Aloha!

The Fraternal Order of Moai was founded in Columbus, Ohio, five years ago today on January 1, 2005.

At the time the "fraternal order" in the name was really just kidding around and the group was dismissed by Wikipedia as a mere restaurant fan club... which wasn't entirely off the mark. Everyone was content to maybe have a couple summer luaus and hang out once in awhile. Any plan to grow bigger was just a far off possibility.

No one expected to arrive at the start of 2010 with chapters in several parts of the country, large tiki themed charity events on the calendar, and many new fans of Polynesian pop visiting the virtual islands. But it happened anyway. "Never in my wildest, most rum-soaked dreams would I have imagined that The FOM would grow so fast and so quickly," says Matu'u Cowtown Kahuna, "I am still constantly impressed by both the quality and character of the individuals who come to our shores. The past five years have produced more fun and camaraderie than anyone really deserves. I hope to say the same thing five years from now, and fifty years from now. Long live The FOM!"

Maybe that quote about a multitude of monkeys typing has some truth to it.

We will celebrate our fifth Poreko throughout 2010 with a national convention and lots of other jackassery, tomfoolery and damn-fool boobery which seems to be a proven formula for raising money for charity. Be sure to join us at Ohana Luau at the Lake 2010, Festiki 2010 and NorthEast Tiki Tour 3 to sample the fun for yourself.

Stop by the Port of the Initiate and see what we're up to today.

Mahalo,

—Tagata Maori Rogorogo