Hawaii Commemorates 50th Anniversary

Today, the fiftieth state commemorates its fiftieth anniversary. However, the occasion is one of less looking back to the past than looking to the next fifty years. The day also comes as a busy day for Hawaiian activists who planned to march from Ala Moana Beach Park to the Convention Center. The rally was organized by the Hawaiian Independence Action Alliance and the Institute for the Advancement of Hawaiian Affairs. The "action" included burning the fiftieth star in protest. Despite the rallies, the day came to a close with a few words from the governor and a spectacular fireworks display.

May we prosper for the next 50 years!

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Japanese Emperor & Empress Visit

Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, are now in Honolulu. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrived in the islands around 3:15 Tuesday afternoon at Hickam Air Force Base. It's the royal couple's first visit to Honolulu in 15 years.

--KHNL News

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko landed on Oahu yesterday afternoon at Hickam Air Force Base. They are scheduled to attend a service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl later today, as well as to dine with Governor Linda Lingle in Washington Place. Today they will also revisit the tree they planted in 1960 that marked the 100th anniversary of US-Japan relations. Later tonight they will attend a banquet at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This is a great gesture on the part of the Japanese, not only showing their trust in our community but repeatedly displaying it. The royal couple will remain in the islands until Thursday.

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