours or less. 

Hurricane Advisory: When an event is occurring. 

• • When advised, evacuate to Cannon Activities Center (CAC) for community members and PCC Guests. No Food will be provided at the CAC. On-campus students should shelter in their TVA apartments or Dormitories (hales). 
  • During a warning, when sirens sound, secure windows. 
  • Secure loose objects that may blow away, such as outdoor furniture.  
  • Stay indoors during high winds. Stay away from windows and do not open windows. 
  • Keep away from exterior walls and doors 
  • Turn off water and electricity at main stations, Unplug appliances. 
  • Remain in a safe area until the warning expires or until emergency personnel has issued an “all clear” signal. 
  • Help as directed. Serve others. 

Emergency kit and 72-hour kit suggestions 

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation) 
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food) 
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio 
• Flashlight 
• First aid kit 
• Extra batteries 
• Whistle (to signal for help) 
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Manual can opener (for food) 
• Medication 
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers 
• Pets and their needs 
• Some cash 
• Important family documents 
• Sleeping bag or blankets 
• Extra clothing – including shoes 
• Fire extinguisher 
• Matches in a waterproof container 
• Hygiene items 
• Mess kit, paper cups, plates, paper towels 
• Something to pass the time (games, books, etc.)