WELCOME TO TOFA
To'utupu 'oe 'Otu Felenite Association
Established 2000
WELCOME TO TOFA
To'utupu 'oe 'Otu Felenite Association
Established 2000
Supporting the Community
POLYNESIAN HERITAGE AWARDS
TOFA was nominated for a Community Organization of the year award & TOFA's very own Luisa Lavulo was nominated and won the Koa Ambassador Award hosted by the Bay Area non-profit organization Pacific Islander Community Partnership (PICP)
UNITY CHANGE MAKERS
Four TOFA representatives attended the Unity Change Makers Celebration 2024 on March 22, 2024. The event was held at CSUS University Union. Sixty awardees representing the Black, Asian & Pacific Islanders and Latino communities were recognized for their achievements that evening on stage. One of our own, Frances Palu was one of the recipients to receive this prestigious award. Congratulations Frances!
TOFA & TPCP
TOFA at LBHS
Turning Point Community Programs (TPCP) dedicated their new CORE program wellness center to late TOFA President and Founder, Ofa Mann. She dedicated a lifetime of advocacy for mental health to her clients as well as the community. 'Ofa's family came out in support of this opening. Well deserved honor.
TOFA at LBHS
TOFA at LBHS
TOFA supports Bloom Leadership and PI students at Luther Burbank High School's Nesian Fest where there was a showcase of the Pasifika cultures represented at Burbank High School. Ambassadors were out there with a raffle and prizes in support of their program.
TOFA & CRCC
TOFA attends the Capital Region Creative Corps event about the Creative Corp Grant. This event was to learn more about the grant and it purpose to bridge the gap between social issues and local artists -- pushing forth the important work and message of social issues to our local community.
TOFA & Right On!
TOFA walked in support of Right On! social justice art event standing as human billboards representing Supreme Court cases involving Asians in America in the last 150 years. Volunteers from AAPI communities came out in support of this silent walk downtown Sacramento.
TOFA & NAMIwalk
TOFA & AANHPI Launch
TOFA & AANHPI Launch
TOFA participated with the community in support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk coming together in hopes to knock down walls, obstacles, and realize dreams regarding the importance of mental health.
TOFA & AANHPI Launch
TOFA & AANHPI Launch
TOFA & AANHPI Launch
TOFA kicks-off Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage month by attending the launch celebration hosted by APAPA at the California State Railroad Museum to learn about the great history of AANHPI contributions to the creation of California's railroads and wineries.
TOFA at EGHS
TOFA & AANHPI Launch
TOFA & AANHPI Women in STEM
TOFA supports Elk Grove High School's Polynesian Family Night. A beautiful display of PI cultures from high students from the EGHS Poly Club and other PI students in Sacramento and Stockton area. This night was a showcase of solidarity among our PI youth and their pride in their culture. Our Ambassadors bold little leaders are always present in the community.
TOFA & AANHPI Women in STEM
PI Violence Prevention Conference
TOFA & AANHPI Women in STEM
TOFA attends a celebration of AANHPI women in STEM hosted by APAPA with guest speaker 14-year old CEO, entrepreneur, and STEM feminist advocate Samaira Mehta who is the inventer of AI board game, "CoderBunnyz". She advocates on behalf of women in STEM and is a great example to our TOFA Ambassadors.
TOFA & PICU
PI Violence Prevention Conference
PI Violence Prevention Conference
TOFA volunteered at the 2023 CSUS Pacific Islanders United (PICU) Island Showcase at the University Union. This special event not only highlighted the PI cultural representation at CSUS but highlighted all of the 2023 Pacific Islander graduates at CSUS. Many former CSUS PI alumni also attended this event and was also free to the public.
PI Violence Prevention Conference
PI Violence Prevention Conference
PI Violence Prevention Conference
June 7-Jun 9 Polynesian Conflict & Resolution Center holds its 10th Annual PI Violence Prevention Conference at CSMCC with Conference Speakers from the PI Community and Workshops about harm reduction and violence prevention. See our highlight of Conference Speaker Alisi Tulua Program Director of Asian American Futures.
Events Gallery
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Impact
In the summer of 2019, Wayne Koi, of Fijian descent, began his journey as a coach for the Sac Pal Amazons High School Girls Rugby team with one clear goal: to build strong athletes of character, confidence, and leadership. What followed was a remarkable story of championship victories, college scholarships, and a lasting impact on the lives of countless young athletes. Coach Wayne’s dedication goes beyond the sport itself. As he puts it, “As much as I love the game of rugby, I really love the opportunity it gives me to work with our youth. It teaches me to love unconditionally, and I hope to make a difference in someone’s life.” This ethos has shaped his coaching philosophy, driving him to not only improve the skills of his players but also to guide them toward becoming leaders both on and off the field.
