Linda Lingle sits with (from left) Vivian Aiona (wife of Lt. Gov.-elect James Aiona), Aiona, Lingle's step-mother Mary Cutter and her father Richard Cutter during pre-inaugural events at the Capitol. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

"I agree with her that the time for partisan politics has come and gone in Hawai'i and nationally," said newly elected U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawai'i. "I'm encouraged that there's a spirit of working together for everyone's benefit."

Case, who won a special congressional election over the weekend, said bipartisanship is something he worked toward during his eight years in the state Legislature.

"That doesn't mean you don't have great debate, that doesn't mean you don't have disagreement," he said. "But there's policy differences and differences that have nothing to do with policy and everything to do with pure partisanship."

State Rep. Galen Fox, the House minority leader, said having a Republican governor for the first time in four decades presents exciting possibilities for Hawai'i.

"It's so much better having a governor who has actually has an agenda for change," he said. "What we're used to is having the governor talk as if change is a big part of his agenda, but not that much happening.

"I'm looking forward to working with our Democratic colleagues and making sure there's real change," he said.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka said he'll do whatever it takes to help Hawai'i.

"She brings on optimism to Hawai'i and Hawai'i's future," said Akaka, D-Hawai'i. "We certainly look forward to working together with her."

Former Gov. George Ariyoshi said he agreed with a lot of things Lingle said in her inauguration address.

"It's very difficult times and I offer my prayers and hopes that she'll be able to do the things she talked about," he said.

Ariyoshi said he doesn't have any concerns about whether or not a Democratic-controlled state House and Senate will be able to work with a Republican governor.

"I think if the program is right, if it's done in the right kind of way, I think they'll be a lot of cooperation," he said.

Ariyoshi said people cannot consider Lingle as just a Republican.

"She's a governor for all the people of Hawai'i," he said. "We have campaigns that were very spirited, but after the election is all over and the people have spoken, I think we all need to come together and respect her as our governor, not as a Republican or Democrat."

Pete Dyer, a 59-year-old retired state employee from Kane'ohe, and his wife, Darlene, picked a spot away from the crowd to watch the inauguration festivities.

"We need a refreshing look at how we do state government here in Hawai'i," he said. "Everybody is anxious to see a different perspective on how it is done."

Elwyn Kan, a 64-year-old retired law clerk from downtown, said she called the Lingle organization to leave her name after the governor-elect put out a call for volunteers. "I think she's a good person, a compassionate person who has Hawai'i's best interest at heart," Kan said.

Kapolei resident Alex Santos, a 35-year-old advertising salesman, said he voted for Lingle because of her promise to "restore integrity back in government."

Hawai'i Republican Party chairman Micah Kane said the emotions are heavy today, adding: "I will be holding back tears."

"It's exciting, it's humbling, very humbling," he said. "You just know it's an incredible responsibility. We've talked a lot over the last four years about what we would do if we had this opportunity and now we have the opportunity. So we're going to put our words into action and do the best job we can."

Lingle supporters also organized several other events tied to the inauguration, most notably a $150-per-person dinner-dance at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel tonight and a free " 'ohana party" at Magic Island tomorrow.

The dinner-dance, however, has been sold out and 4,000 tickets for the Magic Island event, which the public could obtain from Lingle's campaign headquarters on Ala Moana Boulevard, were gone by Friday. Of the Magic Island event, Klompus said, "I don't think that's ever been done."

Lingle, a former Maui mayor, is the first Republican governor since William Quinn, who was elected the first governor after statehood in 1959. Quinn was followed by Democratic Govs. John A. Burns, George Ariyoshi, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano, who left office today.

Today's events started with a 10 a.m. parade of about 15 bands and other musical groups that marched from the top of Richards Street, down South King Street and onto the ground the grounds if 'Iolani Palace, where a review area was set up for Lingle and other dignitaries.

Just after 11 a.m., Lingle, Aiona and other dignitaries made their way from 'Iolani Palace to the Capitol atrium, stopping briefly to place a purple crown floral bouquet at the Queen Lili'uokalani Statue. As a conch shell blew, the crowd gathered in the atrium cheered Lingle as she and her entourage made their way to the inaugural stage.

A group of seven ministers from various religious denominations gave the invocation.

Lingle officials estimated the total cost of the two days of events at about $350,000. A nonprofit group was set up to raise money and organize the event. Proceeds from the dinner-dance will go toward offsetting the cost of the events.

Various companies, organizations and individuals also contributed to the effort, Klompus said. Any remaining money will be donated to charity.

Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com and Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com, or at 525-8070.