Aunty and Uncle were invited to the Opening Day Ceremony of the Hawaii State Senate by the new Senate President (sweet!) Donna Mercado Kim on January 16, 2013.

Aunty never attended an opening before but had heard about the ono and plentiful food, so rsvp:ed with gladness with Uncle dropping me off in front.

Well, it was a pretty nifty event, and I was very proud to say I knew Donna, especially after she did a really wonderful address.  The lone Republican Senator Sam Slom also did a great minority address and Aunty’s wish is that bipartisanship and personal agendas are put aside and new laws that benefit our Hawaii are adopted and implemented with foresight, speed, and wisdom.

Aunty saw many old and new friends there – all very pleasant surprises!  I wish I took a picture with the now retired Marian Higa, former State Auditor and I said hellos (as if I knew them, lol) to former and current governors and mayors.

One wonderful memento is a picture of Aunty and Willie K that new friend Doris snapped for me on our way into the Senate Chambers.  Even looks like Willie K is my friend!

All in all, going to the State Capitol was a wonderful new experience that Aunty highly recommends to everyone.