Under Coach Wayne’s leadership, the Sac Pal Amazons achieved an impressive list of victories, including:
-NorCal Rugby High School Girls 15’s and 7’s Championships (2019-2023)
- LAI7’s Invitation 2019 Champs
- NAI7’s Invitational U16 Champions (2021)
- U14 & U18 Champs & U16 Runner-Up (2022)
- High School Girls Club 15’s National Champions (2022) and Runner-Up (2023)
These accomplishments, however, are just a part of Coach Wayne's legacy. His commitment to developing well-rounded athletes has also led to numerous college scholarships for his players, opening doors for them to continue their education and rugby careers at the next level. In 2023, Coach Wayne took the helm of the Sacramento State University Women’s DII Rugby team, where his influence quickly became evident. Under his guidance, the team reached regional and conference finals, falling just short to the eventual National Champions. Their impressive performance earned them a spot in the Women’s D1 Rugby division starting in January 2025. Coach Wayne’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed—he was named Sac State University’s Coach of the Year for the 2022-2023 season, a testament to his dedication and impact on the team.
Yet, Coach Wayne’s influence extends far beyond rugby. Since 2019, he has served as a Bishop (spiritual leader) for the first Fijian Ward/Congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints outside of Fiji. Through this voluntary role, he devotes his time and effort to uplifting individuals and families in the church and community, always ready to serve and fill any need that arises. Despite his many accomplishments, Wayne remains grounded in his core values. When asked why he became a coach, his response was simple yet powerful: “Really, my kids.” For Coach Wayne, his greatest achievement isn’t the trophies or accolades but the ability to build meaningful relationships and provide guidance for future generations.
At the heart of his journey is his wife, Tarrah, of Hawaiian and Samoan descent. Her unwavering support has been a pillar of strength in his life, both on and off the field. When reflecting on his most prized accomplishment, Wayne humbly shares, "My biggest and most prized accomplishment is winning the heart of my children's mother." Wayne Koi’s story is a testament to the power of service, leadership, and love. Whether on the rugby field, in his church, or within his family, Coach Wayne continues to inspire those around him, making a lasting difference in the lives of all who are fortunate enough to know him.
Community Spotlight
Sacramento Amazons Islanders Rugby: More Than Just a League
Rugby has deep roots in Sacramento, particularly within the Pacific Islander community, with a legacy that stretches back over 40 years. The sport's connection to the Pacific Islander culture in the region is exemplified by the Sacramento Amazons Islanders Rugby ( Sac AIR), formerly known as SacPAL Rugby. The formation of Sac AIR represents the evolution of a community-centered sport into a significant presence in national rugby.
In the 1980s, Pacific Islander (PI) families began gathering at South Sacramento’s Woodbine Park, where Sacramento’s first generation of PI rugby players, made up of fathers, uncles, and brothers competed, fostering a strong sense of community and tradition. By 1993, inspired by these pioneers, a group of Pacific Islander students from Luther Burbank High School formed the high school boys, Islanders Rugby Club, led by Peter Kanongata’a. This club laid the groundwork for what would become a powerful rugby tradition in Sacramento.
Rugby’s appeal soon extended to the female members of the Pacific Islander community. Sisters Siu Leka and Mele Green, driven by their passion for the game, convinced their brother Sefesi to help them establish a girls’ high school rugby team—the Amazons. Despite initial challenges, the Amazons quickly made a name for themselves, finishing second in their first Northern California Rugby (NorCal) competition in 2002. They went on to dominate the NorCal division from 2004 to 2016 and secured national championships in 2003, 2010, 2016, and 2022.
Sefesi Green attributed the Amazons' success to the strong support from the mothers of the players, who were instrumental in fundraising and ensuring the team could compete in games far and wide. Their dedication mirrored the family-centric values deeply ingrained in Pacific Islander culture.
In 2016, the Islanders and Amazons teams merged under the Sacramento Police Athletic League to form SacPAL Rugby, a program that expanded to include youth aged 5 to 18. Managed by a volunteer board of parents and coaches, the organization eventually evolved into the Sacramento Amazons Islanders Rugby Organization (Sac AIR) after gaining independent nonprofit status.
Sac AIR has become a powerhouse for developing young rugby talent, with many athletes being recruited by top-tier rugby universities such as Lindenwood University, Washington University, UC Berkeley, Life University, American International College, and Harvard University. Notably, alumni from Amazons Rugby, such as Salote Tausinga and Fane Malieti Haungatau, have advanced to represent the United States on the US Women’s Rugby team, with Joanne "Nana" Faavesi also achieving the distinction of competing in the Olympics.
