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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 10:50 a.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Photos: Preparing for opening-day ceremonies

Advertiser Staff

Photos from the state Capitol today before opening-day ceremonies kicked off.

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Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Ben Villaflor checks on chair labels indicating the seating arrangement in the Senate Chamber a couple of hours before opening-day ceremonies are to begin at the State Capitol.

BRUCE ASATO I The Honolulu Advertiser

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Quiet and empty earlier this morning, the Senate Chamber will soon be filled with legislators and members of the public as the second session of the 24th Hawai'i State Legislature gets under way.

BRUCE ASATO I The Honolulu Advertiser

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Rachelle Mararagan, wife of Mark Mararagan, a staffer for Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser, sets up a bouquet of flowers on the senator’s desk today before the opening-day session kicks off.

BRUCE ASATO I The Honolulu Advertiser

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Staffers of the state Senate make final preparations for today’s opening-day ceremonies at the state Capitol.

BRUCE ASATO I The Honolulu Advertiser

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Supporters of legislation that would prevent scientists from genetically modifying the taro plant showed up at the state Capitol today for the opening day of the Legislature. House Speaker Calvin Say spoke to them, addressing their concerns.

GREGORY YAMAMOTO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Some members of the University of Hawai’i football team were in attendance for today’s opening ceremonies. The Warriors were invited by Rep. Mele Carroll, center with lei. Her nephew is linebacker Blaze Soares, on her left making a shaka.

GREGORY YAMAMOTO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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About 27 members of the UH football team showed up for breakfast during the Legislature’s opening day today.

GREGORY YAMAMOTO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Minutes before the start of the 2008 legislative session, a large crowd gathered around Walter Ritte, who called upon House Speaker Calvin Say to address protesters’ concerns about genetically modified taro.

BRUCE ASATO I The Honolulu Advertiser

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Supporters of legislation that would prevent scientists from genetically modifying the taro plant showed up at the state Capitol today for the opening day of the Legislature.

GREGORY YAMAMOTO | The Honolulu Advertiser