State of your knowledge
POSTED: Thursday, July 02, 2009
Our series of trivia questions testing your knowledge about the 50th state has finally wrapped up. Thanks for playing!
Aug. 19
Q: In 2008, Punahou’s most famous graduate was …
(A) Golfer Michelle Wie.
(B) President-elect Barack Obama.
(C) America Online’s Steve Case.
(D) President-by-choice Sanford B. Dole.
The answer is … Aw, c’mon. You have to get this one on your own.
Aug. 18
Q: In 2007 the undefeated University of Hawaii Warriors were no longer called by their original name, which was …
(A) The Rainbows.
(B) The Little Fuzzy Bunnies.
(C) The Dancing Fairies.
(D) The Back Row of “A Chorus Line” Tryouts.
A: (A) The University of Hawaii football team, undefeated in 2007, no longer uses the team name Rainbows. (Before it became the Rainbows, the team was known as the Deans and the Fighting Deans.)
Aug. 17
Q: In 2006 the most conscientious driver in Hawaii history …
(A) Waved shaka every time he merged successfully.
(B) Never forgot to use his turn signal.
(C) Had a pocketful of quarters to feed expired meters.
(D) Pulled onto the shoulder to die during a westbound 13-hour traffic backup in Aiea.
A: (D) Gene Dela Pena, 47, of Honolulu was discovered dead after he pulled his van off the road during a 13-hour traffic jam caused by Army equipment striking an Aiea overpass.
Aug. 16
Q: In 2005 the biggest Hawaii star on TV was ...
(A) Newscaster Joe Moore.
(B) Singer Jasmine Trias.
(C) Bounty hunter “;Dog”; Chapman.
(D) The mysterious island of “;Lost.”;
A: Bounty hunter “Dog” Chapman, who became a surprise hit on reality television.
Aug. 15
Q: In 2004, after he was fired, University of Hawaii President Evan Dobelle was allowed to keep ...
(A) A severance and position package worth more than a million dollars.
(B) All of the furnishings in the restored president's mansion.
(C) His aloha shirts and fake carnation leis.
(D) The president's horse-drawn carriage.
A: (A) Ousted University of Hawaii president Evan Dobelle was allowed to keep a severance package worth more than a million dollars.
Aug. 14
Q: In 2003 teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton lost what?
(A) Her backpack, which was accidentally shipped to Iraq
(B) Her left arm, in a shark attack
(C) A surf meet, due to a technicality in judging
(D) A lawsuit asking for flare-lit surfing after dark
A: (B) Although Hamilton's left arm was eaten in a shark attack, she continued to surf competitively.
Aug. 13
Q: In 2002, mysterious white vans parked beside highways were ...
(A) Campaign workers for Linda Lingle
(B) Crews looking for missing hikers
(C) Seismologists measuring rumble-strip vibrations
(D) Taking pictures of speeders' license plates
A: (D) Taking pictures of license plates to issue speeding tickets.
Aug. 12
Q: In 2001, a U.S. Navy submarine maneuvering off Pearl Harbor ...
(A) Ran aground on a coral reef.
(B) Struck an underwater obstacle, damaging the bow.
(C) Accidentally sank a Japanese school ship.
(D) Went to general quarters on Sept. 11.
A: (C) The USS Greenville sank the Ehime Maru.
Aug. 11
Q: In 2000, who made a spectacular return visit to the islands?
(A) Tyrannosaurus rex at Bishop Museum
(B) Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan
(C) The imperial Japanese navy, bombing in “;Pearl Harbor”;
(D) The Rolling Stones at Aloha Stadium
A: (A) Tyrannosaurus rex at Bishop Museum, and (C) the imperial Japanese navy, bombing in “;Pearl Harbor.”;
Aug. 10
Q: In 1999 the Navy turned Barbers Point Naval Air Station over to the state and ...
(A) After years of planning, the state was still unprepared.
(B) The area finally became prosperous and free of crime.
(C) It became a model of public-private enterprise.
(D) Thousands of homeless were warehoused in the former hangars.
A: (A) Despite several attempts at municipal planning, the state of Hawaii was ill-prepared to take on the former Navy property at Barbers Point.
Aug. 9
Q: In 1998, what occurred at Iolani Palace on the 100th anniversary of annexation to the United States?
