May 21, 2014
Donna and her husband visited PCC back in 1991 (23 years ago) and when they bought a souvenir at one of the shops, received this $5 bill as part of their change. It has a Deposit stamp to Bank of Hawaii with the Polynesian Cultural Center name (look closely at the last two lines of the red stamp).
They thought that was a fun little thing that would remind them of the great time they had here, so for all these years, they kept the bill and promised each other that they would someday return to their personal paradise here in Hawaii and the PCC.
Sadly, a few years ago her husband fell ill and passed away. Donna decided that she would fulfill her promise, albeit alone, to return to Hawaii. She came to the Center, handed us this bill and said, “The PCC is a paradise to us so returning this bill to the PCC makes me feel like I’m returning my husband’s soul
to dwell here in this paradise forever!”
This special $5 bill is going to be framed and hung in the Guest Services Office as a daily reminder that we have the wonderful opportunity and responsibility to help create a little bit of paradise on earth for every guest that comes through our doors.
Jimmy Mapu is the beloved Governor of the Polynesian Cultural Center, a title earned through decades of dedicated service and genuine care for people. He currently serves as Director of Guest Services, where he provides steady leadership and mentorship to the Center’s tour guides and frontline employees who bring Polynesian culture to life each day.
Known for his warmth, humor, and gift for storytelling, Jimmy’s reflections speak not only to guests but especially to the employees he leads—capturing the heart, history, and values that define the Polynesian Cultural Center.
