50 VOICES OF STATEHOOD COMMEMORATE STATEHOOD

For Immediate Release: October 2, 2008

HONOLULU – The sixth in a series of 50 Voices of Statehood television and radio vignettes features Kaua‘i native General Eric K. Shinseki who served as the 34th chief of staff of the United States Army.  A graduate of Kaua‘i High School (1960) and the U.S. Military Academy (1965), Shinseki was the first Asian-American to become a four-star general and the first to lead one of the four U.S. military services.  General Shinseki’s 50 Voices of Statehood vignette, which is currently airing, will run through Oct. 5.

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