Junior Pacific and Duet Champions Also Named on Second Night of Competition
La‘ie, Hawai‘i – May 15, 2009 – While it was well past midnight when the final flame was extinguished at the Polynesian Cultural Center, the energy was high as the finalists for the World Fireknife Championships were announced. It was déjà vu as the last year's three semifinalists - Joseph Cadousteau (Tahiti), Mikaele Oloa (Waialua, Hawaii) and Viavia Tiumalu (Orlando, Fla.) – will once again return to the Pacific Theater stage for the final round of competition.
Earlier in the evening the Junior Pacific Fireknife Championships, featuring dancers from ages six to 17, crowned their own champions. Rex Tiumalu from Orlando, Fla. took the top spot in the 12 to 17 age category – a title his older brother, 2008 World Fireknife Champion Viavia Tiumalu, won two years ago. Along with a specially designed trophy fireknife, Tiumalu also received a check for $800. Hale Motuapuaka of Honolulu, Hawaii, claimed the championship for the six to 11 age category – his second win in two years. Motuapuaka received $150 for his top position.
"It's so amazing what these kids can do, and at such a young age," said Delsa Moe, competition emcee and director of cultural presentations at the Polynesian Cultural Center. "When I was their age, my parents warned me not to play with fire – not so for these amazing keiki."
Winning the final competition of Friday night were the Lavatai brothers, Jeurell and Brandon Lee, proved that it was all in the family as they easily won the Duets Fireknife title and took home a cash prize of $600.
Later today, Saturday, May 16, PCC's Pacific Theater will be center stage for the finalists during the intermission of the 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Horizons night show. The scores from each performance will be combined for the winning score, which will be announced at the end of the 8 p.m. show.
Along with Fireknife Championship events visitors have the opportunity to attend the Samoa Festival High School Cultural Presentation earlier in the day. Students from five Hawai‘i high schools will demonstrate their Samoan cultural knowledge and skills in friendly competitions such as basket weaving, coconut husking, banana peeling, fire making, singing, dancing, and oration. PCC visitors are welcome to watch these competitions in the Pacific Theater beginning at 9 a.m. Seats are reserved for this very popular event, so early ticket purchase is recommended.
Sponsored by Henry S. Mataalii Company, Hawaiian Airlines, Turtle Bay Resort, Electric Pencil, Pepsi, Bank of Hawaii, Galumalemana Lester W.B. Moore, Hawaii Tourism Authority and the City & County of Honolulu, this annual competition draws spectators from around the world.
Tickets for the Samoa Festival High School Cultural Presentation on Saturday, May 16, can still be purchased for just $10 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5 to 11. The finals competition can only be viewed with purchase of a ticket to the Horizons Night Show. Visit www.Polynesia.com for reservation information or call 800-367-7060. In Hawaii, call 808-293-3333.
Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the PCC has entertained more than 34 million visitors, while preserving and portraying the culture, arts, and crafts of Polynesia to the rest of the world. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to 17,000 young people from over 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawai'i. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC's revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.
FINAL COMPETITON STANDINGS
Junior Pacific Fireknife Dance Championships
12-17 Age Category
Champion – Rex Tiumalu, Orlando, Fla.
2nd – Julius Tafiti, Laie, Hawaii
3rd – Justeen Castillo, Kaneohe, Hawaii
6-11 Age Category
Champion – Hale Motuapuaka, Honolulu, Hawaii
2nd – Achilles Tafiti Laie, Hawaii
3rd – Desmond Talia, Honolulu, Hawaii
Duets
Champions - Jeurell and Brandon Lee Lavatai
2nd - Uamana and Justeen Castillo
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Contact:
Amy Hennessey or Maria Quidez
(808) 531-0244
