In 1977, Fiji was considering the export of reeds to Hawaii, according to a report from The Fiji Times dated October 3. These reeds, which grew abundantly across Fiji, had the potential to become a valuable export commodity, contingent on the success of a trial shipment to Hawaii.
The initiative was spearheaded by Emosi Damuni, a 45-year-old resident of Mokani in Bau, Tailevu. He established a partnership with the French Polynesian Cultural Centre, which sought to procure reeds for constructing and repairing traditional island-style bure. Leo Smith, managing director of Seatrans Fiji Ltd, indicated that his company would oversee the shipments to ensure the reeds arrived in excellent condition.
Two trial shipments were planned, with the reeds fetching approximately $15,000 in 1977. The proceeds were intended for the villagers of Mokani who harvested the reeds. Historically, Fijians utilized reeds for various purposes, including constructing thatched bure and crafting fish traps, yet their use had declined due to the influence of modern materials. This change resulted in fewer traditional bures in villages, many of which had transitioned to wooden or concrete homes outfitted with corrugated iron roofs.
As the use of reeds diminished, they became a fire hazard, with the dry stalks potentially fueling bush and forest fires. Mr. Damuni explained that the cultural centre required the reeds urgently to restore several old bure reflecting traditional designs from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and other Pacific islands. Since Hawaii lacked its own reeds, the centre looked to Fiji for a reliable supply, and Mr. Damuni assured them of sufficient stock.
In addition to the reeds, Mr. Damuni gathered other traditional items such as mats and sinnet woven from coconut fiber to showcase in Hawaii. Contrary to concerns that Fijian culture was being poorly represented, the centre maintained a focus on preserving local culture, highlighting that traditional ceremonies like the yaqona vakaturaga were reserved for distinguished guests, such as high-ranking chiefs or government leaders from Fiji, rather than being performed for ordinary visitors.