(A) The world's largest lei was constructed to make the Guinness Book of World Records
(B) An all-day festival or “;makahiki”; of island crafts and culture
(C) The American flag was pulled down and a Hawaiian flag flown over the palace
(D) A demonstration baseball game featuring former Hawaii Islanders
A: (C) A Hawaiian flag was flown over Iolani Palace.
Aug. 8
Q: In 1997 who was not upset that the Honolulu Star-Bulletin ran an essay called “;Broken Trust”;?
(A) Trustees of Bishop Estate who were criticized by the authors
(B) Editors of the Honolulu Advertiser who neglected to run the essay
(C) Members of the Hawaii Supreme Court, who chose Bishop Estate trustees
(D) Na Pua a ke Ali'i Pauahi, a group of KSBE students, alumni and teachers
A: (D) KSBE students, alumni and teachers who made up Na Pua a ke Ali'i Pauahi marched on Bishop Estate headquarters at Kawaiahao Plaza in May, 1997.
Aug. 7
Q: In 1996 what finally opened after $22 million in restoration costs?
(A) The Hilton Hawaiian Village Lagoon
(B) The “;Stairway to Heaven”; in Haiku
(C) The Hawaii Theatre in Chinatown
(D) The Keck Telescopes atop Mauna Kea
A: (C) The Hawaii Theatre in Chinatown opened after $22 million in restoration costs.
Aug. 6
Q: In 1995 the state Department of Education, after balking, finally allowed a student ...
(A) To thank “;God”; in a valedictorian commencement speech;
(B) To sell Girl Scout cookies on campus;
(C) To wear dresses more than 2 inches above the knee;
(D) To drive her own car on a school field trip.
A: (A) The state Department of Education at first refused to allow a valedictorian to thank “;God”; in a commencement speech, then relented.
Aug. 5
Q: In 1994, tourists visiting Waikiki were greeted with ...
(A) A Nimitz Highway “;beautification”; project.
(B) Statues on Kuhio and Kalakaua avenues.
(C) Leaflets demanding TOURIST GO HOME!
(D) Don Ho, shirtless and making shaka signs.
A: (C) A political group called 'Ohana Council, proclaiming a “;sovereign nation,”; passed out flyers to tourists in Waikiki urging them to go away.
Aug. 4
Q: In 1993, what national historic landmark in Hawaii was destroyed, and why?
(A) The geodesic dome at Hilton Hawaiian Village, scheduled to be torn down for more hotel rooms
(B) The “;Dole Pineapple”; water tower at the cannery in Iwilei, for “;safety”; reasons
(C) Queen's Bath on the Big Island, overrun by lava from Puu Oo and then reopened
(D) The bandstand at Iolani Palace, to be moved and rebuilt elsewhere on palace grounds
A: (A) The geodesic dome at Hilton Hawaiian Village, the first built in the United States, was scheduled to be destroyed, and (B) the Dole Pineapple water tower was disassembled as Dole moved out of the food business.
Aug. 3
Q: In 1992 Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai and ...
(A) Made an instant celebrity out of radio personality Lee Cataluna.
(B) Disrupted the filming of “;Jurassic Park.”;
(C) Caused an earthern dam to burst and flood the neighborhood.
(D) A tidal surge caused by high winds deposited a Navy submarine on dry land.
A: (A) Then-radio personality Lee Cataluna's humor and coolness during the storm became legend, and (B) the storm also disrupted the filming of “;Jurassic Park.”;
Aug. 2
Q: In 1991 Castle & Cooke changed its name and began to shift its operations out of Hawaii…
(A) It became InterIsland Airways and competed with established airlines.
(B) It became Honolulu Rapid Transit and leased vehicles to TheBus and Wikiwiki.
(C) It became Dole Food and grew pineapples in Thailand.
(D) It became America OnLine and invested in social networking sites.
A: (C) Castle & Cooke became Dole Food and grew pineapples in Thailand.
Aug. 1
Q: In 1990, Manuel Fragante filed a lawsuit against the city of Honolulu and lost an appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court. What were the grounds for the suit?
(A) He tripped on a municipal sidewalk and broke his nose.
(B) A thick “;Filipino”; accent made him ineligible for a city job.
