It is often said that newspapers are the first draft of history.

The Honolulu Advertiser next year marks 150 years of chronicling the Islands' events and people and recording its history.

As part of a yearlong celebration of that milestone, The Advertiser is publishing a special section focusing on 150 influential people, events and institutions that have been a part of the Islands' history from 1856 to the present.

Who do you believe have been the most influential people in Hawai'i over the past 150 years? Which historical events and social, economic, political or cultural changes do you think should be included?

Please send your suggestions to Anne Harpham at aharpham@honoluluadvertiser.com or P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802 by Dec. 15.

We hope our list will be a glimpse into the life and times of the past 150 years of our history. This is your chance to help write that story.