Pacific Index

Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: News

File photo.

Media Credit: Alana Kansaku-Sarmiento Pacific's NHOH performs for Jennings McCall Center, an elderly care center in Forest Grove, for their annual Luau pre-show. Sarah Maltezo, Chad Scott, Shahna Rohter, and Matt Kinoshita perform the traditional Philipino dance, Tinikling.

Established in 1849, Pacific University has been named "best in the west" by the Princeton Review, and is home to several graduate programs in health, education, and writing. And yet, one of the first things that people remember when they hear the name "Pacific University" is a certain event that takes place once a year - always during the second weekend of April.

Luau: Pacific's annual event put on by Na Haumana 'O Hawaii that trounces every other like it on the west coast, and most likely on the entire mainland. This year, Luau will be held on Saturday, April 12, starting with dinner in the U.C. from 4:30-6, and the show starting at 6:30 in the athletic center.

"Aunty" Caroline Mundon's son has been a Pacific alumnus for 14 years, but she has faithfully attended and assisted with every luau since her son's freshman year until the death of her husband, Mike Mundon, in 2006.

"Oregon is like my second home, because I can go in the store and see people I know. It's neat, and I'm glad my son went to Pacific", said Mundon.

For Mundon, preparing and serving food at Luau is a breeze compared to hosting some of the luaus she and her husband have held back home, when on occasion they would serve up to 1000, or even 2000 people out of their backyard.

When asked what made her come back to Oregon each year for almost two decades, Mundon said, "We made so many good friends coming to Luau, friends that are still friends today […] we totally loved the whole Pacific community".

The Pacific community includes NHOH-ers who give up much of their time to help lead Luau each year they are here. One such student is Kihei Castillo, senior, and one of this year's Luau co-chairs.

When asked how she felt about this being her last year involved in Luau, Castillo said, "It's been a really good experience. You get to show other people […] that there are different cultures that make up Hawaii. It's definitely sad because […] it's our [the senior's] last one. I'll feel like something's missing.

Along with Castillo, Luau this year is being overseen by junior-year co-chairs Reggie Torres and Stephanie Murayama.

As dance chair during both freshman and sophomore year, as well as pre-show chair and "hoodie" (the next position under Luau chair) last year, Torres has invested more than his fair share of time planning for Luau.

"Luau is pretty much life; it brings everyone together. My first year I was instructor so it helped me become better friends with my classmates [and] work on my leadership. It was really weird my freshman year trying to teach juniors and seniors", said Torres.

NHOH vice president and one of this year's ticket co-chairs, Murayama has also been heavily involved throughout her three years here, and plans to keep it that way.

"I like Luau, it's a lot of fun, and I enjoy dancing", said Murayama. "The practices are hard, and it's a lot of time, but Luau also gives you a way to see everybody a lot".

In a club where almost every member feels the strain of hell-week before Luau, the committee members, dance instructors, and chairs undoubtedly feel it the most. All three co-chairs readily admitted that the most difficult part about this time of year is the time crunch.

"Trying to balance out my schedule [with] school and Luau [is] hard, but you just have to figure it out", said Castillo.

After the leftovers are distributed, the seats are put away, and the decorations are taken down, Murayama (and most likely many others) said she will be looking forward to the after-party, which she says is a nice "de-stresser".

Referring to her children, who now have families of their own, Mundon said, "they've worked so hard during Luau. Now, when they have parties, they cater.

"My son always told me, Mom, when I have to take care of you, I'm going to put you in a care home in Forest Grove so you can go to Luau every year."

Important Luau Information:
Saturday, April 12, Pacific's 48th annual Luau is hosted by Na Haumana O Hawai`i

Dinner from 4:30 pm- 6pm in the University Center

Meal Includes: Kalua pig, chicken long rice, teriyaki chicken, poi, haupia, coconut cake, and Lu`au punch

Hawaiian General Store in the Pacific Athletic Center will sell special goods flown in direct from Hawaii

The Show starts at 6:30 in the Pacific Athletic Center

Reserve Seating is $23 the meal and show, $17 for the show.

General Admission is $19 for the meal and show and $13 for the show only.

Student Prices for the meal and show are $21 for reserve and $16 for general admission. Prices for the show only are $15 reserve seating and $8 general admission.

The After-After Party, open to everyone from 12 am- 3 am in the Multi-Purpose Room

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