LAIE, Hawaii — Brigham Young University-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center reached a new level of cooperation on Nov. 6 as officials from both Church institutions, CES Commissioner W. Rolfe Kerr, master carvers, major donors, cultural and community representatives used traditional o'o (Polynesian digging sticks) to break ground for a new halau wa'a in the PCC's Hawaiian village.
The halau wa'a or "canoe learning compound" will become the permanent berth for BYU-Hawaii's 57-foot traditional twin-hulled Hawaiian sailing canoe, the Iosepa, when it isn't on the water. A nearby gate will provide easy access when the large canoe is towed to nearby Hukilau beach, where it was initially launched in 2001 after being carved from seven large Fijian logs. The canoe has been temporarily berthed behind dormitories on campus since then.
"There's been a spirit about this canoe we call Iosepa that has bound the hearts, spirit and minds of all who have been associated with it," said PCC President Von D. Orgill. He added the canoe embodies the special relationship between the Center and BYU-Hawaii.
William K. "Uncle Bill" Wallace III, director of the BYU-Hawaii Hawaiian Studies program, thanked the major donors who have provided most of the funds for the canoe and its new home, and said their generosity "is important to us, but it means we have responsibility. I promise that we will do the best that we can to take care of the canoe and all the many blessings that have come our way because of your love and aloha."
One of the donors, Ira A. Fulton, a member of the PCC's board of directors and the BYUH/PCC Presidents' Leadership Council, replied, "I just love this place, and I've really gotten close to Uncle Bill. I'm so proud to be involved here."
Mark H. Willes, another major donor who is chairman of the PCC board, co-chairman of the Presidents' Leadership Council and a former mission president in Hawaii, observed "how anytime somebody comes in touch with the canoe, they feel something special." He also predicted the new halau wa'a and the canoe "will make a large difference" and be "a transforming project for the Polynesian Cultural Center, for BYU-Hawaii and the Church."
