Aloha all,
Nestled in the heart of downtown Honolulu, right behind ‘Iolani Palace, sits the State Capitol building, a remarkable place filled with deep history and rich culture. This week, my Peace Studies class, led by Professor Vince Okada, had the opportunity to visit the Hawai’i State Capitol building to meet with Senator Glenn Wakai.
From an outer perspective, the physical appearance of the Capitol is very striking. The Mauka side of the capitol is lined with four kukui nut trees, symbolizing Hawai’i’s state tree, the four major counties, as well as the four Hawaiian gods. The outside physical appearance also features eight pillars, representing the eight Islands of Hawai’i, their shape resembling the trunk of a palm tree. The inner atrium of the capitol is a beautiful outdoor space made for people of Hawai’i to feel welcomed and at home in their state, with the intention of allowing natural elements to pass through and be present.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was fascinated by the intentional design of the building. On either side of the building are legislative chambers, to which I got the chance to step inside and experience. Each chamber is thoughtfully crafted: the domed walls and ceiling represents the inside of a volcano, while the deep blue carpet symbolizes the ocean. One chamber features a beautiful light fixture made of hundreds of white shells, representing the moon, while the other symbolizes the sun. The furniture, all crafted from koa wood, adding another layer of cultural significance. I found these intricate details of the state capitol to be absolutely captivating!
During our time at the capitol, my class had the privilege of engaging in a discussion with Senator Wakai. My classmates asked thought-provoking questions about sustainability policies, homelessness, and the ongoing construction across the Islands. Senator Wakai provided thoughtful and detailed responses, demonstrating his efforts to make a connection with the younger generation of the community. He also shared some of his current passion projects, including restoring the Aloha Stadium for the people of Hawai’i, and finding new ways to create a more sustainable future for Hawai’i.
As I sat through the meeting, I felt a newfound appreciation for the efforts being made to shape a better Hawai’i. Political involvement plays a crucial role in creating peaceful changes, not only here within the Islands, but everywhere. It’s so important for people—especially youth—to recognize the power of their voices. With a passion towards anything, and time given towards your study, there will be a recognizable amount of contribution to you, people around us and society. We can make a positive change in our school, communities, and our state–your voice matters!
Mahalo for tuning in this week,
Bronwyn Almy
