50 VOICES OF STATEHOOD

For Immediate Release: July 10, 2009

HONOLULU – Award-winning restaurateur, cookbook author and television host Chef Sam Choy discusses Hawai‘i’s blend of ethnic foods, the unique culture and the people who live in these islands as he shares his views on Hawai‘i’s statehood as part of the 50 Voices of Statehood series in commemoration of Hawai‘i’s 50th anniversary of statehood.  Chef Choy takes pride in educating people around the world about the diverse cultures and flavors that culminate in Hawai‘i.  His 50 Voices of Statehood vignette is currently airing statewide through July 12.

On March 18, 1959, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law the bill that allowed Hawai‘i to be admitted as the 50th state of the United States of America.  The Presidential signing of the Hawai‘i Admission Act paved the way for Hawai‘i residents to vote on the Statehood bill, which they approved on June 27, 1959.  Two months later, on August 21, 1959, President Eisenhower made Hawai‘i’s statehood official by signing a proclamation welcoming Hawai‘i as the 50th state of the Union.

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. The vignettes have been airing on six television stations and 60 radio stations statewide. 

Chef Choy joins a distinguished and diverse list of Hawai‘i leaders and community members who over the course of this golden anniversary year are sharing their thoughts and remembrances of statehood. 

Previous 50 Voices of Statehood vignettes have featured (in order of airing): Dodie Brown, Ret. Judge Jim Burns, former state Land Board Chairman Bill Paty, historian David Parker, former Maui County Mayor Elmer Cravalho, Ret. Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki, former University of Hawai‘i President Dr. Fujio “Fudge” Matsuda, the late labor rights activist Ah Quon McElrath, Chester Kahapea, Danny Kaleikini, Dr. Larry Price, former State Representative Stuart Ho, former state protocol officer Francis Lum, former First Lady Nancy Quinn, and former U.S. Congresswoman Patricia Saiki, Chinese immigrant and businesswoman Lucy Gue Hua Lu Ramirez, community attorney Milton Motooka, and Castle & Cooke descendent Samuel A. Cooke, United Chinese Society leader Danny Young, former Governor George Ariyoshi, banker Walter Dods, former Governor Ben Cayetano, Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell, former Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, former Governor John Waihe‘e, State Adjutant General Robert Lee, Vietnam veteran Allen Hoe, cultural specialist Leona Kalima, educator Fred Cachola, businesswoman Alice Guild, hotelier Peter Fithian, comedian Frank De Lima, Chef Roy Yamaguchi, concert promoter Tom Moffatt, Mountain Apple record company CEO/owner Jon de Mello, Chef Alan Wong and UH Wahine Volleyball Coach Dave Shoji.

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 Union.  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