50 VOICES OF STATEHOOD

For Immediate Release: December 30, 2008

HONOLULU – Danny S. M. Young, a prominent leader in Hawai`i's Chinese community, is the next island resident to share his perspective on Hawai`i's statehood as part of the 50 Voices of Statehood series in commemoration of Hawai`i's 50 years of statehood.  Young is vice chairman of the emeritus trustees of the United Chinese Society of Hawai`i, the premier and leading Chinese organization in the State of Hawai`i representing over 100 Chinese societies, clubs, and organizations. The not-for-profit organization is dedicated to community service and promotes friendly relations among the Chinese in Hawai`i, the U.S. mainland and abroad.  It was established in 1884 under the reign of King David Kalakaua of the Kingdom of Hawai`i.  Young is also president of Buck Toy Club, which promotes charity, cooperation and friendship. Young also serves as a member of the 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission. Young's 50 Voices of Statehood vignette is airing this week through January 4, 2009.

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.

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, and community attorney Milton Motooka, and Castle & Cooke descendent Samuel A. Cooke.

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