For the first time the villages in Manono felt poor. The chiefs discussed building a hotel but that would take even more money. If they borrowed it they would risk losing their land. But that could cause trouble in these tightly-knit villages too. As any chief knows that is a sure recipe for trouble.
Villages rise or fall together.
Their member of parliament suggested another possibility. He knew an elderhostel organizer in Honolulu who was organizing a three week tour for American and Canadian senior citizens through Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. They were interested in experiencing life in a typical traditional village for a week-end. It is a time to get acquainted, gossip, find spouses, compete in sports, exchange gifts and honors, and provide each other reciprocal entertainment, organized in a series of hospitality ceremonies. Manono was well acquainted with such ceremonies and a So'o was fun for everyone in both the host and visiting village.