147th Anniversary of Aliiolani Hale's Grand Opening

In this morning's e-mailbox we received the following from Hawaii's King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center:

April 30 marks the 147th anniversary of Aliiolani Hale's grand opening to the public. 

The event commenced at 12 o'clock noon with canon booms from the batteries atop Puowaina, echoed by guns on the U.S. Benicia in Honolulu Harbor. 

The Hawaiian Band played the Hawaii Ponoi as King Kalakaua, Prince Leleiohuku and members of the King's staff left Iolani Palace on foot, flanked on each side by members of the Royal Body Guard. They walked across the street to Aliiolani Hale where they were greeted by the King's ministers and escorted into the new Legislative Hall. 

Already present were Queen Kapiolani, Her Highness Ruth Keeliokalani, Princesses Liliuokalani and Likelike, Queen Dowager Emma, Princess Pauahi Bishop, and several hundred invited spectators. 

After an opening pule, the King read his address which the Hawaiian Gazette described as more comprehensive than any similar one delivered to the Kingdom's Legislature. The first Legislature to meet in the brand new government building was officially opened.

In honor of the grand opening's anniversary, we invite you to tour Aliiolani and the Judiciary History Center. For guided group tours, please call 539-4994.