Luau
The Taggart Student Center Ballroom was filled to capacity Friday night when more than 1,000 people crowded in to watch the seventh annual Luau put on by the Polynesian Student Union (PSU).
Last year’s revenue from the event totaled around $8,000, and the show was considered to be the No. 1 production of its kind for all universities in the nation, said Kanoe Yuzon, a senior majoring in technical education.
This year’s total revenue is expected to exceed that of previous years. Aside from ticket sales, the luau participants collected extra proceeds through the Polynesian tradition of audience members giving money to favored dancers by throwing bills at their feet, tucking money into costumes and even sticking it to their well-oiled skin.
All proceeds from the event will go to help with next year’s luau as well as to fund a scholarship fund for members of the PSU.
“I think this was one of the best years ever for the PSU,” Yuzon said.
Yuzon, who has participated in the luau for the past three years, said she enjoys learning more of her culture and feeling the spirit of the other members in the PSU.
“They’re just so fun to be with and learn from,” Yuzon said.
Jeff Mauga, PSU president and a senior majoring in business information systems, said the luau has some very familiar feelings.
“It reminds me of home. This is the only chance I get every year to visit my roots,” Mauga said.
There were 32 members who danced in this year’s luau and many more that were unable to participate for various reasons, Yuzon said.
Not all members of the Polynesian Student Union are Polynesian. Only about three-quarters of the PSU have any Polynesian background, Yuzon said.
Kim Kawakami, a junior in graphic design, said what she enjoys most about the luau and the PSU in general is the diversity.
“There are so many different dancers from so many different nations. You are accepted no matter your race,” Kawakami said.
(Angelie Christensen )