TOP THREE FINALISTS NAMED IN WORLD FIREKNIFE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER

La‘ie – May 15, 2004 – The field of competitors in the 12th Annual World Fireknife Championships at the Polynesian Cultural Center narrowed from 28 to nine, then the nine became three last night at the semi-finals in La‘ie.

Skill and speed were the defining factors as each competitor showed off their best technique, throwing the fire-lit knives as high as six feet in the air and then catching it for a high-speed spin. Several competitors even brought in a third knife to increase the danger and skill level.

The three finalists competing tonight are:

Alexander Galea‘i from La‘ie, Hawai‘i
Jerome Slade from Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i
Tuione Tovo from Henderson, Nevada

The three finalists will compete during the intermissions of the Horizons night show tonight at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the PCC’s Pacific Theater.

Sponsored by Cirque du Soleil, Coca-Cola, Hawaiian Airlines, Electric Pencil, Laie Inn, Henry S. Mataalii & Company, Turtle Bay Resort, and the PCC, this annual competition draws spectators from around the world.

Tickets for the finals are $35 for adults and $24 for children ages 5-11. Call 293-3333 to make reservations. Visit the PCC website at www.polynesia.com for updates on the results of the 12th Annual World Fireknife Dance Competition.

Since its beginning in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center has entertained more than 30 million visitors by preserving the spirit, culture and people of Polynesia. This week, all guests are invited to attend the Fireknife Competition and even learn the ancient art of fireknife dancing during free, on-site seminars.