Celebrations abound for Obama's inauguration
Metromix
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Excitement over President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration is palpable, not just in Washington, D.C., where the official Tuesday ceremony will take place, but here in Obama's proud hometown of Honolulu. Here's a list of local gatherings, all happening on Tuesday, that commemorate this very special Inauguration Day — from organized breakfasts where you can watch him being sworn in, to evening soirees to celebrate the nation's new commander in chief.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF HAWAII INAUGURAL GALA
The Royal Hawaiian hotel — 2259 Kalakaua Ave.
5:30-9:30 p.m.
$250 regular admission and $1,000 VIP
596-2980
In honor of this historic event, the Democratic Party of Hawaii will host an Inaugural Gala for Barack Obama in the Monarch Room. Former Hawai'i Govs. George Ariyoshi, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano, and former first ladies Jean Ariyoshi, Lynn Waihee and Vicky Cayetano will be honorary co-chairs for the event. Dress code is "Island elegant."
ALOHA OBAMA PARTY
The Waterfront at Aloha Tower — 1 Aloha Tower Drive
6:30 p.m.
Free admission
Come celebrate Inauguration Day at this outdoor bash, hosted by The Waterfront at Aloha Tower and Henk Rogers. No-host bar, validated parking and TV coverage of the big day.
INAUGURAL PARTY FOR BARACK OBAMA
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i — 2454 S. Beretania St.
4-8 p.m.
$65.00
735-5597
www.inauguralpartyforobama.com
Dress in aloha wear for this inaugural party at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i's Manoa Ballroom. The event, sponsored by Business Plans Hawaii and BarackObuttons.com, features live jazz, Hawaiian and dance music. It's also a fundraiser for the Hawaii Foodbank. Ticket price includes pupu, soft drinks and entertainment. (There's also a no-host bar.) Those attending are being asked to bring a can of food for the Hawaii Foodbank.
'BREAKFAST WITH THE PRESIDENT: CHANGE IS HAPPENING'
Don Ho's Island Grill, Aloha Tower Marketplace — 1 Aloha Tower Drive
6:30 a.m.
$30.00
630-8168
Sponsored by Ed Auld of Hawaiian Expediters, this buffet breakfast is a chance to watch history in the making as Obama is sworn in. The $30 entry fee includes breakfast, tax and tip. Reservations are limited to the first 180 people.
HONOLULU RAINBOW OBAMA INAUGURATION BALL
Queen Kapiolani Hotel (Peacock Room) — 150 Kapahulu Ave.
5 p.m.-1 a.m.
$40 general, $20 students
The Hawai'i LGBT community unites to celebrate change in 2009. Video feeds of the inauguration will be projected on a big screen, with pupu, a no-host bar, continuous live entertainment, patriotic red, white and blue decor, raffles and special guests highlighting the celebration. DJs Rayne, G-Spot and IKON will spin. For those 18 and older. Net proceeds go toward the HGLCF (Honolulu Gay Lesbian Cultural Foundation).
'A WELCOME CHANGE' PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL BREAKFAST
Plaza Club — 900 Fort Street Mall
6:30 a.m.
$20.00
521-8905
Celebrate Obama's inauguration at a breakfast buffet, and watch the swearing-in ceremony on TV. Open to the public.
PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL PARTY AT THE PLAZA CLUB
Plaza Club — 900 Fort Street Mall
6 p.m.
$30.00
521-8905
Celebrate Obama's inauguration at this evening party. Entry fee includes pupu, one glass of champagne, wine or a non-alcoholic drink. Dress in evening attire. Open to the public.
