Article #1: Congrats to our new managers!
Submitted by: Delsa Moe, VP of Cultural Presentations
Signpost directing guests to the Islands of Polynesia at the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Islands Dept congratulates John “Sione” Milford who was recently transferred from Tonga to Samoa as the new manager of the Samoa Village, replacing Tipa Galeai who passed away in late December. Sione will also continue in his role as Senior Cultural Ambassador. We extend a big malo ‘aupito to Sione for his 22 years of service in the Tonga Village – that’s more than half his life serving there.
John “Sione” Milford has been assigned to serve as the manager to the Tonga Village
With Sione’s transfer to Samoa, we welcome back and also congratulate Walter Tonga as the new manager of the Tonga Village. Walter is no stranger to PCC. He worked in the Theater Dept as a student dancer and for the last few years, he has been instrumental in selling and conducting tours to PCC.
Walter Tonga is now serving as the Manager to the Tonga Village
We’re looking forward to the experienced leadership that both of these men bring in helping us achieve the mission of PCC.
Article #2: Employee Fireknife Competition
Submitted by: Delsa Moe, VP of Cultural Presentations
Winners Elway Tora and Isaac Milford (Photo credit: Lagi Ruta Oloa)
On Wed, March 2, 2022, David Galeai, 3-times world fireknife champion and employee of our Culinary Services Division, organized and presented our 3rd Annual Employee Fireknife Competition. This event provides the opportunity for employees to improve their knife dancing skills, experience the nerve-wracking challenges of performing in front of their peers and possibly earn a future spot as the featured knife dancer in our HA: Breath of Life show. There were 14 males and 1 female from various departments who competed in the senior category as well as 3 young men who competed in the junior category.
Congratulations to Elway Tora for winning the Junior division. He currently works as a dancer in Theater Dept’s night show. Congratulations also to Isaac Milford, a volunteer in the Samoan village, for winning the Senior division. We’re also very proud of all our employees and volunteers who were courageous enough to participate.
All of the competitors onstage at the Pacific Theater
A big faamalo to the sponsors who donated prizes, the fantastic volunteer drummers of Vaimatina, the judges, Theater and HR department for supporting the event and especially to David Galeai and his extended family for hosting and running a very well-organized activity.
Article #3: We Are Samoa Festival 2022 Information
Submitted by: Delsa Moe, VP of Cultural Presentations
The 29th Annual We Are Samoa Festival (WASF), which includes the World Fireknife Championships, is coming up in May. You can find more info and purchase tickets at www.worldfireknife.com
Schedule of events during our 2022 We Are Samoa/World Fireknife Championships
Warrior/competitor registrations can be completed online at the above website. The Islands Office is handling all registrations, processing, and inquiries regarding the competitors for the World Fireknife Championship. They can be reached at islandsoffice@jp-staging.polynesia.com or 808-293-3107.
Any further questions can be directed to Delsa Moe.
Article #3: Employee Parking and Services for Guests
Submitted by: Eric Workman, VP of Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer
At the Center, we strive to make sure every guest has an unforgettable experience
All PCC employees: While we wait for construction to be finished in our parking lots, please park only in the back employee parking lots. The front and Marketplace parking lots should be readily available for our guests.
Also, did you know that the following services are available to our guests?
There are a number of clean, convenient restrooms placed strategically throughout the Polynesian Cultural Center and Hukilau Marketplace. Each of our facilities includes infant changing stations and ADA-accessible stalls.
Additionally, there is a family restroom located right next door to the Islands Office behind Hale Aloha. It is also ADA accessible and equipped with a shower for cleaning up embarrassing accidents. See the Islands Office for a key to the restroom or call them at 808-293-3107 to inform them of any guests needing to use that facility.
The First Aid Office in the Welcome Center is available for nursing mothers to breastfeed their babies or to pump milk (guests must provide their own pumps). The Islands Office Conference Room and Guides Conference Room are alternative nursing areas, as well as the Ambassador Tour Lounge after 3 pm – see the Customer Service Rep for access.
The Customer Service kiosk next to the Ambassadors Lounge in the Hukilau Marketplace rents out wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons. They are also the main Lost & Found location for PCC.