HAWAI`I BEGINS 'YEAR OF THE FAMILY' CELEBRATION

For Immediate Release:  February 6, 2009

HONOLULU – Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. today announced the start of a statewide initiative aimed at encouraging Hawai‘i residents to strengthen their commitment to their families.

The year-long initiative is being led by the Family Celebration Commission, a 15-member panel created by legislation in 2007.  For the past 18 months, the commission has been meeting to plan activities that reflect the importance of families.

The series of meetings culminated today with a ceremony at Washington Place, where the commission officially launched the “2009 Year of the Family Celebration.” In a sign of their support for the effort, Governor Linda Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona have proclaimed 2009 as the “Year of the Family” in Hawai‘i.

“We are encouraging the people of Hawai‘i to reflect on the importance of the family and to work to strengthen family bonds,” Lt. Governor Aiona said in presenting the proclamation to the Family Celebration Commission.

Family commission members were appointed by the Governor. The commission is responsible for planning statewide activities for families. To promote the family-oriented events planned throughout the year, the commission has developed a website: www.familycelebration2009.org.

“We look forward to widespread participation from families, businesses and community organizations in Hawai‘i,” said Kaipo Duncan, chairman of the Family Celebration Commission. “We are excited about this effort to help engage in activities that will help to strengthen families across our state.”

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For more information, contact:                      
Travis Taylor
Communications Director                                                       
Office of the Lieutenant Governor                      
(808) 586-0283