Deep cultural ties between Â鶹´«Ã½ and French Polynesia were highlighted during French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson¡¯s visit to the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s on February 25.
While in Honolulu for , hosted by the East-West Center, Brotherson made time to connect with UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹, including a visit to the library¡¯s internationally recognized collections.
Pacific Collection librarians Eleanor Kleiber and Stu Dawrs, along with Hawaiian Collection Librarian and department chair Jodie Mattos, showcased rare and historic materials related to French Polynesia. Items included: 18th-century works from Captain Cook¡¯s voyages, 1844 correspondence from the Queen of Tahiti to King Kamehameha III, signed editions of Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s Story by Queen Liliʻuokalani, and two editions of Brotherson¡¯s own novel, Le Roi absent (The Missing King).
“It was an honor to welcome President Brotherson, and a joy for us to share items from our collections that highlight the historical and cultural connections between Â鶹´«Ã½ and French Polynesia,” said Kleiber. “He seemed to appreciate seeing these items our library has curated to represent the strong connections between our islands.”
University Librarian Clem Guthro added, “Our collections are vast, global and contain a multitude of treasures that support research, scholarship and teaching. Welcoming visitors from abroad to our collections extends their global reach. Visitors like President Brotherson become our ambassadors; sharing their experiences with our library when they return home, and knowing we are a resource to them.”
Brotherson has served as president since 2023 and is known for promoting sustainable development, cultural preservation and regional cooperation across the Pacific.
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