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IN AND AROUND THE CAPITOL

Senate bill
would set aside
Nov. 16 to honor
Kalakaua

Star-Bulletin staff

King Kalakaua would have his day, under a bill approved by the Senate Education and Technology Committee.

The measure, Senate Bill 3182, designates Nov. 16 as King Kalakaua Day, celebrating his contributions and accomplishments. It would not be a state holiday.

"It's recognizing that Nov. 16 is the birthday of King Kalakaua," said Sen. Norman Sakamoto (D, Moanalua), vice chairman of the committee.

Kalakaua reigned as king between 1874 and 1891.

One of Kalakaua's contributions is the state song, "Hawai'i Pono'i," which he wrote. Kalakaua also revived the hula.

"It's a symbolic day because people are recognizing King Kalakaua for what he's done," said Sen. Rod Tam (D, Pauoa). "People of Hawaii are embracing their history, especially their Hawaiiana history."

"What we're trying to do is bring about the culture and heritage of Hawaii," said Tam. "We want to embrace in terms of what King Kalakaua did historically here for Hawaii's people," he said.

The bill is awaiting a vote by the full Senate.

WINNERS . . . Clayton Hee: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs chairman clings to his job, persuading Gov. Ben Cayetano to put off replacing the OHA trustees. Body piercing shops: They can continue to pierce minors without parental consent as a bill to require consent fails. Backseat drivers: They'll have to buckle up under a bill that would require backseat passengers to use seat belts. . . . & LOSERS Ben Cayetano: The governor becomes a double loser as he has to delay changing OHA's board of trustees while the Legislature dilutes his civil service reform bills. Sam Slom: The senator has to holster his bill to expand the categories of persons allowed to carry concealed weapons. Attorney general candidates: The Legislature kills a bill to permit voters to elect the attorney general. This feature by Richard Borreca runs Mondays throughout the legislative session.

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