Over the years, the Islanders have seen their players progress to prestigious levels, including selections for All American teams, the USA Eagles, and professional rugby teams like NOLA Gold, Dallas Jackals, and Sacramento Express, where Middle School Coach Toke Kefu also played. Some of the youth have even traveled internationally as members of elite US youth rugby teams. For example, Salesi Kafovalu and Piukala Paongo represented the Norcal Grizzlies (Norcal All Stars) at the Great Northwest Challenge in Montana.
Today, under the direction of acting President, Koloa Tausinga, Sac AIR continues to thrive, with the Amazons holding the 2024 #1 Girls Middle School National title and the #4 National High School title. The organization's theme of family, love, and Pacific Islander heritage remains strong, rooted in Sacramento City’s District 8, while drawing children from diverse backgrounds across the greater Sacramento area to learn and play rugby at an international level.
Community Spotlight
James "Jim" Pale: Beyond the Field
If you don’t already know him, meet James “Jim” Pale, a humble individual who quietly molds lives without seeking the spotlight and whose roles as a teacher, football coach, devoted husband, and father are often synonymous with influence. He stands as a testament to the difference one person can make in the community.
Jim embarked on his teaching journey after experiencing the fallout of the tech industry's mid-1990s collapse. Reflecting on that time was a profound wake-up call, he realized the importance of pursuing one's passion. Jim recalls, “You never know how your employment will go so you might as well do something that you love.” Inspired by the interactions with his own high school teachers at Luther Burbank High School, he felt his calling was to teach, a sense of purpose that would later come back around full circle.
One of his mentors shared life-changing advice, saying, “If you dedicate yourself to graduate from college, I promise you that no one will be able to take that away from you. You’ll have something special in life that you can look back at and be proud of.” This counsel impacted Jim to pass this advice on to others.
His journey led him through College of San Mateo (CSM) to D1 football at Idaho State. After graduating from college, he met and married Mele Fonongoloa, starting a family and his teaching career. His path eventually led him back to Luther Burbank High School, where he spent 17 years a teacher, and football coach alongside his lifelong friend John “Heff” Heffernan.
Reflecting on his time at Luther Burbank, he said, “It was hard at first”. But he soon realized the importance of personal connections and interactions in teaching. Despite challenges in an underfunded school like Burbank, he worked tirelessly on and off the field, often stepping in as a mentor and father figure, guiding students through life's challenges.
He says, “You can’t be a public servant and turn away from that responsibility. In an inner-city type of environment, you learn how to switch hats and help kids learn to cope and deal with tragic situations. You end up working closely with social workers and the police.”
Jim is proud to see the next generation stepping up to new challenges like Siaosi “Sauce” Heleta one of his former students, recently appointed as head coach for Luther Burbank’s football team.
In 2016, facing his own health issue for the first time, Jim transitioned to Elk Grove High School with the encouragement of lifelong brother, Heff. They embraced new challenges at Elk Grove while continuing to prioritize education and character development both on and off the field. Going from Luther Burbank to Elk Grove was like night and day starting with the kind of support that was given and received by the students. The kind of support that is given makes such a huge difference he says.
In hindsight, his thoughts on community work is that “It’s not a job of high-fives, and if that is what you’re looking for, then it’s not the right gig for you. You have to have what’s called a servant’s heart” which means making sure everyone else’s needs are taken care of first.
When asked about his family, Jim says, “it hits differently when talking about your own kids”. When balancing his roles as a teacher and coach, there were moments when he couldn't always be present for his son Simi and daughter Seta. However, they have come to appreciate and understand the significance of what he was doing. He is super proud of their achievements, for learning how to struggle and cope through successes and failures on their own. Jim says if asked, the kids would say the groundwork for their success was laid by their mom. He said, “My wife keeps everybody grounded and drops the hammer when she needs to”. She’s taught them to step out of their comfort zone and to do it without fear because then they can start to achieve in ways that are unimaginable. They have surely done that. Although not fully recovered from a more recent and serious health scare, he said that waking up from a coma and seeing his children's faces meant everything.
He says, “I am a man who was blessed with the most loving and supporting family ever. I hope people will say I did my best to make my community a better place. Simi, Seta, and Mele have a major influence on my life. I enjoy the opportunity to bring people together. My calling is to invest in our future. I believe in God and can say with 100% confidence, He is real!”.
