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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 2:41 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 2008

Chinatown events to usher in 'Year of the Rat'

Advertiser Staff

Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday joined leaders of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chinatown Merchants Association, United Chinese Coalition, and The ARTS at Marks Garage to announce plans for the City and County of Honolulu's Month in Chinatown celebration of Chinese New Year.

"A four-week-long series of events is planned to welcome in the Year of the Rat," Hannemann said in a news release. "A full slate of free public events is scheduled from the beginning of January through to the Chinese New Year on Feb. 7, 2008."

"As far as I know, Honolulu is the only city where the Culture and Arts are centered in Chinatown," Hannemann said in the release.

This year's Month in Chinatown celebration will also include a First Friday with participation by numerous Chinatown and Downtown shops, galleries and nonprofit organizations.

"These events underscore the role that art and culture have in economic revitalization. In 2008, there is an even greater participation by merchants and organizations, as evidenced by the 36-page, full-color guidebook," Hannemann said.