50 VOICES OF STATEHOOD

For Immediate Release: November 17, 2008

HONOLULU – Francis Kahou Lum, whose 58-year career with the state included 40 years as the trusted and highly respected chief protocol officer under five Hawai‘i governors, is the next Hawai‘i resident to share his perspectives on statehood as part of the 50 Voices of Statehood television and radio series.  Starting in 1967 as the protocol officer for Governor John Burns and serving continuously under Governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihe‘e, Ben Cayetano and Linda Lingle until his retirement in 2006, Lum witnessed Hawai‘i’s history of statehood unfold from one of the most unique positions in the state’s highest office.  Lum oversaw all protocol procedures for the five governors and their administrations, including planning and organizing official overseas trade and goodwill missions, as well visits to Hawai‘i by heads of state from around the world.  He also served more than 40 years as a member of the Hawai‘i National Guard, including active duty service in Vietnam.  Today, while officially retired, Lum remains a committed and loyal public servant as a Hawaiian Homes Commissioner and as a member of the Hawai‘i Commemorative Quarter Commission.  Lum’s 50 Voices of Statehood vignette will air during the week of Nov. 17 – 23.

The 50 Voices of Statehood vignettes, which are being recorded by the award-winning Searider Productions of Wai‘anae High School, feature personal perspectives on statehood and Hawai‘i’s history from 50 residents representing the state’s diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, political, social and economic backgrounds. Each week over the next year, a different vignette will air on six television stations and 60 radio stations statewide.  An interactive online forum (www.seariderproductions.com/50voices) will allow teachers and students to incorporate the vignettes into their classroom discussions.

The 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission has planned a comprehensive year-long series of events and activities, with a special focus on education, to honor the 50th anniversary of Hawai‘i’s admission to the United States.  The 50 Voices of Statehood series, as well as information on the Commission, its members and the commemorative plans may be found at www.hawaii.gov/statehood.

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For more information, contact:

Kippen de Alba Chu
Chair
50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission
Executive Director, ‘Iolani Palace
Phone: (808) 522-0825

Lenny Klompus
Vice Chair – Events
50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission
Senior Advisor – Communications
Office of the Governor
Phone: (808) 586-7708