LT. GOVERNOR AND MRS. AIONA CELEBRATE CHINESE MOON FESTIVAL

September 16 - Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona gathered last week with Hawai`i's Chinese community to celebrate one of the most important traditions in Chinese culture.

They were among the featured guests for the 2007 Chinese Moon Festival and National Day Celebration.

In his welcoming remarks, Lt. Governor Aiona praised the festival as a "celebration of abundance and togetherness," dating back more than 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty.

Lt. Governor Aiona expressed appreciation to organizers for "honoring their heritage and keeping their culture and traditions strong." Lt. Governor Aiona's grandparents from his mother's side were Chinese immigrants.

The event was organized by the Hawai`i Mainland Chinese Overseas Association with help from the Chinese Tea Club of Hawai`i and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association.