(C) He was too short to apply to be a motorcycle policeman.
(D) He had deducted his parking tickets as a business expense.
A: (B) A thick “;Filipino”; accent made him ineligible for a city job.
July 31
Q: In 1989 state Rep. Roland Kotani was murdered by …
(A) Nappy Pulawa, who vowed a “reign of terror” in prison when arrested.
(B) Ronnie Ching, who also shot down Sen. Larry Kuriyama and Chuckers Marsland.
(C) Wife Grace, who then shot herself in a police bathroom when they neglected to search her handbag.
(D) Drug kingpin “Uncle Charlie” Stevens and murderer-for-hire Henry Huihui, who then became government informants in a plea arrangement.
A: (C) His wife, Grace, who then shot herself in a police bathroom.
July 30
Q: In 1988 Republican religious zealots seized control of Hawaii's Republican party and nominated Pat Robertson for president. Which Republican women became Democrats in protest?
(A) Donna Ikeda
(B) Virginia Isbell
(C) Ann Kobayashi
(D) Kina'u Kamali'i
A: Donna Ikeda, Virginia Isbell, Ann Kobayashi and Kina‘u Kamali‘i all switched parties to protest Republican fundamentalism.
July 29
Q: In 1987, Gov. John Waihee signed the “;Plant Closing Law”; that ...
(A) Required businesses with 50 or more employees to give 45 days' notice if the business is sold or closed.
(B) Required employee unions with 50 or more members to give businesses 30 days' warning of anticipated strikes.
(C) Provided benefits to unemployed sugar and other agricultural workers.
(D) Provided tax compensation to businesses required to place legal notices in daily newspapers.
A: (A) Required businesses with 50 or more employees to give 45 days notice if the business is sold or closed.
July 28
Q: In 1986 Gov. George Ariyoshi signed laws designed to ...
(A) Change the drinking age.
(B) Repeal the antitrust exemption for the Hawaii Newspaper Agency.
(C) Insert “;Aloha Spirit”; into state statutes.
(D) Create a hotel room tax.
A: All of the above. Before leaving office, Ariyoshi approved changing the drinking age, repealing the antitrust exemption for the Hawaii Newspaper Agency, an “;Aloha Spirit”; state statute and the hotel room tax.
July 27
Q: In 1985 longtime City Council members George Akahane, Toraki Matsumoto and Rudy Pacarro were voted out of office because they ...
(A) Were caught in Council district residency realignments.
(B) Accepted free tickets to a golf tournament in Guam.
(C) Became Republicans.
(D) Worked for Mayor Frank Fasi's re-election campaign.
A: (C) They became Republicans.
July 26
Q: In 1984 First Lady Jean Ariyoshi celebrated the 25th anniversary of statehood by …
(A) Taking out the first full-page advertisement in the first issue of MidWeek.
(B) Planting the first of a “Million Trees of Aloha.”
(C) Being the first First Lady to score a first place in “The Statehood Singoff.”
(D) Purchasing the first book of 20-cent stamps honoring statehood.
A: (B) Planting the first of a “;Million Trees of Aloha.”;
July 25
Q: In 1983 radio personality J. Akuhead Pupule pulled an April 1 prank when he …
(A) Pretended to indict Sen. Clifford Uwaine and Rep. Gene Albano for voter fraud.
(B) Claimed that the current Kilauea lava flow had turned toward Honolulu.
(C) Reported that Mayor Eileen Anderson signed a law making fireworks illegal.
(D) Encouraged residents to attend a downtown parade featuring Hawaiian celebrities.
A: (D) Encouraged residents to attend a downtown parade featuring Hawaiian celebrities. (Hundreds of people turned out.)
July 24
Q: In 1982 Mayor Eileen Anderson was miffed when ...
(A) Former mayor Frank Fasi criticized her appointments.
(B) Her Pacific Club membership was rejected because she's a woman.
(C) The Legislature apportioned city tax moneys to the neighbor islands.
(D) The City Council insisted her Apple IIe computer was a private expense.
A: (B) Mayor Eileen Anderson’s Pacific Club membership was rejected because of gender.
July 23
Q: In 1981, two Hawaii teenagers won international fame when they ...
(A) Hijacked a Japanese tour bus and robbed passengers.
