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Building a temple in Laie Hawaii
LAIE, HAWAII
Nearly 2,000 youth filled the Cannon Activities Center on the BYU-Hawaii Campus on Nov. 20 to celebrate their gathering place — a modern-day puuhonua or city of refuge.
A large replica of the Laie Hawaii Temple rose in the center of the arena. Young performers were dressed in white clothing that represented both the diverse cultures that call Hawaii home and the unifying effect of the refurbished temple.
"The beautiful Laie Hawaii Temple, which will be rededicated in the morning, is the reason for this great celebration," President Thomas S. Monson told the youth. "It shines as a beacon of righteousness to all who will follow its light. We thank our Heavenly Father for the blessings this temple and all temples bring into our lives."
The youth cultural program, held in conjunction with the rededication of the Laie Hawaii Temple and called "The Gathering Place," recounted significant events in local Church history and the history of the temple.
The name of Oahu, the Hawaii island where Laie is located, "is a gathering place because so many cultures live here on the island; everyone is a minority," said Delsa Moe, chairwoman of the production. "And the temple is the gathering place for the Latter-day Saints. This is where all cultures gather."
Scenes from the production honored Hewahewa, who prepared the people of Hawaii for the gospel of Jesus Christ even before the coming of Christianity by abolishing the worshiping of wooden idols, and highlighted the history of the Laie, where defeated warriors or fugitives in ancient Hawaii sought sanctuary. The roles of George Q. Cannon, who translated the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian with the help of Jonathan Napela, one of the first Hawaiian converts of the Church; and Joseph F. Smith, who, at 15, served a four-year mission in Hawaii, were also featured in the production. In addition, the production celebrated sugar and pineapple fields that brought the migration of many cultures to Hawaii and the impact of World War II on the area.
Other scenes portrayed events important in local Church history. For example, when construction of the temple, which was originally dedicated in 1919, was brought to a standstill by depleted supplies, the captain of a stranded freighter rewarded the early Church members who helped him with his entire cargo — lumber. And in 1955, President David O. McKay, with prophetic vision, said millions would visit Laie, where today in addition to the temple, stand BYU-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
"It has given everyone a deeper and richer understanding of the history of the Church in Hawaii and the sacredness of Laie," said Sister Moe. "Even before this was set up as a gathering place for the Saints and the land dedicated for the temple, it was already a sacred place."
Many of the youth spoke about the opportunity to perform for President Thomas S. Monson.
"I have learned about the temple and I have learned about being with each other," said Trisha Mahala, 15, of the Samoan Ward in the Waipahu Hawaii Stake. "This isn't just performing to perform but to perform for our prophet and our Heavenly Father."
"And to show that we care about the gospel and its teachings," added her friend, Sina Pouesi, 15, also of the Waipahu Hawaii Stake.
Trisha had to miss basketball practice two days in a row to perform in the show. Now she will have to sit out of her team's next game. She said that's OK. "We had to make sacrifices to come and learn."
James Sanft, 18, of the Laie 7th Ward, Laie Hawaii North Stake, said the production was a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As the show ended, the 2,000 youth from the Laie Temple District gathered and sang "We Will Bring the World His Truth."
Gathering with 2,000 other youth, and singing about a modern-day Army of Helaman, was the most memorable part of the event for James. "It hit me right here in the heart," he said.
Sister Moe said she hopes the youth never forget that feeling.
"We want this to leave a memorable impression on the youth so that they will make the temple a focus of their life," she said.
