Hawaiian Hall Opens With Joyous Celebration State Declares August 8, 2009 As Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Day

Honolulu, HI –Bishop Museum reopened its newly restored Hawaiian Hall today with cultural reverence and praises.  Among the dignitaries who attended the early morning ceremonies were the Royal Societies, Ali‘i Trusts, and community leaders including U.S. Congressman Neil Abercrombie, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chair Haunani Apoliona, and Kamehameha Schools CEO Dee Jay Mailer.

State Director of Department of Land and Natural Resources, Laura Thielen presented the Museum a proclamation from Governor Linda Lingle and Lt. Governor Duke Aiona which stated:

“One hundred and twenty years after Bishop Museum was first established, following its first renovation in more than a century, Hawaiian Hall will once again open its doors to the community on August 8, 2009 … THEREFORE, I, LINDA LINGLE, Governor, and I, JAMES R. “DUKE” AIONA, JR., Lieutenant Governor of the State of Hawai‘i, do hereby proclaim August 8, 2009 as BERNICE PAUAHI BISHOP MUSEUM DAY.”

Bishop Museum President and CEO, Timothy Johns said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hawaiian people, whose beauty, talent and creativity have made this historic occasion possible.  We hope that we have appropriately honored your history and culture.”

Hawaiian Hall Reopening Festivities continue until 5 pm today and from 9 am to 5 pm tomorrow.   Special admission rates for kama‘āina and military are $5 for adults, $3 for youth ages 4 to 12 (ages 3 and under are free).

Sponsors for the Reopening Festivities are Hawaiian Airlines, Outrigger Enterprises Group, and the John Young Foundation.

For the entertainment and lecture schedule please visit www.bishopmuseum.org or call 847-3511.