Hawaii statehood celebrated in Hilo

August 14, 2009 - Hilo, Hawaii
Video by David Corrigan

The Big Island of Hawaii celebrated Hawaii’s 50th anniversary of statehood in Hilo on Friday, with a special concert at Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Special guests at the Hilo event included former mayors of Hawai‘i County and dignitaries. The Makaha Sons were the featured entertainers during the free event.

Halau O Ke ‘Anuenue, Big Island Portuguese Cultural Club, Hui Okinawa Taiko KoBuDo, Marie Onomura, Hawai‘i County Band, Hui Okinawa Shishimai, El-Leo The Jarican Express, Pam Ahuna, Waiakea High School NJROTC and Big Island Filipino Community Council were also present at the celebration.

A similar celebration will be held in Kona on August 23.

According to Hawaii County, 10 time capsules will also be buried at locations around the Island of Hawaii, to be opened on the 75th anniversary of statehood. The time capsules were provided by the Hawaii 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission. Suggestions for items to place inside the time capsules include a copy of the local newspaper, submissions from local schools, a proclamation from the mayor, or even a can of Spam.