Luau showcased Polynesian culture

Close to 1000 students, staff and community members packed the Peter Stott Center May 18 for the Portland State Pacific Islander’s Club’s fifth annual luau, which raised $1,500 for a scholarship program sponsored by the club.

The scholarship helps bring first-generation students of Pacific Island descent to PSU. The scholarship was started and named after Toeutu Fa’aleaua and Tabitha Whitefoot, two primary supporters of Portland’s Pacific Islander community at Portland State.

Pre-sell tickets for this year’s luau exceeded last year’s attendance. The event featured a mix of different Polynesian events, goods and foods.

Vendors representing the Pacific Islands were on hand at the event, selling cups of Hawaiian shaved ice, t-shirts, handcrafted jewelry and other items.

Rose Lani, a native Hawaiian who attended the event, showed off accessories she made from natural materials such as fresh-water pearls, coral and coconut. Lani said that the mix of students and nationalities brings her to the luau every year.

“I was born in Maui and I go back every year, but I come here because we are all family,” Lani said.

Justin White, the graphic designer for the Pacific Islanders Club, expressed similar sentiment.

“It feels like home,” said White, who sold refreshments and authentic Polynesian candy with other club members at the event.

In addition to the atmosphere, many of the attendees said that they come to the luau for a chance to try the authentic cuisine.

Volunteers and caterers from local restaurants dished up servings of white rice, macaroni salad, green salad and Teriyaki chicken alongside traditional Polynesian dishes like Lomi Lomi salmon, roasted kalua pig and Pagi Popo, a sweet Samoan coconut bun.

The food drew crowds that were larger than expected, according to club President Makerusa Portesano. A line of hungry people that stretched the length of the gymnasium floor delayed other parts of the luau.

“We didn’t expect this many. This is huge,” said Portesano. “We might need to get some help from other caterers to make sure we have enough–we have to make sure everyone gets their fill of the food.”

A luau also featured a live band that played a mix of cover songs and more traditional island music.

Dancing was also a primary form of entertainment, drawing a large crowd of spectators. Luau performers displayed dozens of dances from different Polynesian countries, with such highlights as the traditional hula and the Samoan Siva Afi, a customary fire dance used by warriors to intimidate enemies and celebrate victory.

People from all walks of life participated in the luau. Sina Porotesano, Makerusa Portesano’s mother, said that she and her husband brought their children to experience native culture and customs.

“It’s a great chance for the kids to connect,” Mrs. Portesano said. “Many of the moms and dads like us are from the Islands, so at the luau the kids can experience our culture.”

Fei Wilkening and Lupe Leomiti, both first-generation Samoans, said they were amazed at the size and organization of this year’s event in comparison with previous years.

“This community is growing so rapidly,” Wilkening said.

“The club did so much hard work, it really makes me nostalgic for home,” Leomiti said.

Club officer Briana Tagupa attributes the success of the event to the yearlong effort of everyone involved.

“It is really like a high, the outcome of the luau,” said Tagupa. “We sold out and we made over a thousand dollars for our scholarship. We all worked incredibly hard and practiced so much. I am so proud.”