On November 6, 2007, representatives from the PCC, BYU–Hawaii, the joint Presidents’ Leadership Council, community and cultural groups, special guests in Laie for the inauguration of new BYUH President Steven C. Wheelwright, and participants in the second annual International Business Conference will meet in the Hawaiian village to break ground for the new hālau wa’a — the permanent berth, when it’s not afloat, for the BYUH Hawaiian Studies program’s majestic 57-foot twin-hulled sailing canoe, the Iosepa.

Orlin V. Clements, Director of Physical Facilities, said work on the joint PCC/BYU-Hawaii project is tentatively set for completion by June 1, 2008. “We are currently relocating the Hale Ali‘i and the Hale Papa‘a, and we’re also doing the major site excavation — removing the mountain and preparing for the sub-grade of the hālau wa‘a,” he said.

This latest significant addition to the Center marks a unique level of cooperation between the PCC and BYU–Hawaii that will enable Hawaiian Studies students to continue their work on the Iosepa in an appropriate new learning center while also opening the opportunity for visitors to better understand the voyaging feats of ancient Polynesians and feel the mana or essence of the canoe. Major donors contributed the funds for the project.