CULTURE
COURTESY POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER /
MCNEIL WILSON
Andrew "Umi" Sexton of Orlando, Fla., was named World's Best, making this the third year that Orlando has taken the title. Sexton, who works at Disneyworld, is originally from Waianae. He has been dancing since he was 3 years old. Second place went to Joseph Cadousteau from Tahiti, and third to Alex Galea'i, who currently lives in Laie and performs at PCC.
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They’re hot, hot, hot!
Polynesian Cultural Center was on fire Saturday with the 15th Annual World Fireknife Championships. Competitors of all ages came from Tahiti, Florida and other parts of the world to show off their skills while a crowd of 2,775 people cheered them on. Below are the top winners in the different categories.
COURTESY POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER /
MCNEIL WILSON
Tennessee Suesue won the 6- to 11-year-old category.
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COURTESY POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER /
MCNEIL WILSON
Viavia Tiumalu and Mikaele Oloa from Orlando, Fla., won awards in solo competitions at last year's Fireknife Championship but decided to combine their skills for the new Duet category this year. Their perfect synchronicity earned them the top spot.
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COURTESY POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER /
MCNEIL WILSON
Jeurell Lavatai from Pago Pago took the 12- to 17-year-old category.
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COURTESY POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER /
MCNEIL WILSON
Another first this year was the Women's category, which Janelle Ferejan of San Diego ruled.
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