Democratic Party of Hawaii

Additional Presidential Inaugural Events Scheduled

There will be two more ways for Hawaii residents to celebrate the inauguration of island born President-Elect Barack Obama, one to take place in Washington, D.C. plus a local event in Honolulu.

The "Hawaii for Obama Inaugural Gala" will be held on Sunday, January 18th, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the famous Hay-Adams Hotel across from the White House. The rooftop terrace, where the event will take place, boasts stunning views of the White House and the Washington Monument.

The honorary chairs of the Washington event are the members of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. The event is sponsored by Hawaii for Obama and the Democratic Party of Hawaii.

The cost is $250 per person. People interested in attending the gala can obtain additional information and reservation forms at www.HawaiiforObama.org. Ticket reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The event will be limited to about 200 people.

"Barack Obama's historic win has inspired many and has been warmly embraced by people everywhere, and none more than right here in Hawaii," said A.J. Halagao, an Obama volunteer and Executive Director of InspirePolitics.com, who helped organize the D.C. inaugural gala. "This event provides an opportunity for Hawaii residents to gather together in our nation's capital and celebrate the success of one of our own."

According to Democratic Party Chair Brian Schatz, a local event in Hawaii is also being scheduled for the evening of the inauguration, January 20th. Details are still being finalized and will be announced later. Those interested in attending the Hawaii based event may email their name and the number of tickets to inaugurationhawaii@gmail.com or call the Democratic Party of Hawaii Headquarters at 808-596-2980.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And there’s lots of enthusiasm for a celebration that takes place here in the islands," Schatz stated. Former Hawaii Democratic Governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano will be the honorary chairs of the Hawaii based event.

"We will announce the details of the local celebration in a matter of days," Schatz added.

Freezing the Frame on the Election of Obama

For the moment, let's take heart in the change that has been achieved by the election itself - by the joy it has brought and by the social progress it promises. Most of us are seeing a day we thought would never happen, a dream we never would have dreamed. Even more important, for the generation born under President Obama, our dream will become their reality. A lofty ideal will become an essential standard, a new bedrock to build upon and make democracy ever more vibrant. And society will grow from there with brand-new dreams that few believe will happen. But they just might.