If you ask anyone who knows him, they will tell you that Jim Pale’s unwavering dedication and selfless commitment to his roles as teacher, coach, husband, and father exemplify the essence of a servant’s heart. He has touched many lives and his job is not done yet! As we reflect on his journey, hopefully we can all be inspired to cultivate that same spirit of generosity and empathy in our own lives, making the world a better place one act of service at a time.
Community Spotlight
John Hopoi: Breaking Cycles
John Hopoi was a regular kid growing up in a Tongan Household, born and raised in Sacramento, CA. He is #3 of 5 Children. His father, the late Sione Toetu’u Hopoi, was a big part of his life and the reason why he started sports. “When I was 10yrs old my father put me and my brother, who was 8 at the time, in Pop Warner football. My father got some of the other poly kids’ parents to let their boys play and he would pick some of them up for practice and drop them off when we were done.” Throughout his years of playing football a few coaches really stood out to him. “When I was younger my coaches, Coach Kenny and coach Mickey, really took me under their wing. I had them for 2 years in middle school and when I went to High school level they moved up to JV and started coaching at Burbank. They instilled a lot of confidence in me to believe I could make it. ” For John Sports was life. “No matter what happened even if I skipped school I would come back to go to practice” He continued to play football and rugby throughout his high school career. After graduating in 2000 he Played 1 year of football from ‘04-’05 as a walk-on for a D2 college. Not listening to his parent’s counsel to stick it out in school and keep going, John soon found himself homesick and eventually left College to come back home. “Even though people growing up always told me that I needed to think about what I wanted to do. I never took heed to those warnings of working hard now so that I wouldn’t have to suffer later. It was just the way my life went. I was 1st generation Tongan American and didn’t really know what I wanted to do.”
In October of 2005 John found himself caught up with the wrong business and was convicted for Drug trafficking. It had been his first run in with the law and he served a 5 year prison sentence. While John was away in prison he suffered the loss of his father. He was later released in 2010 and had no idea the world would change as much as it did, especially with technology.
After John got married in 2011 and started a family he knew that he wanted to give back and break the cycle. That opportunity soon came when he was invited to start coaching for the Jr Titans from other Impactful community leaders, Coach Pale and Coach Heff. Coach Pale, who also taught at Luther Burbank High school and coached for the Varsity team, John describes him as a mentor. “I knew this was my call to help break those cycles that keep us down. I love helping the underdog, just seeing those kids that nobody wants and being able to help build that confidence in them to be one of the kids that everyone wants on their team.”
John describes himself, “I am a Christian first, husband, and Father built with humility and Loyalty.” Just like his predecessors, today John Hopoi is known as “Coach John” who coaches for Sac Kings Football, SacPal Rugby, and Airport Baseball league. He surrounds himself among his “Kalapu Tautehina” brothers, “we always give back to our community, we’re all coaches. If we can change somebody’s outlook on us from our past, we can break the cycle and save a life.”
Community Spotlight
Aisea Tupou: Tongan Philanthropreneur
Aisea Tupou, a Tongan National, moved here with his family when he was 3 years old. Like any other immigrant family, his parents moved to make a better life for him and his siblings. He is number 6 of 9 children and found himself growing up in the low income neighborhoods of South Sacramento amongst a growing Tongan community. Their family struggle with evictions and lack of steady employment had Aisea entangled in the life of quick money and drugs. This was short lived as he witnessed close friends going to prison with long sentences.
While attending Kennedy High School, Aisea found a personal outlet in music. He went on to form Wells Records Entertainment and opened a recording studio with childhood friend, Robert Hafoka. Together, they successfully recorded and produced local artists D gotti, Rudemon Spoon, Luisa Lavulo, Finn Gruva and more. The returns on the business venture of their passion for music are far more than just the royalties they continue to receive today.
In 2002, Aisea formed his first concrete and landscaping business with the help of his cousin, Saia, who served as a mentor and business investor. This is where his entrepreneurial spirit awoke. Later, Aisea joined forces with his older brother to learn the cell phone tower business. He helped his brother start and grow his own business. After helping his brother’s business expand, Aisea started his own company, Perspective Builders. The company maintains 30 employees, but over the years he has taken on over 70 local community members as employees. He gladly helps the Pacific Islander community whenever a need arises.
“One of my biggest motivations was, we don't have a lot of resources in the community, so I wanted to be able to jump into something to create opportunities for kids from our Tongan community that they otherwise don’t get".
Today, Aisea operates Perspective Builders from his warehouse and recently expanded his company from cell phone towers to real estate construction and is now the proud owner of Oyster Bar Citrus Heights franchise which will hold its Grand opening in December. With numerous business ventures, Aisea’s main goal is to help others.
“I want to help as many people as I can…sometimes it bites us in the butt trying to help the homies but it's all worth it”.
