The seventh annual Polynesian Football Hall of Fame induction began with a blow of a conch shell as the Hall of Fame prepared to honor four new inductees and three players of the year.
A group of men performed the Hawaiian Oli along with an excerpt from the Kumulipo, a dance and chant celebrating the creation story, to finish the opening ceremony.
Vai Sikahema, a member of the Board of Directors, shared, “We honor not only our history, but hope to teach our youth that [Polynesians] have a place in American Football. I regard the Polynesian Culture Center on the North Shore almost like the Ellis Island of Polynesia. Almost all of us here have some sort of connection, one way or another, to this place.”
Chief Operations Officer of the PCC Jarod Hester took a moment to welcome all in attendance to the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame 2020 Induction. Hester said the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame is intended to “honor the greatest [Polynesian] football players, contributors, and rising stars.”
Hall of Fame Inductees jointly said they are grateful and honored to be recognized with other exemplary men who have, through their hard work and example, continued to pave the way for their Polynesian heritage. Sikahema added Polynesians take pride in their culture.
Hester referenced the Huki show performed at the PCC, which closes with the song “One Ohana.” Hester said he hopes all in attendance and all the honorees leave “feeling ohana, or family, here with us at the Polynesian Cultural Center.”
Sikahema also took the time to recognize the presence of co-founders of the Hall of Fame, Ma‘a Tanuvasa and Jesse Sapolu, who, he said, have 30 years of NFL experience and six Super Bowl championships between them.
The purpose of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame “is to connect past, present, and future of Polynesian football,” said Tanuvasa. Sapolu spoke after and said, “Polynesian culture is about obedience, respect, and humility.” He attributed culture as the reason these players have been so successful and coachable.
Sikahema shared his appreciation for all those who came to the event. He said this was the seventh year the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has been held and given a home at the PCC. In the first year, there were only four or five people in attendance. Now there were barely enough chairs to accommodate a large crowd of people.
Sikahema added Polynesians take pride in their culture. “We try to do everything in our power to make sure our future stars remember that … we’re so talented as a people. We can do so much more than play football.”
Sikahema then introduced each honoree in attendance, beginning with Penei Sewell, from the University of Oregon. Sewell was the first Polynesian to be awarded the Outland Trophy, the highest honor for a college offensive lineman.
Next was Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback for the University of Alabama. Tagovailoa has declared for the 2020 NFL draft and is projected to be selected as one of the top 10 picks in the draft. Sewell and Tagovailoa shared the College Football Co-Player of the Year Award.
Sikahema introduced the 2020 Hall of Fame inductees, beginning with Frank Manumaleuga, who, as a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, was the first Samoan player in the NFL. Following Manumaleuga, David Dixon, who comes from Papakura, New Zealand, was introduced next. Dixon was an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings for 11 years. He started 134 games in the NFL.
Haloti Ngata, who is of Tongan descent and played 13 seasons in the NFL, was introduced next. Ngata wore his Super Bowl XLVII ring, which he won as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in 2013.
The final inductee was Dominic Raiola, who is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii. Raiola played his entire career for the Detroit Lions and holds the franchise’s record for career starts at 203.
Baltimore Ravens lineman Ronnie Stanley who received the Pro Football Player award was not in attendance.