Parade, parties Organizers want the public to join in Gov.-elect Linda Lingle's inauguration with two days of events in December that include a parade, big-screen viewing monitors and a party with fireworks.
and pyrotechnics
will mark Lingle’s
inauguration
Lingle eyes new prison planBy Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.comAnd the swearing-in of the Hawaii governor will take place at the state Capitol courtyard, not at the 119-year-old coronation pavilion at Iolani Palace, where past state governors have been sworn in.
The pavilion was originally built for the coronation of King Kalakaua in 1883. The most recent state event at the Capitol courtyard was last month's memorial service for the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink.
"We are embracing tradition by beginning the festivities at Iolani Palace and looking to the future by having the swearing-in at the Capitol rotunda," said Lenny Klompus, inauguration coordinator.
Klompus, who has organized major events such as the Hula Bowl, explained the inauguration begins on Monday, Dec. 2, with a parade along King Street that will pass in review in front of Iolani Palace. A concert will then be held on the palace grounds.
Shortly before she is sworn in, Lingle will lead a procession to the state Capitol, pausing at the Queen Liliuokalani statue to pay her respects to Hawaii's last monarch.
The first woman governor in Hawaii and the first Republican governor in 40 years will then be sworn in at noon by Hawaii Chief Justice Ronald Moon.
Lt. Gov.-elect James "Duke" Aiona will also be sworn in, followed by speeches by Aiona and Lingle.
Klompus said big-screen television monitors at Iolani Palace and at the Capitol will show the ceremony. Lingle will hold an open house at the Governor's Office.
Later that evening, there will be an inaugural $150-per-head dinner-dance at the Sheraton Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Monarch Room. About 1,200 invitations will be sent.
Inaugural festivities continue the next evening at Magic Island, where there will be a free, public party that will conclude with fireworks.
Tickets will be available to the first 4,000 people at the Lingle-Aiona headquarters on Ala Moana.
"This is such an historic event, and we wanted to include as many people as possible," said Klompus, who said money raised from the dinner and donations from sponsors will pay for the inauguration events.
Meanwhile, Lingle left Hawaii yesterday on a 10-day trip to attend a National Governors Association seminar for new governors in Austin, Texas, and a Republican Governors Association conference in Dana Point, Calif. She will return to Hawaii on Nov. 23.
Lingle said the seminar will allow her to meet the country's other new governors and discuss common issues. Veteran governors serve as mentors and provide guidance and tips for leading state government.
The Republican governors conference will cover issues including public safety, homeland security and energy policies. Lingle said she wants to learn how these issues will affect Hawaii and what she can do about them.
State of Hawaii
