Introducing – Kim Makekau
Submitted by: Sister Kristine Saunders, Archives
Kim Makekau shows his love for his culture through his work at the Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center has a unique Māori cultural setting known as ‘Te Arohanui o Te Iwi Māori Marae’ (The Great Love of the Māori People). This ‘marae’ (Māori Meeting Grounds) is one of only two that stand outside of New Zealand. Kim Makekau, the current manager in the Islands of Aotearoa, worked here as a student employee and again upon his return in 2006.
Kim was born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and raised in the mainland USA. He returned to Hawai’i to do three things: 1) reconnect with his family, 2) play on the men’s volleyball team at BYU-Hawai’i; and 3) learn about his cultural identity. He graduated with a Bachelor of University Studies Degree in Human Resources Development and Hawaiian Studies.
As it turns out, Kim did reconnect with family and play volleyball, but it was the Polynesian Cultural Center that opened the door to a lifetime of learning and expanding his cultural identity which has shaped his life to the present day.
Kim’s journey at the PCC began at the ‘Kaukau Snack Bar’ (part of the old Banyan Tree) and continued with his employment in the Theater Department working in the old Matinee Show, Canoe Pageant, the Tahiti Village, and the Night Show.
Kim’s search for cultural identity has taken him on a voyage of discovery. He relocated three times to live overseas in Aotearoa New Zealand and returned each time to the PCC to work again in the Night Show, then on to the PCC Farm, Hawai’i Village, Aotearoa New Zealand, back to the Hawai’i Village, over to Marquesas and finally Aotearoa. Specifically, within the Maori Village, he has served as a Cultural Ambassador, Assistant Manager, and is now the Acting Manager.
Kim acknowledges the many Polynesian Cultural Center tutors who have shared the treasure of their knowledge with him. He states, “They took me under their wing and shared with me their knowledge. Their purpose of course in teaching me was so that I could pass that knowledge on to others.” Kim is a nationally recognized expert on Maori weapons.
Kim believes that it is vital for the PCC to find a balance between commercial tourism and the deeper Maori traditional and cultural practices. “We are the caretakers of the past who have the privilege and responsibility of honoring our culture in the present.”
One of many important traditional sayings is: “Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua: ‘I walk backward into the future with my eyes fixed on my past’. The PCC sparked this journey of learning about the past long ago and provides a purpose for me to continue to fulfill the PCC legacy.”
Changes in Days of Operation and Payroll Schedule
Submitted by: P. Alfred Grace, President & CEO
During the holidays, the Polynesian Cultural Center has a few changes to its hours of operation
This year, the Center will be open on Wednesday, December 22nd, and Saturday, January 1st. We will be closed on Saturday, December 25th, and Wednesday, December 29th. These holiday hours will also affect payroll. Next week’s pay date will be a day early, so payday will be Thursday, 12/23/2021 instead of Friday 12/24/2021 as originally indicated on the payroll schedule.
This would require some effort on employees and managers to get timesheets submitted and approved for an early payroll processing Monday morning by 8 am.
So please take to the following instructions to efficiently help us process this early payroll:
- Each employee and manager need to check timesheets before submitting and approving to make sure there are no missing time entries.
- Employees must check timesheets and submit them at the end of their last shift this week.
- Managers and VPs to approve any pending time off and time change requests!
- #1 and #3 are what hold up the majority of our payroll processing each payroll so please make sure to take care of those urgently.
All timesheets will be locked by 8 am Monday, 12/20/2021 which means no adjustments will be accepted after that time.
Chef Graham’s Christmas Special
Submitted by: Nina S. Jones, Digital Commerce Specialist
Come enjoy a delicious, holiday dinner at Pounders Restaurant
Master Chef Graham Elliot of Pounders Restaurant has put together an amazing way to celebrate the holidays right here in beautiful Laie. Along with his incredible daily menu, a special 3-course holiday dinner specially created and presented by Chef Graham will be offered for $65.00.
Served December 20 – 23, 2021 from 5:00 pm to closing, and from 11:00 am until the last seating at 2:45 pm on Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day. Reservations strongly suggested – (808) 293-3287 or poundersrestaurant.com
Submitted by: Lau Niumatalolo
Work Zone Traffic Safety
Workers being struck by vehicles or mobile equipment led to many work zone fatalities or injuries. Work zones need traffic controls identified by signs, cones, barrels, and barriers.
Drivers, workers on foot, and pedestrians must be able to see and understand the proper routes. Construction project managers determine traffic control plans within construction/demolition worksites.
- Traffic control devices, signals, and message boards instruct drivers to follow paths away from where work is being done –
- Approved traffic control devices, including cones, barrels, barricades, and posts, are also used inside work zones –
Work Zone Protections: Various concrete, water, sand, collapsible barriers, crash cushions, and truck-mounted impact absorbers can help limit unauthorized entry by motorists into construction work zones.
Flagging: Flaggers should wear high-visibility clothing with a fluorescent background and make it of retroreflective material. This makes workers visible for at least 1,000 feet in any direction. Check the label or packaging to ensure that the garments are performance class 2 or 3. Drivers should be warned with signs that there will be flaggers ahead. Flaggers should use STOP/SLOW paddles, paddles with lights, or flags (only in emergencies).
Lighting: Flagger stations should be well lit. Lighting for workers on foot and for equipment operators should be at least 5 foot-candles or greater. Where available lighting is not sufficient, flares or chemical lighting should be used. Glare should be controlled or eliminated. Training: Flaggers must be trained/certified and use authorized signaling methods.
Driving: Seat belts and rollover protection should be used on equipment and vehicles as the manufacturer recommends.
For more information: www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742)
