TALK STORY

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MatteTeoLaiePoint

This Our Fathers Did for Us

In 1960, Matte Te‘o traveled with fellow labor missionaries from Sāmoa and Tonga to build the Church College of Hawai‘i, the Lāʻie Temple additions, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Despite injury and long days of work, he stayed committed to his calling. Each day began with prayer and purpose. From singing hymns on the flight to helping with chapels at night, he served with heart. “See, this our fathers did for us,” he says—a lasting legacy of faith and sacrifice.

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The Polynesian Cultural Center sails the Iosepa, BYU–Hawaii's 57-foot wa'a kaulua or traditional Hawaiian canoe, past Mokoli'i islet in Kaneohe Bay.

PCC’s new voyaging master sails the Iosepa

In June 2024, the Polynesian Cultural Center and BYU–Hawaii worked together to prepare and sail the beautiful 57-foot traditional wooden Hawaiian sailing canoe Iosepa to Kualoa to participate in the Pacific Festival gathering of canoes at Kualoa. On its way back to Laie, the Iosepa circumnavigated Oahu.

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pcc-promo-students-meet-McKays

‘Polynesian Festival’ Wins Fans

Many of the Polynesian Cultural Center students who participated in the 1966 mainland promotion to the Hollywood Bowl and Salt Lake City said their visit with President David O. McKay and his wife, Emma, at their home in Huntsville, Utah, was the highlight of the trip.

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TeNgaio-temple-group-1938

Joe and Millie Tengaio

When Austin TeNgaio opened a box from his grandfather, he discovered photos, stories, and an original Johnny Lingo script. His great-grandparents, Joe and Millie TeNgaio, helped build the Aotearoa Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center and preserve Māori culture. Joe’s unexpected role in Johnny Lingo became part of their legacy of faith, service, and cultural pride.

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Tim Mocodompis with Elder & Sister Andersen

Timmy Mocodompis

Timmy Mocodompis, from Tangerang, Indonesia, (a city of about 2 million people on the western border of Jakarta), exemplifies resilience and determination.

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Hella Lunnen

Hella Lunnen

Senior Polynesian Cultural Center missionary Hella Lunnen—still spry at 89 years old—pulls her weight with the “younger” senior missionaries at the Mission Settlement, an area consisting of three buildings dedicated to honoring contributions of early Christian missionaries to Laʽie.

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