KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- The smell of roasted pig and sound of cheers filled the air at Germaine’s Luau in Kapolei, Hawaii. Members of the audience roared with applause as performers, dressed in Polynesian attire, displayed examples of their heritage onstage; some shouted, some danced – all entertained. Service members with the Single Marine & Sailor Program are among the members of the crowd, enjoying their time at the luau Sept. 6, 2014. These luaus are amongst many of the events that the SM&SP regularly attend.
The SM&SP provides a way for Marines and sailors to participate in special events and programs around the island and volunteer with organizations in the surrounding community.
Some of the events are shark cage tours, rock-climbing courses, surfing, stand-up paddleboard lessons and hikes.
“We give them an outlet to see the island and to familiarize themselves with the islands firsthand,” said Karley Peterson, the program and event coordinator for the SM&SP. “It gives them a (channel) for staying out of trouble. We also provide the transportation, which gives everyone the option to ride safely.”
The program’s trip to Germaine’s Luau gave the attendants a chance to experience Polynesian cultures and tradition in a way that some may never see.
The night began with the blowing of the conch shell, meant to mark the beginning of the ceremony. Members of the ceremony then came out to uncover the night’s main course: traditional roasted kalua pig. Service members were eager to get their share. Before the meal, the audience joined hands to give thanks. This was meant to bring every individual together.
Being in the SM&SP means that you get the opportunity to form strong bonds with people you wouldn’t have met otherwise, said Sgt. Ruben Diaz Jr., the program’s president and a truck master with Aircraft, Rescue and Fire Fighting, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay.
“I’ve met tons of Marines through this program and we’ve grown to be friends,” said Diaz, a native of Pembroke Pines, Fla. “Most of us don’t even work closely together. Through this program, you hang out and do whatever you want outside of work. It creates the same brotherhood that you have with your shop. It gives you something to do in a safe, responsible way. You have people who care about you.”
After the meal, the crowd saw various performances and dances from both the performers and service members pulled on stage.
Cpl. Al Jerel Paredes, a native of Seattle and an induction point communication electronics gear representative with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, said that the event was certainly memorable.
“(With) things like this, people don’t have to go out and drink,” Paredes said. “When you actually go out with people you know, it’s way more fun. If I didn’t go, I would have missed out and I definitely wouldn’t have met any of these people if I didn’t go through SM&SP.”
The program is open to any single or unaccompanied Marine or sailor. Sign ups are being accepted for dog runs with Hawaii Humane Society and a beach clean-up Sept. 20.
The SM&SP office is located in the Kahuna’s Recreation Center or they can call Peterson at 254-7593.