#polynesian tattoos

So one of my ocs, Benji, is meant to be polynesian, (not sure yet but maybe samoan) And while I like the idea of him having tattoos, I understand that polynesian tattoo are a very culturally important thing, with arrangments of symbols meaning different things and holding significance to individual families.

That said- Would it be better for me to design a tattoo that includes traditional symbols, or forgo that entirely and design something stylistically similar but not actually use those symbols? 

Or should I just not try to give him a tattoo at all (it certainly would be easier for my drawing time.)

Any feedback is appreciated!