If you ask Aisea today who he is, he says, “I’m just a regular God fearing man that knows how to use my resources to help and pull people up”. True to his entrepreneurial spirit, Aisea is always looking for ways to expand his businesses to help his people get ahead.
Community Spotlight
Grace Fa'avesi: A Journey of Redemption and Empowerment
Grace Fa’avesi migrated to the United States in 1991 when she was 9 years old, from Auckland, New Zealand. She is the youngest of 7 children. If you ask Grace who she is in a nutshell, she would say “I am a Christ Believer, a wife, a mother, and a world changer.”
Grace Graduated from Hiram Johnson High School in 1999. She did not always choose the easy path. From bouts with drug addiction, alcoholism, homelessness, toxic relationships, and multiple suicide attempts she was in the thick of it. She finally hit “rock bottom” in 2008 after being court ordered to wear a monitor for 3 months to track her alcohol intake as a result of a DUI and an incident with multiple hit and runs. Grace had to face her life with sober eyes for the first time.
Change was needed and in her search for a different source of comfort she heard the news of her cousin’s life change at the help of an answer that was always there. She found her way back to her childhood church. Pushing through all the self doubt and self opposition, she mustered the courage to walk through those doors and was greeted with warm welcome from familiar faces. Grace felt a new love that she hadn’t experienced in her adult years.
From then on, that life of Grace was no more. She decided to dedicate her life to Christ which led her to connect with people from the past. Late 2008, Grace became a youth pastor for Soul’s Harbor and then enrolled into community college in 2009. January of 2010, Epic Bloom was created by Nia Kotobalavu and Grace was at the right place and the right time to get involved. In the same year, May 2010 she graduated and from the on, dedicated her time to Epic Bloom helping to develop different areas of focus.
Grace spearheaded the Prison Ministries, actively participating in various aspects of the program such as serving as a pen pal to inmates, attending court cases, and regularly visiting the inmates in prison. As a dedicated volunteer, Grace assumed the role of chief advisor for the Native Hawaiian Group at San Quentin, actively sponsoring and facilitating the program to provide support and guidance to its members.
In 2014 Grace graduated with a BA in Communications and Education and ever since has take up the torch for Epic Bloom. She has continued to carry it forward, extending its impact to the high school level by offering leadership classes across multiple school districts. Today Grace understands the importance of advocacy and leadership for the underprivileged Pacific Islander community. She aspires to open “Epic Bloom International Academy of Leadership” in the near future. The first K-12 school serving that exact community.
Two things that Grace is most proud of in her life is accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior and never giving up on herself and on others.
Her story is one of struggle to triumph - transformation and leadership! Thank you for your service!
Image courtesy of Bloom Leadership
Community Spotlight
Viliami Polaulu: Inspirational Trailblazer
Viliami "Toe" Polaulu is an inspiring individual whose journey is defined by determination, a commitment to education, and a passion for helping others. Born in the Bay Area and raised in Sacramento, California, Viliami is proud of his Tongan American heritage and holds his family's values close to his heart.
Viliami's love for rugby began in his youth, and he channeled his passion into coaching the U10 team for the SacPal Rugby Club.
In his career, Viliami came to a realization: without a college degree, he would be limited in his professional advancement. Motivated by a desire to create a better future for himself and be a role model for his daughters, he made the brave decision to return to Sacramento City College at the age of 35.
Balancing his responsibilities as a coach, a father, and a student, Viliami dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his studies. He successfully completed his Associates Degree, a significant milestone that laid the foundation for his academic journey. Fueled by his accomplishments and driven by his ambition, Viliami was accepted into Sacramento State Bachelor's in Social Work Program.
Viliami's choice to study social work is deeply rooted in his compassion for others and his innate desire to make a positive impact on his community. In addition to his studies, he works as a case manager for Sacramento Self-Help Housing, an organization that focuses on helping homeless individuals find stable housing and access the support services they need. Through his work, Viliami demonstrates his dedication to empowering and assisting those who are most vulnerable.
As a first-generation college student, Viliami faced unique challenges, but he is breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. He understands the transformative power of education and is determined to create a better future for himself and his family.
In his youth, Viliami was involved with TOFA, an organization that celebrates Tongan culture and heritage. His Aunty Liva played a significant role in TOFA and encouraged Viliami and his siblings to actively participate, instilling in them a strong sense of pride in their Tongan roots.
Viliami's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of higher education. His unwavering dedication to his studies, combined with his passion for making a difference in the lives of others, serves as an inspiration to those around him. Viliami's story exemplifies the transformative impact one individual can have when they pursue their dreams and use their skills and knowledge to uplift their community.
