In a historical context, Fiji once considered exporting reeds to Hawaii. A report from The Fiji Times dated October 3, 1977, highlighted the potential of these reeds, which were abundant in Fiji, to become a viable export commodity contingent on the success of initial shipments to Hawaii.
The initiative was led by Emosi Damuni, a 45-year-old villager from Mokani, Bau in Tailevu. Through a connection with the French Polynesian Cultural Centre, Damuni established an agreement for shipping reeds intended for the construction and repair of traditional island-style bure.
Leo Smith, managing director of Seatrans Fiji Ltd, assured that as the shipment’s agent, the reeds would arrive in Hawaii in optimal condition. Two trial shipments were planned.
The use of reeds had a significant historical context, as they were once commonly utilized by Fijians for constructing thatched bure, creating woven platforms for drying copra, and crafting fish traps, among other purposes. However, the introduction of modern materials led to a decline in their use, with most homes transitioning to wooden or concrete structures topped with corrugated iron roofs. Consequently, reeds fell out of favor and became less utilized, with their dry stalks posing a fire hazard.
Damuni informed the press that the cultural centre urgently required reeds for the repair of various traditional bure built in Fijian, Tongan, Samoan, and other Pacific styles. As Hawaii lacked a source for these reeds, the cultural centre turned to Fiji, and Damuni confirmed that local supply could meet their needs.
The anticipated value of the two shipments was approximately $15,000 in 1977, intended to benefit the Mokani villagers who supplied the reeds. During his visit to Fiji, Damuni was also tasked with collecting other items for display in Hawaii, including mats, coconut fiber sinnet, and various Fijian handicrafts.
Despite concerns about the commodification of Fijian culture, the cultural centre aimed to preserve local traditions. For instance, the traditional welcoming ceremony known as yaqona vakaturaga was reserved for high-ranking chiefs and significant government leaders from Fiji, rather than being performed for casual visitors.