STATE
OF HAWAII DATA AND STATISTICS
Capitol: Honolulu, Island of Oahu
Population: 1,285,498 - Approximately 73% on Oahu
Land Area: 6,422 square miles
Statehood: August 21, 1959
Nearest continent: 2397 miles
Largest Island in United States: Island of Hawaii
STATE
SYMBOLS AND MONUMENTS
from http://www.hawaii.gov/about/symbolsandmonuments.htm
The State Motto
The motto was adopted by the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1843,
and was used in an address by King Kamehameha III at ceremonies
following the return of his kingdom from the British. Hawaii
had been ceded to England by the British captain George
Paulet, after he claimed large debts were owed by Hawaiian
nobility. After Kamehameha III notified London of the captians
actions, Admiral Richard Thomas returned sovereignty back
to the King.
Source: http://en.allexperts.com/e/u/ua/ua_mau_ke_ea_o_ka_aina_i_ka_pono.htm
The State Seal
The seal was originally designed by Viggo Jacobsen for the
then-Republic of Hawaii in 1895. The seal is a modified
version of the royal coat of arms of the Hawaiian kingdom.
Where the royal seal had two warriors, the state seal has
King Kamehameha the Great on one side and the Goddess of
Liberty on the other holding the Hawaiian flag. Click
for more information.
The State Flag
Hawaii's state flag resembles the Union Jack of Great Britain
because many of King Kamehameha's advisors were British
and the islands were once placed under England's protection.
The flag consists of eight horizontal stripes,
representing the eight major islands, and the British Union
Jack. It has served as the flag of the kingdom, republic,
territory, and the state of Hawaii.
The State Bird
The nene, or Hawaiian Goose, is the state bird of Hawaii.
Once nearly extinct, it has been rescued
through the valiant efforts of conservationists here in
the islands and throughout the world.
The State Flower
The striking and beautiful yellow hibiscus (hibiscus brackenridgei),
known as the pua aloalo in the Hawaiian language, is the
state flower.
It is believed that there were originally
only five species of hibiscus native to Hawaii. Later other
varieties were imported and growers began to develop hybrids
to produce the kaleidoscope of colors and sizes found today.
The state flower graces the background of
the Hawaii State Governmet web pages.
The State Tree
The kukui is the state tree of Hawaii.
Also known as the candlenut, the kukui was
a most useful tree to the early Hawaiians who used it for
oil, light, and other purposes.
The State Gem
The black coral which grows in Hawaii's offshore waters
has been established as the official state gem.
Since its discovery by early Hawaiian divers,
harvesting of the spectacular corals has led to the establishment
of a thriving black coral jewelry industry and enhanced
visitor and resident appreciation of Hawaii's ocean resources.
The State Marine Mammal
Each winter, Hawaii welcomes and shelters entire herds of
humpback whales as they migrate from northern waters to
their traditional calving grounds off the island of Maui.
This spectacular animal has been designated
the official state marine mammal. Hawaii offers a safe haven
for the humpback, and the opportunity for the scientific
community to study whales in a protected environment.
The Eternal Flame
The Eternal Flame burns at the state capital building as
a tribute to the men and women of Hawaii who have served
in our armed services in the defense of liberty, freedom,
and justice.
It burns not only in memory of those who have
made the greatest possible sacrifices for their fellow citizens,
but as a beacon of courage and hope for all mankind.
The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is a national symbol of liberty, freedom,
and democracy. Presented to the State of Hawaii in 1950
by the federal government, it stands at the state capitol
building as a testimony to the proud history of the United
States and as an affirmation of the ideals and principles
that have shaped our nation and the world.
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