Hawaii celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Statehood today in a special joint session held by the Senate and the House of Representatives. On March 18, 1959, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law the Hawaii Admission Act that allowed Hawaii to become the 50th state. Hawaii was welcomed into the union five months later, officially becoming a state on August 21, 1959.
The 25th Legislature, joined by the administration, honored distinguished guests that included past governors and lawmakers who were leaders and pioneers during Hawaii’s formative years as the 50th state:
* Mrs. William Quinn, former First Lady, and son, Gregory Quinn
* The Honorable James Burns, former Judge
* The Honorable George Ariyoshi & Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, former Governor and State Senator & First Lady
* The Honorable John Waihee & Mrs. Lynne Waihee, former Governor & First Lady
* The Honorable Ben Cayetano & Mrs. Vicky Cayetano, former Governor & First Lady
* The Honorable Nadao Yoshinaga, former State Senator, and daughter, Susan Yoshinaga