Beneath the towering frame of S132, imagine Honolulu in the early 20th century. Honolulu transitioned from a kingdom to part of the U.S. Territory of Hawaii in 1898. Honolulu became a U.S. state in 1959. It’s a story of growth and transformation.
S132 stands as a testament to Honolulu’s strategic importance. Honolulu became part of the U.S. in 1898. The U.S. Naval Station was established there in 1899. This naval presence shaped much of Honolulu’s development.
Picture the harbor bustling with activity. Honolulu’s safe harbor was discovered in 1794. Kamehameha’s chiefs and followers populated the area by 1795. Imagine the early days when Honolulu’s harbor was known as Kou. It was renamed Fair Haven. The Hawaiian translation became Honolulu.
Consider Honolulu becoming the capital of Hawaii in 1820. It then became the principal residence of the sovereign. This elevated Honolulu’s importance. Honolulu’s role expanded further in 1850. It became the capital of the islands.
Think about the businesses that thrived here. C. Brewer & Co. was founded in 1826. Brinsmade, Ladd, and Hooper followed in 1833. Hackfeld and Company arrived in 1849. Then came Castle & Cooke in 1851. Bishop & Co. bank opened in 1858. Theo H. Davies & Co. started in 1894. Alexander & Baldwin incorporated in 1900. The Honolulu Japanese Merchants Association organized in 1900 as well. These enterprises fueled Honolulu’s economy.
Reflect on the institutions that took root. The Oahu Charity School was founded in 1833. The Royal Hawaiian Band started in 1836. The Royal School opened in 1840. Kawaiahaʻo Church was built in 1842. The Honolulu Police Department was established in 1846. The Honolulu Fire Department organized in 1851. Oahu College became active in 1853. The British Club was founded in 1853 too. The Queen’s Hospital was built in 1860. The Honolulu Library and Reading Room Association formed in 1879. The Bishop Museum was founded in 1889. The Scottish Thistle Club started in 1891. The University of Hawaiʻi was established in 1907. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply formed in 1929. The Honolulu Zoo was established in 1947. The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi was founded in 1986.
Remember the newspapers that chronicled Honolulu’s story. The Sandwich Island Gazette and Journal of Commerce began publication in 1836. The Polynesian newspaper started in 1840. The Pacific Commercial Advertiser began in 1856. The Hawaiian Gazette began in 1865. The Yamato Shinbun began in 1896. The Honolulu Shinbun started in 1901. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin began in 1912. The Waikiki Beach Press started in 1955. The Chung-Hua Hsin Pao began in 1951. The Honolulu Civil Beat began in 2010. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser began in 2010.
Consider the landmarks that shaped Honolulu. A fort was built in 1816. ʻIolani Palace became the royal residence in 1845. Aliiolani Hale was built in 1873. Kapiolani Park opened in 1877. ʻIolani Palace was built in 1879. The Kapuāiwa Building was constructed in 1884. The Alexander Young Hotel was built in 1900. The Hawaii State Library building was constructed in 1913. Central Union Church was dedicated in 1924. The Honolulu Stadium opened in 1926. The Honolulu Academy of Arts opened in 1927. The Honolulu Municipal Building was constructed in 1928. The Waikiki Theatre opened in 1936. The Hawaii State Capitol was built in 1969. Aloha Stadium opened in 1975. The Hawaii Maritime Center opened in 1988.
As you stand before S132, remember it has witnessed Honolulu’s evolution. S132 connects Honolulu’s past with its present. It will continue to connect to its future.