Florida and French Polynesia Competitors Dominate Preliminary Competition
Laie, HI May 15, 2008 Twenty-seven competitors were narrowed to nine at the Polynesian Cultural Center's 16th Annual World Fireknife Championships on Thursday. Competitors from across the state, and across the ocean were challenged to be the fastest and bravest warrior, worthy of the title of World Champion.
With only nine spots in the semifinal competition on Friday, May 15, the preliminary competition separated the good dancers from the best. The nine semifinalists competing tomorrow night are:
- Heiva Potelle French Polynesia
- Jerome Slade Kona, HI
- Sakaio Harry Pupualii Samoa
- Conan Higa Makawao, HI
- Dana Teai French Polynesia
- Mikaele Oloa Orlando, FL
- Andrew "Umi" Sexton Orlando, FL
- Viavia Tiumalu Orlando, FL
- Joseph Cadousteau French Polynesia
Tomorrow night, Friday, May 16, the semifinal competition at Hale Aloha Theater will begin at 7:45 p.m., and only three will move on to compete in the final competition on Saturday night. On Saturday, May 19, PCC's Pacific Theater will be centerstage 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.
Before these nine competitors take the stage tomorrow, junior fireknife dancers as young as six years old will showcase their skills in the Junior Pacific Fireknife Championships starting at 7:45 p.m. in the Hale Aloha Theater. The 6-11 year olds will have seven competitors, while 16 challengers will compete in the 12-17 year old category.
Along with Fireknife Championship events on Saturday, May 17, visitors have the opportunity to attend the Samoa Festival High School Cultural Presentation. Students from eight Hawaii 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, Cirque du Soleil, Pepsi, Bank of Hawaii, Galumalemana Lester W.B. Moore, June's Fabrics, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Western Union and the City County of Honolulu, this annual competition draws spectators from around the world.
Video and photo clips are being posted throughout the competition on the PCC's website www.Polynesia.com in the "What's New" section so fans can track their favorites and share highlights with family and friends. Tickets can still be purchased for just $8 for adults and $6 for kids ages 3-11 for the Thursday and Friday competitions held in the Hale Aloha Theater. Saturday night's event 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 33 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.
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Contact: Amy Hennessey or Maria Quidez at (808) 531-0244
