Palo Verde to host Pacific Isles event

"A hui hou, malama pono."

Members of the Polynesian Club at Palo Verde High School have learned that those melodic, Hawaiian words mean "until we meet again, take care."

Anyone who attends their next event can learn that and more about Polynesian cultures.

The group plans to host Palo Verde's Journey Through the Pacific Isles, a luau set for 5 to 9 p.m. May 5.

The event is intended to raise awareness about the Asian-Pacific Islands while earning money for future Polynesian Club activities.

At the event, different types of ethnic arts and crafts will be available for purchase and informational booths will teach visitors about Polynesian and Asian cultures.

Craft booths will offer activities for nominal fees.

The dinner and show portion begins at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. The show will offer a pseudo-trip through Polynesian countries beginning in Hawaii and traveling to Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, the Philippines and Japan.

Aloha Island Grill plans to cater the event with an Aloha Mix Plate dinner, including grilled chicken, short ribs, beef, macaroni salad and rice.

The school's Polynesian Club was formed in the fall of 2003. Besides teaching members cultural dances, members learn history and tradition, and that Hawaii should really be spelled "Hawai'i."

"As a child, I didn't really have the chance to learn Hawaiian dance because I lived on the mainland, not Hawaii," said Candace Boring. "As a student, I was expecting the club to educate me about the cultures of Polynesia and to help me to learn about Hawaiian dance."

She said the one task she found most rewarding was helping the other girls in the club learn new things.

"I wanted to change it into a more 'true to culture' experience," Boring said. "This is rewarding to me because now they have a better understanding of why they do the dances that they do."

While the club's name might conjure up images of young women in grass skirts swaying to the music, rest assured the male gender is well represented.

The Polynesian Club is currently made up of nine girls and seven boys.

"Our young kanes (men) sing, dance and play music for the group.

"They are an important part of our ohana (family)," said Sarah Boring, campus security monitor and group facilitator. "Their love for the culture is as deep as those of the girls."

The club is involved in community service and performs free of charge at different events.

One of those events was the Fiesta Filipina, held last October on Fremont Street. There, the club did a full half-hour program.

That same month, the group also appeared at Lake Las Vegas for the Hawaiian Isle Festival.

Lately, the club's efforts have been directed at helping those stricken by the deadly tsunami.

The students raised more than $1,700 and sent a truckload of supplies to affected countries.

Admission to the dinner and show is $15 per person.

For more information, call Palo Verde High School at 799-1450, ext. 1450, from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Palo Verde High School is located at 333 S. Pavilion Center Drive.