The opening bell at the state Legislature yesterday presented democracy in action, made of many parts — ceremony and sincerity, frivolity and food fest, passion and civic pride.
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| Newly elected Rep. Ryan Yamane, D-37th (Mililani, Waipi'o), had his 5 1/2-month-old son, Daniel, and his wife, Jennifer, at his side for the opening session of the Legislature yesterday.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser
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Folks migrated to the Capitol by the thousands for a multitude of reasons, but there were recurring themes.
Some had come to educate:
"We are here today to represent the plight of the Hawaiian people," yelled a man at the makai end of the building who identified himself as Manukihapai. He was wearing a white loin cloth and kihei (cloak). "The Legislature is not listening. It is a shame. We want local, state and federal government to be accountable!"
Others were there to learn:
Michele White of Red Hill stood at the back of the House chamber with her three children, Emily, 10, Elliot, 8, and Eleri, 2.
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| Residents who went to yesterday's opening of the state Legislature got to eat free food after visiting lawmakers in their offices.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
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"We home school and we're here to learn the political process," said White, 38, whose husband, Dean, is a Pearl Harbor submariner out at sea. "I just want them to see how it works."
And some were there to both learn and educate:
While 52 students from the Halau Lokahi Public Charter School chanted and danced hula at the mauka end of the Capitol, eight other students were waiving "Support Charter Schools" signs on South Beretania Street.
"Charter schools are under-funded," said math teacher
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| Catherine Hughes, left, of Kaimuki, and Jan Bappe of Diamond Head were the lucky ones to get seats in the House Chamber for opening-day ceremonies.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
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Weston Willard, 28. Willard's students were at the Legislature, as well.
"They're here to learn and to participate," Willard said. "Each one has interview sheets with prepared questions, and each is responsible for interviewing two legislators."
At least a few citizens showed up for reasons fundamental.
"I came to get out of the house," said Mona Lisa Cruz of Kaimuki, who, true to her word, was seated on the Senate chamber side of the building polishing off a plate of teriyaki chicken and rice.
Lori Silva preferred to be entertained. Her choices were the group Vaihi in the House Chamber or the Makaha Sons in the Senate Chamber. Silva opted for Makaha Sons, but that presented a dilemma after she briefly stepped out and found the door locked when she returned. The crowd inside had reached maximum capacity.
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| Emily White, 10, recites the Pledge of Allegiance in the House Chamber gallery. Her mother brought her there to familiarize her with the political process.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
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Meanwhile, Silva's 10-year-old daughter, Kadriah, was trapped inside and couldn't get out. She and her mother gestured at one another through the glass.
"It was irritating," said Kadriah after she finally got out. "I tried to leave and the guard said I had to wait. He didn't say why. I said OK."
Speaking for many, Marigold Orbita, 37, of Ala Moana, said, "I came for the food."
Orbita stood by a second floor rail overlooking the rotunda and poked a plastic fork at a plate of chicken, poke, noodles and sardines.
"This is my first time," she said. "Thumbs up, man! Good food. I'm coming back next year."
But Jan Bappe of Diamond Head, a retired member of the Army Nurse Corps, seemed enchanted with the whole political atmosphere without taking a single bite of free food.
"I really won't be eating anything," said Bappe, 79, whose eyes sparkled as she sat mesmerized in the House Chamber. "The main reason I come is to go around and say hello to the legislators.
"I want them to know I participate."
Reach Will Hoover at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8038.
