LEAD IMAGE: (left) Blaine and Cynthia Jacobson in 2023; (r) Blaine, Cynthia and their daughter at their farewell in 2002

We love it when ʻohana from the past are able to return to Lāʻie. This October we are excited to welcome back Blaine Jacobson and his wife Cynthia. They lived here before, from 1999 to 2002.

Blaine served three years in the Marketing Department, most of it as the Vice President of Marketing. He had the opportunity to work with three presidents of the Polynesian Cultural Center: Lester Moore, Von Orgill and Alfred Grace. He points out that he got to know all three of these men very well, and that they are all great people.

One of the greatest challenges during that time was the events of 9/11. He remembers working with both the Officers Team (Administrators) to formulate strategies, and then with his Marketing team members to work those strategies. Reaching out to the Kamaʻāina across the island helped the Center to stay open. Additionally, great sacrifices by staff and administration helped immensely.

The Jacobsons returned to the mainland in 2002, but they continued to have fond memories of the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Fast forward to 2023. Blaine and Cynthia have received a call to return to the Polynesian Cultural Center starting this October!

“We are excited to have the opportunity to serve”, Blaine shared. “We have no expectations of our own. My role is different now. Instead of helping set strategy, we’ll be serving in any way needed. We all build on the work of those who came before us, and we hope to help further the effort. We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity.”

We are grateful to all of our volunteers. We know how much they have sacrificed to be here, and their efforts in helping us to share the beauty of the Polynesian Cultures. Thank you all – and Aloha to Blaine and Cynthia!

Bio of Nina S. Jones, Blogger for the Polynesian Culture Center 

Nina Jones, a mainland gal from way back, is now a transplanted Islander. With her husband of over 45 years, she volunteers at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Her hobbies include swimming, traveling, studying and writing about what she is learning from the various Polynesian cultures. Her blogs focus on their history, beliefs, practices and – as an added bonus – delicious food! To her, Polynesia is not just a place to visit, it is a way to live and she is very honored to be able to be a part of their amazing world.