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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.