Laie, Hawaii – The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) provided a preview of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame’s new exhibit at  press conferencein December announcing University of Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota as the inaugural Polynesian College Football Player of the Year.

The Hall of Fame, honoring football’s greatest players, coaches and contributors from Polynesia, including Mariota and 13 inductees from the first two classes, will open January 24, 2015 and be free to the public as well as to guests of the PCC and Hukilau Marketplace.

The 2015 Polynesian Football Hall of Fame inductees are Jesse Sapolu, Mosi Tatupu, Mark Tuinei, Luther Elliss, Ray Schoenke, and Russ Francis. They join the inaugural class of 2014 inductees of Kurt Gouveia, Olin Kreutz, Kevin Mawae, Jack Thompson, Junior Seau, Herman Wedemeyer, and Ken Niumatalolo.

“It’s an incredible privilege for the PCC to be the permanent home for the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honorees and showcase their achievements for people of all ages and cultures to appreciate,” said Eric Workman, PCC’s Executive Vice President. “Along with being heroes for their performance on the football field, they radiated the Polynesian values of pride in their cultures, respect for others, and passion for their work.”

Norm Harris, Principal of TBU International, is donating his services as the lead designer for the Hall of Fame exhibit. A Polynesian native who was born in Tonga and raised in Honolulu, Harris’s pride for his Polynesian roots has given him the inspiration to create an experience that speaks to the heart of the heritage of the inductees being enshrined. The design features elements of ancient Polynesian architecture, with lava stones, tropical plants, natural woods like ohia and koa, and accents of lauhala mats and other native textures and fabrics.

The Hall of Fame will showcase the honorees’ achievements with a plaque, photos, an interactive display, and mementos. It will be located in the PCC’s new guest orientation center adjacent to the Hukilau Marketplace and can be expanded over time to accommodate future inductees. The high-traffic area ensures that both shoppers of the Hukilau Marketplace and visitors of the PCC will have easy access, increasing awareness about their achievements.
PCC Reveals First Look at Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Exhibit Page 2

“I can’t think of a more fitting place of honor for the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame,” said Jesse Sapolu, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, and one of this year’s inductees. “People from around the world will come here and gain a better understanding of how vital the Polynesian culture was to our success.”

The public is invited to attend the dedication of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame exhibit at the Polynesian Cultural Center on January 24, 2015.