Laie Days conclude with a Kupuna Luncheon focused on preserving culture and community bonds
Laie’s annual Kupuna Luncheon wrapped up the month-long Laie Days celebration, with kapunas expressing their gratitude for the luncheon’s focus on the importance of reconnecting with the community, cultural preservation and sharing aloha. Sifiti Fuller, a kapuna from Laie, highlighted the joy of socializing with friends and family. “It’s amazing to see everyone from the same generation who we used to see years ago get together, updating each other on our lives and sharing love and aloha through memories.”
The luncheon at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Aug. 29 was marked by hula performances and heartfelt reflections. Fuller performed hula during the special program.to celebrate heritage and reconnect across generations.
She emphasized the importance of love and honoring one’s heritage, attributing it to the influence of ancestors. “Today reminds me of the love our ancestors showed as they paved the way for our success and the blessings we enjoy today,” she said.
Reflecting on her dedication to preserving Hawaiian culture through music and dance, Fuller said spreading the spirit of aloha with the kupunas is a central part of her contribution to the event. “Sharing aloha through dance and music brings happiness and a sense of unity,” she said.
Fuller concluded by highlighting the rarity of such gatherings and the importance of cherishing them. “I am exceedingly grateful to our Heavenly Father for this opportunity to reunite with brothers and sisters we haven’t seen in years,” she said.
Former Polynesian Cultural Center employee Sefulu Sauni, a kapuna from Laie, agreed and shared her excitement at seeing familiar faces. “I was surprised to see so many of my former co-workers … [from] the PCC luau,” Sauni said. “It’s been many moons since we worked together.” She expressed her gratitude for the gathering that brought together individuals who have contributed to BYU–Hawaii and the PCC. “I am forever grateful for this opportunity to step out of our homes, share stories and catch up on life experiences with those I used to work with,” she added.
Notable attendees, including the Laie Community Association members, hosted the event, which featured Hawaiian delights like various flavors of kalua pork, poke, coconut bread, rice noodles and more. The event celebrated memories and maintained cultural bonds.
Charlene Silva, a kupuna from Wahiawa, discussed the significance of community events like the luncheon for kupunas in Hawaii, particularly those on fixed incomes. “I love how our communities, especially on the North Shore, take good care of us kupuna,” she said. “Having access to free events is key to many kupunas’ enjoyment. I understand how most kupunas are on a fixed income and would love to participate, but they can't due to their limited budgets.”
She emphasized the value of socialization and staying active, noting the agility of many elders who engage in activities like hula and share memories with old classmates from elementary and high school. “I am filled with energy seeing our kupuna enjoying their time together through sharing their talents in hula, swaying from left to right.”
Silva also shared insights on the impact of tourism on the islands, expressing concerns about environmental degradation and the need to return to basics, which she believes has changed significantly over time. “There are many changes in the world today including our home, Hawaii. One of the things that I am concerned about is the drinking water,” she said. She shared her personal daily practices, such as boiling drinking water, using rainwater for her plants and turning off sprinklers. Silva voiced concerns about rising sea levels and questioned if there are safer routes to avoid the dangers posed by the increasing sea level.
As an involved kupuna invested in her community, Silva said she advocates for conservation and resilience, urging a return to traditional survival skills rather than the tourism-driven changes that have affected Hawaiian culture. “One major change from the past is how Hawaii has shifted from focusing on traditional practices to producing things for tourism and profit, rather than preserving the culture itself,” she said.