By Rosy Banks
Staff Writer
“Aloha spirit is about people coming together, celebrating unity, and then being able to take that with them to everyone they come in contact with.” – April Uyehara, Hawaii Club President
Aloha spirit soared through Firestone Fieldhouse Sunday.
Uniting the Pacific Island cultures of Hawaii and Tahiti, the Hawaii Club sponsored the third annual Luau. The club shared the unique cultures with the community of Malibu through authentic food, dance, and prizes.
“We hope they take a lot of culture home, and have as much fun celebrating as we have,” Hawaii Club President April Uyehara said.
Each member of the Hawaii club stressed spreading aloha spirit over Pepperdine’s campus and throughout the world. A state of mind typical of islanders, spirit is a laid-back attitude welcoming people of all backgrounds and cultures.
“Aloha spirit is about people coming together, celebrating unity, and then being able to take that with them to everyone they come in contact with,” Uyehara said.
With tables full and all food tickets sold out, Hawaii club members said they met their goals, but that it has been a rough road.
“This year’s luau took blood, sweat and tears,” senior Kanoe Hook said. “We had less money than last year but the show must go on. But although we had more expenses, there were more Pepperdine students participating than before.”
Shaking the Hula, 37 dancers graced the stage along with the live band “Island Bound.” Preparing for more than a semester, Hawaii members had to choreograph and learn dances within one month of the performance.
Not all dancers were from the islands, and this year’s group was a mix of students from across the United States, along with those from native Hawaii and Tahiti. The Hawaii Club, although spreading awareness of Hawaiian culture, welcomes members from all walks of the globe.
“People should join just to have fun,” senior Gia Vaita said. “You don’t have to pay, and we do a lot of extracurricular activities that are not involved in the greek system.”
All members had their part in preparing for the luau, whether it was serving, dancing or emceeing. Fundraisers throughout the year helped pay for the luau, along with funds provided by the Student Government Association.
Fresh from Hawaii, pineapple adorned tables as guests sat awaiting dances. Emcees Scott Harvey and Kamaka Parker kept guests busy through breaks by giving the lesser known facts of Hawaii, such as the “correct”way to crack a coconut and how maidens who adorn their right ears with flowers are “taken.” Authentic prizes such as a black pearl from Tahiti, macadamia nuts, and Hawaiian caramels were shared with the audience.
“We want to show an experience from Hawaii.” Harvey said. “It’s good to know the culture of a lot of students at Pepperdine and to know the culture of one of our own states.”
Improvising for much of his emcee time, Harvey originally prepared to be a dancer. Because a surgery rendered him unable to do so, Hawaii club members asked that he still emcee because they wanted him to take part.
Other clubs also joined in sharing aloha. Women’s Water Polo served the Hawaiian grub and other “mahalos”, or thank you’s, went out to professors, families and businesses who helped make the luau a reality.
“Good energy” is one benefit Tahitian student Teva Forcade hopes guests took home with them.
“Celebrating aloha again this year, the Hawaii club has expanded and hopes to unite even more students at Pepperdine.
“It’s just a fun way of life — everyone’s chill, relaxed and happy,” junior and hula dancer Mike Bradfield said.
March 27, 2003
