Football Hall Of Fame Adds Six To New PCC Exhibit

Polynesian Cultural Center recently opened its Polynesian Football Hall of Fame exhibit gallery honoring 13 outstanding players, including six 2015 inductees.

Located in the Laie attraction’s new guest orientation center next to Hukilau Marketplace, the gallery documents the men’s achievements with plaques, photos, mementos, an interactive display and wall of honor.

“It has done a tremendous job of shining a spotlight on the outstanding accomplishments of these football players who have been an inspiration to Polynesian athletes,” said PCC executive vice president Eric Workman. “We’re very proud about the unveiling of this new Hall of Fame exhibit and having people come from around the world to see and learn about the feats of these
football players from Polynesia.”

Honored guests at the latest induction ceremony in Feb- ruary included four of the six Hall of Fame inductees — Jesse Sapolu, Luther Elliss, Ray Schoenke and Russ Francis — plus 2014 Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, the inaugural Polynesian College Football Player of the Year.

The other two inductees, the late Mosi Tatupu and Mark Tuinei, were represented by friends and family. The new inductees join the 2014 inaugural class of Kurt Gouveia, Olin Kreutz, Kevin Mawae, Jack Thompson, Junior Seau, Herman Wedemeyer and Ken Niumatalolo.

Norm Harris, principal of TBU International and a Tonga native, donated his services as lead designer.

The gallery has design elements of ancient Polynesian architecture, including lava stones, tropical plants, natural woods like ohia and koa, and accents of lauhala mats and other native textures and fabrics.

Admission to the Hall of Fame is free to the public, and hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 293-3333.