Expected to last approximately two hours, the opening-day ceremonies will include speeches by House and Senate leaders that will outline their goals for some of the state's most pressing issues: education, affordable housing, energy and the environment.

Given the state's slowing economy, fiscal responsibility is likely to be a common theme in the speeches.

At noon, lawmakers will honor Western Athletic Conference champions — the University of Hawaii Warrior football team, the UH Wahine volleyball team and soccer teams — then many will open their offices for public receptions.