(B) Won a talent contest and appeared on “;Magnum P.I.”;
(C) Recorded a surprise hit single for a surfing documentary.
(D) Released dolphins from a University of Hawaii facility.
A: (A) Hawaii teenagers hijacked a Japanese tour bus.
July 22
Q: In 1980 the latest census revealed that the largest ethnic group in Hawaii was …
(A) Japanese.
(B) Caucasian.
(C) Hawaiian.
(D) Filipino.
A: (B) In 1980, the largest ethnic group in Hawaii was Caucasian.
July 21
Q: In 1979 the first all-female crew in American history …
(A) Paddled to victory in the Molokai Hoe outrigger canoe race.
(B) Were assigned to a tugboat in Pearl Harbor.
(C) Established a record in the Ironman Triathlon.
(D) Flew a Hawaiian Airlines route.
A: (D) Female pilots and stews fly a Hawaiian Airlines route.
July 20
Q: In 1978 Hawaii voters ratify the Third Constitutional Convention proposals ...
(A) Creating an Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
(B) Making both English and Hawaiian the official state language.
(C) Establishing palaka as the official state clothing design.
(D) Allowing the University of Hawaii to build sports auditoriums.
A: (A) Voters approved (A) creating an Office of Hawaiian Affairs and (B) making both English and Hawaiian the official state languages.
July 19
Q: In 1977 Honolulu mayor Frank Fasi is indicted for bribery in the Kukui Plaza scandal. He reacts by ...
(A) Running for governor.
(B) Throwing reporters out of City Hall.
(C) Wearing ten-gallon hats and cowboy boots.
(D) Offering developer Hal Hansen a cabinet position.
A: (A) Mayor Frank Fasi, indicted for bribery, reacted by running for governor.
July 18
Q: In 1976 it was discovered that Punahou School had quietly eliminated ...
(A) Student Barry Obama from Future Leaders of America for grade problems.
(B) Other colors from the campus “;Buffanblu”; store.
(C) Optional parental participation from the annual fair.
(D) A long-standing quota that limited Asian enrollment at 10 percent.
A: (D) Punahou president John Fox revealed the school no longer had a low quota for Asian students.
July 17
Q: In 1975 Aloha Stadium opened, and during the first game ...
(A) Sixteen were arrested for tailgate drinking.
(B) The University of Hawaii lost by 34 points to a minor mainland school.
(C) Rusty girders shed flakes on the audience of 32,000.
(D) Swap meet venders set up shop in the parking lot.
A: (B) University of Hawaii lost to Texas A&I, 43-9.
July 16
Q: In 1974, what labor unions went on extended strikes?
(A) ILWU sugar and pineapple workers
(B) Hospital nurses
(C) Teamsters
(D) All of the above
A: (D) ILWU workers, nurses and Teamsters were all out on strike.
July 15
Q: In 1973 Elvis Presley’s “;Aloha from Hawaii”; concert donated $75,000 to what charity?
(A) USS Arizona Memorial
(B) Aboriginal Lands of Hawaiian Ancestry (ALOHA)
(C) Kui Lee Cancer Fund
(D) Life of the Land
A: (C) Elvis Presley donated $75,000 to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund
July 14
Q: In 1972 environmental activists filed suit in federal court to …
(A) Stop U.S. Navy studies of dolphins.
(B) Halt the construction of the H-3 “defense highway.”
(C) Demand that the military remove 3,000 nuclear weapons from Hawaii.
(D) Support striking Dynalectron workers at Barking Sands Missile Range.
A: (B) Activists filed suit to halt the construction of the H-3 “;defense highway.”;
July 13
Q: In 1971 the Hawaii Supreme Court selected Matsuo Takabuki as a Bishop Estate trustee, and ...
(A) He was condemned by mass protests of native Hawaiians objecting to his race.
(B) Kawaiaha'o Church members clanged the church bells in anger.
(C) He erased the Bishop Estate's financial deficit and served for 21 years.
(D) All the above.
A: (D) All of the above. Matsuo Takabuki was both protested and acclaimed as a Bishop Estate trustee.
July 12
Q: In 1970, a hundred “;hippies”; were discovered living in a Maui banana patch. They were ...
(A) Quarantined by Maui Police afraid of contracting hepatitis.
