Village pride soared as Nu’uuli village dedicated its new fautasi shed at Utulei and its hi tech Manulele Tausala fautasi Tuesday morning.
Chairman of the Fautasi Committee Taotasi Archie Soliai told KHJ News that the new fautasi cost about $400,00 and was built by Blair Boats in New Zealand. Construction took about five months. “We wanted a modern design with the latest technology and engineering and still keep the traditional image of the boat,” he said, adding this is a milestone achievement which involved long time planning and fundraising by the village.
Soliai said Nu’uuli now has three fautasi and all will be competing in the Flag Day Fautasi Race next month. This would also present opportunity for village youth to become involved in the traditional sport of fautasi racing.
Soliai expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the cost of the new fautasi.
Builder Laurie Jury shared that the new Manulele Tausala is wider and more stable, it has the same streamline as the old Nuuuli fautasi but is “much lighter, and more high tech.”
Jury said building the new fautasi has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience and it was a pleasure working with an effective committee.
The dedication ceremony was attended by leaders and members of the Fono, church ministers and village leaders and Manulele Tausala fans.
