the community newspaper for east oahu since 1987
(left): Rep. Barbara Marumoto as Lady Liberty
(above): Event organizer Senator Sam Slom

photos by MICHELE VAN HESSEN

Statehood Day celebrated despite protestors

by MICHELE VAN HESSEN
Sun Correspondent
*Archived September 2006 article

Hawaii's Statehood Day celebration at Iolani Palace was organized by State Senator Sam Slom and Small Business Hawaii (SBH), honoring Hawaii's men and women in uniform along with Hawaii's admission to the union. For many years this state holiday has gone by without any formal event.

Hawaii Air National Guard Recruiter Sgt. Benjamin R. Ormita was 11 years old on August 21,1959 and remembers catching the bus from Aiea with his mom, brothers and sister, to attend the exciting event. "I was on the island of Kaua'i, and celebrated around a bonfire," said James Kuroiwa, Jr., Director of the Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust.

Governor Linda Lingle and Lt. Governor Duke Aiona released an official proclamation encouraging participation in Statehood Day. Representative Barbara Marumoto, dressed as Lady Liberty, joined a crowd of individuals who wanted to support SBH and Slom's celebration of Hawaii's Statehood.

A small band of protestors arrived without a permit at Iolani Palace with angry attitudes and bullhorns. At the end of the rally they formed a circle around a Harley Davidson motorcycle chanting and voicing their objections to Hawaii's statehood. In response, Republican candidates, families and individuals, waving American flags, proudly joined Senator Slom in exchanging stories about the benefits of freedom. While enjoying a perfect weather day supporters also recognized Hawaii's vital role as part of the United States of America.