Hawaii residents didn't have to be in D.C. to dress up to party with Barack. Whether they were at the Democratic Party of Hawaii's Inaugural Gala at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel watching the new president's swearing-in ceremony and speech on the big screen, or being photographed with a look-alike Obama at the HGLCF Honolulu Rainbow Obama Inauguration Ball at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, revelers were dressed to reflect aspects of the new administration: bold, colorful, professional, sophisticated and, most of all, chop suey.

At both parties Tuesday night, celebrants dressed in suits, tuxedos, ball gowns, Hawaiian attire and leis.

There was a slight chill in the air, but as cold as it was, 65 degrees in Hawaii sure beat 16 degrees in D.C., where my spies on the ground said un-PC furs were a big part of the Inauguration Day wardrobe.