Ho’olakahi brings culture to community

Anita Castro
News Reporter

On Saturday, April 16, Mesa State students and community members gathered in the Brownson Arena for a night full of food and entertainment as the Ho’olakahi Polynesian Club hosted their 11th annual Lu’au.
The theme was “Ho’olulu I Ka Na’auao,” which means, “to grow in wisdom.”
“It’s a great way to show our culture,” Allison Chandler, a former MSC student who helped with the lu’au said.
Guests were greeted to traditional Polynesian cuisine and entertainment as the club performed dances from the islands of Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji and the Tokelau Islands. Members of the club also sang and played Hawaiian songs.
“The food was amazing,” freshman LeAnn Brock said. “It was cool to see another culture too.”
Club members left the stage to round up volunteers to dance on stage with them. A pie eating contest also took place on stage, where five contestants raced against the clock to try and eat more of their pie then any of their competitors.
“The food was delicious, the entertainment was fantastic,” freshman Tess Matsukawa said. “I was feeling the aloha spirit. It made me want to dance.”
The Polynesian Club began planning the event last April after new officers were elected, and their preparation for the dances began in October.
“The night went pretty good, better than expected,” club member Chester Manalo said.
Faculty advisor Fau Antillon said she was pleased with the evening as well.
“Tonight was great. MSC students are the best,” Antillon said. “This is where they come and learn to dance. Some of these performers have never danced before coming here.”
u
acastro@mesastate.edu

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