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Photographs often are the best way to show dramatic changes in Hawaii, providing an easy update on landmarks, persons and events. At other times, however, photos showing minimal changes during the years remind us that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Look for examples of big and little changes every Monday in "It's about time," which will inform, update and prod a few memories.

By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
The 21st session of the Hawaii State Legislature will
open with its usual pomp and ceremony Wednesday,
with lots of music, flowers and expectations filling the
two chambers of the State Capitol. Last week, first-time
GOP Rep. Charles Djou, center, was settling into his
new office, and KHNL-TV reporter Darren Pai, left,
and his cameraman were interviewing Djou and other
freshmen legislators.

By John Titchen, Star-Bulletin
The opening of the 1963 Legislature -- in those days held
in Iolani Palace -- signified a major change: For the first
time, the state was run by a Democratic majority in both
the executive and legislative branches. Here, Democratic
Gov. John A. Burns walks up the palace steps with
Speaker of the House Elmer Cravalho, left, and
Senate President Nelson Doi, right.

By Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin
In 1988, the Star-Bulletin dubbed this photo "Ladieslative
Power," referring to the women in the 25-member Senate.
They are, from left, Ann Kobayashi, Eloise Tungpalan,
Lehua Fernandez Salling, Patsy Young, Mary George,
Mary-Jane McMurdo, Donna Ikeda and Malama Solomon.
This year, six women hold Senate seats.

By Bob Young, Star-Bulletin
Opening day, Jan. 16, 1980. Back in the heyday of these
festivities, crowds jammed the hallways and offices of
lawmakers, filling up on free food and drink, including
alcoholic beverages, into the night.

Star-Bulletin
In 1982, chefs carved up a large roast beef in then-House
Speaker Henry Peters' office. Things began to change
by the '90s. On Jan. 16, 1991, festivities were canceled
because of the Persian Gulf War.

Star-Bulletin
Lacene Terry, working for then-Sen. Milton Holt,
posts a sign to that effect. Over the years, in part reflecting
the state's economy, lawmakers have scaled down their
parties, including going non-alcoholic.