Cultural expert and one of the team leaders of the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) performing arts team, Mark Short says the team is fine and enjoying their time in Hawaii.

Short and the CINAT team that attended the 13^th Pacific Arts Festival and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii, are expected to arrive home tonight.

In response to the social media posts alleging the CINAT team and other delegation were stranded in Hawaii, Short said if everyone believed everything that was posted on social media “the world would be in absolute chaos”.

“The CINAT team is fine and have been enjoying their last day in Hawaii shopping.”
Short said they enjoyed the hospitality of the Hawaiian people including the Cook Islands community in Hawaii.

The team has been to the factory outlet shops in Waikele including the Wet & Wild theme park and jet ski rides, surfing, boogie boarding including Harley Davidson rides at Makaha beach.

Short said they also visited a Hawaiian clinic that advocates for healthy food and local medicine.

“There are no problems in Hawaii apart from rumours that are being perpetuated by uninformed emotions. I hope all is well in the Cook Islands. Give our love to our people.”