(B) Convicted of violating public nudity statutes.
(C) Placed on the first Mainland flights available.
(D) Welcomed by Maui's Hawaiian alternative-farming community.
A: (A) Maui hippies were quarantined by Maui police afraid of contracting hepatitis.
July 11
Q: In 1969, 34 soldiers take sanctuary at Church of the Crossroads to protest the Vietnam War. Military officials react by …
(A) Ignoring the situation and refusing to comment.
(B) Issuing press releases aimed at embarrassing the protesters’ families.
(C) Withholding the protesters’ base pay and benefits.
(D) Kicking in church doors at dawn without a warrant and seizing protesters.
A: (D) Kicking in church doors at dawn without a warrant and seizing protesters.
July 10
Q: In 1968, who were the Schofield soldiers petitioning to abolish Hawaii’s National Guard?
(A) David Schutter
(B) Neil Abercrombie
(C) Henry Peters
(D) Tony Hodges
A: (A) David Schutter and (C) Henry Peters petitioned to abolish Hawaii’s National Guard.
July 9
Q: In 1967, on June 12, Gov. John Burns signed a unique law that …
(A) Established the Land Reform Act.
(B) Set aside 1 percent of construction costs for public art.
(C) Called for the preservation of ancient petroglyphs.
(D) Approved a two-newspaper joint operating agreement.
A: (B) Set aside 1 percent of construction costs for public art
July 8
Q: In 1966, there was a big increase in the number of Hawaii visitors thanks to ...
(A) Newly established airline routes.
(B) Matson liners back in operation.
(C) Soldiers on “;rest and recreation”; from Vietnam.
(D) Hotel discounts for kamaaina.
A: (C) Soldiers on “rest and recreation” from Vietnam (Source: “;Hawaii's Forgotten History,”; by Rich Budnick)
July 7
Q: In 1965, no Hawaiian musicians were invited to the opening celebration of ...
(A) The Honolulu International Center.
(B) The Ilikai Hotel.
(C) The East-West Center.
(D) Hawaii Pacific College.
A: (A) The Honolulu International Center (Source: “;Hawaii's Forgotten History,”; by Rich Budnick)
July 6
Q: In 1964, who was the well-known tourist narrowly rescued from drowning at Wailua Bay?
(A) Elvis Presley
(B) John Glenn
(C) Mamie Van Doren
(D) Frank Sinatra
A: (D) Frank Sinatra (Source: “;Hawaii's Forgotten History,”; by Rich Budnick)
July 5
Q: In 1963, state senator Kazuhisa Abe caused a stir with a bill aimed at …
(A) Increasing sales tax
(B) Eliminating religious holidays like Christmas and Good Friday
(C) Funding a Hilo breakwater to prevent tidal waves
(D) Naming a female chief of police
A: (B) Eliminating religious holidays
July 4
Q: In 1962, for the first time, Hawaii's Democratic Party wins ...
(A) Governor.
(B) Both houses of the legislature.
(C) All three seats in Congress.
(D) All of the above.
A: (D) Democrats swept governor, legislature and Congress
July 3
Q: In 1961 on July 1, Gov. William Quinn signed the nation's first law to create ...
(A) A reconstruction permit for Iolani Palace.
(B) “;Land use districts”; such as Conservation, Agricultural and Urban.
(C) A memorial over the sunken battleship USS Arizona.
(D) The world's largest shopping center, to be called Ala Moana.
A: (B) “;Land use districts”; such as Conservation, Agricultural and Urban (Source: “;Hawaii's Forgotten History,”; by Rich Budnick)
July 2
Q: In 1960, an earthquake in Chile on May 23 created a 440-mph tsunami …
(A) That devastated Alaskan seacoast towns, killing 32
(B) That swamped Singapore, killing 185
(C) That slammed into Hilo, killing 61
(D) That overwhelmed Oahu’s North Shore, killing 3
A: (C) A tsunami slammed into Hilo, killing 61. (Source: “;Hawaii's Forgotten History,”; by Rich Budnick)
July 1
Q: In 1959, what percentage of registered voters turned out for Hawaii’s statehood plebiscite on July 28?
A) 50 percent
B) 77 percent
C) 64 percent
D) 93 percent
A: D) 93 percent
