Sione Tuione Pulotu, master carver at the Polynesian Cultural Center, has been honored as a "living treasure of Hawaii" for his contributions in perpetuating the traditions, spirit and values of Hawaii.
Pulotu and five other Hawaii residents were recognized at a state banquet on February 4 at the Sheraton-Waikiki Hotel.
"These living treasures have demonstrated excellence and have met very high standards of achievement in their particular field of endeavor and, thus, have made a significant difference toward the betterment of our community," said Chikai Yosemori, Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission that sponsors the program.
Pulotu's cultural contributions are in the field of Polynesian carving and craftsmanship.Born in Tonga, Pulotu came to Laie over 40 years ago as a labor missionary to help build the second phase of the Church College of Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center where he carved many of the tiki and other features at the Center.
He later became a student of CCH and, after graduating in 1968, continued to practice his craft. He researched different Pacific cultures' canoes and built several, including a 105-foot sailing canoe for King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV of Tonga, launched in 2000.
More recently, Pulotu carved BYU-Hawaii's Iosepa, a 57-foot wa'a kaulua or double-hulled Hawaiian voyaging canoe. The canoe serves as a floating classroom for the universities Hawaiian Studies program.
The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, a Buddhist organization, started the program in 1976 and has since recognized over 100 island residents for their contributions. The program was modeled after the Japanese government-sponsored National Living Treasures program.
The other honorees included graphic designer and businesswoman Momi Cazimero; jazz saxophonist Gabriel "Gabe" Baltazar; University of Hawaii art professor Thomas Klobe; author and researcher Isabella Aiona Abbott; and psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin B.C. Young.