Polynesian Cultural Center and Laie Community News 

Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announces new category

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, which has partnered with the Polynesian Cultural Center in showcasing the organization’s permanent exhibit gallery near the front entrance, announced on July 14, 2015, the establishment of Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award, presented by Hawaiian Airlines.

Starting with an inductee reception and celebration dinner in the Hawaii Convention Center on Friday, January 29, 2016, it will be awarded annually to the most outstanding professional football player of Polynesian ancestry. The enshrinement ceremony will take place the next day, Saturday, January 30, 2016, at the Polynesian Cultural Center:

• 10:30 a.m.: Class of 2016 gallery dedication
• 11:00 a.m.: Enshrinement Ceremony reception
• 12:00 p.m.: Enshrinement Ceremony in the Hawaiian Journey Theater
• 1:30 p.m.: Autograph Session outside the theater
• 2:30 p.m.: Inductee PCC canoe parade

Jesse Sapolu, PFHOF Chairman and Co-Founder, said the new award will help “showcase the immense talent of our current Polynesian athletes at the highest level of football.”

He added that the name of five PFHOF finalists will be announced on December 8. the first recipient will be announced on January 6, 2016

Ma’a Tanuvasa, PFHOF Vice-Chairman and Co-Founder, pointed out, “Today, there are about 60 players of Polynesian ancestry on active NFL rosters, [and] we are proud that five of the first 66 players selected in this year’s NFL Draft were Polynesian.”

The Courtyard Oahu North Shore hotel is open and other news

The new Courtyard Oahu North Shore by Marriott hotel is now open. Reservations can be made by calling 808-293-4900, or by going to Courtyard Oahu North Shore.

A grand opening ceremony for the hotel is planned for August 29, 2015. All are invited, simply RSVP by emailing Leilani.Love@Marriott.com or call 808.293.4583.

Meanwhile, construction work on two other projects in Laie is moving ahead:

• The roof is on the new Laie McDonalds, exterior decorations are going up, and the restaurant is tentatively targeted to open in September.

• Crews completed site preparation for the new Laie Foodland & Aloha Gas Station at the Laie Shopping Center, and have now started construction on the gas pump islands with eight fueling points, convenience store, and awning. The work is expected to take several more months to complete, with opening in the Fall.