Difference between revisions of "Hawaii" - New World Encyclopedia

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|+<big><big>'''Hawaii'''</big></big>
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{{Infobox U.S. state
|-
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| Name = Hawaii
| style="background:#ffffff;" align=center colspan=2 |
+
| Fullname = State of Hawaii<br/>''Moku{{okina}}āina o Hawai{{okina}}i''
{| border=0 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0
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| Othername = Mokuāina o Hawaii
| align=center width=296 | [[Image:Flag of Hawaii.svg |250px|Flag of Hawaii]]
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| Flag = Flag of Hawaii.svg
|-
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| Flaglink = [[Flag of Hawaii|Flag]]
| align=center width=296 | [[Flag of Hawaii]]
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| Seal = Hawaii-StateSeal.svg
|}
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| Seallink = [[Seal of Hawaii|Seal]]
|-
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| Coat of Arms = Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Hawaii.svg
| align=center colspan=2 | [[Image:LocationHawaii.png]]
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| Former = Territory of Hawaii
|-
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| Former_flag of the state = Flag of Hawaii.svg
| '''Official languages'''
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| Map = LocationHawaii.png
| Hawaiian English, Hawaiian
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| Nickname = The [[Aloha]] State
|-
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| Motto = [[Seal of Hawaii|Ua Mau ke Ea o ka {{okina}}Āina i ka Pono]]<br/> ("The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness")<br/>
| '''Capital'''
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'''[[State song|Anthem]]''': [[Hawaii Pono'i|Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī]]<br/> ("Hawaii’s Own True Sons")
| Honolulu
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| MottoEnglish =
|-
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| Capital = [[Honolulu]]
| '''Governor'''
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| LargestCity = capital
| Linda Lingle (R)
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| OfficialLang = English, [[Hawaiian language|Hawaiian]]
|-
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| Demonym = Hawaiian (see notes)<ref>Local usage generally reserves ''Hawaiian'' as an [[ethnonym]] referring to [[Native Hawaiians]]. ''Hawaii resident'' or ''islander'' is the preferred local form to refer to state residents in general regardless of ethnicity. The ''[[Associated Press Stylebook]]'', 42nd ed. (2007), also prescribes this usage (p. 112).</ref>
| '''Senators'''
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| Governor = [[David Ige]]
| Daniel Inouye (D)<br />Daniel Akaka (D)
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| Lieutenant Governor = [[Shan Tsutsui]]
|-
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| Legislature = [[Hawaii State Legislature|State Legislature]]
| '''Representatives'''
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| Upperhouse = [[Hawaii Senate|Senate]]
| Neil Abercrombie (D)| Ed Case (D) (D)
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| Lowerhouse = [[Hawaii House of Representatives|House of Representatives]]
|-
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|Senators = [[Brian Schatz]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])<br />[[Mazie Hirono]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])
| '''Area'''
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|Representative = [[Hawaii's 1st congressional district|1]]: [[Colleen Hanabusa]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])<br />[[Hawaii's 2nd congressional district|2]]: [[Tulsi Gabbard]] (D)
Ranked 43rd<br/>&nbsp;&ndash; Total<br/>&nbsp;&ndash; % water
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| PostalAbbreviation = HI
| <br/>&nbsp;16,636km²<br/>&nbsp;0
+
| AreaRank = 43rd
|-
+
| TotalAreaUS =10,931
| '''Population'''
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| TotalArea = 28,311
Ranked 42nd<br/>&nbsp;&ndash; Total (2000)
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| LandAreaUS = 6,423
| <br />&nbsp;1,211,537
+
| LandArea = 16,638
|-
+
| WaterAreaUS = 4,507
| '''Currency'''
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| WaterArea = 11,672
| U.S. dollar
+
| PCWater = 41.2
|-
+
|PopRank = 40th
| '''Time zone'''
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|2010Pop = 1,428,557 (2016 est.)<ref name=PopHousingEst>[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html Population and Housing Unit Estimates] U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 26, 2018.</ref>
| Universal Time-10<br/>(no daylight saving time)  
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|DensityRank = {{ordinal|13}}
|-
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|2000Density = 82.6
| '''National anthem'''
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|2000DensityUS = 214
| Star-Spangled Banner
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|MedianHouseholdIncome = $72,133<ref>[http://kff.org/other/state-indicator/median-annual-income/?currentTimeframe=0 Median Annual Household Income - 2016] The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved January 26, 2018.</ref>
|-
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|IncomeRank = 12th
| '''Calling Code'''
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| AdmittanceOrder = 50th
|1
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| AdmittanceDate = August 21, 1959
|-
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| TimeZone = [[Hawaii-Aleutian time zone]]: [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]-10<br/> (no [[daylight saving time]])
| '''Internet TLD'''
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| Longitude = 154° 48′ W to 178° 22′ W
| .us
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| Latitude = 18° 55′ N to 28° 27′ N
|}
+
| LengthUS =1,522
 
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| WidthUS = n/a
'''Hawaii''' is the only U.S. state surrounded by water, is the only state that continues to grow in area because of active extrusive [[lava]] flows, and has more endangered species per square mile than anywhere else.
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| Width = n/a
 
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| Length = 2,450
This archipelago represents the exposed peaks of a great undersea mountain range known as the [[Hawaiian-Emperor sea mount chain]], formed by [[volcano|volcanic]] activity over a [[Hotspot (geology)|hotspot]] in the earth's mantle. At about 3000km (1860 miles) from the nearest continent, the Hawaiian Island archipelago is the most isolated grouping of islands on [[Earth]].
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| HighestPoint = [[Mauna Kea]]<ref name=USGS>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111015012701/http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html Elevations and Distances in the United States] United States Geological Survey, 2001. Retrieved January 26, 2018.</ref><ref name=NAVD88>Elevation adjusted to [[North American Vertical Datum of 1988]].</ref><ref>The summit of [[Mauna Kea]] is the highest point in [[Oceania]]. Mauna Kea is also the tallest mountain on Earth as measured from base to summit. The [[shield volcano]] sits on the floor of the Pacific Ocean at a depth of {{convert|5998|m|ft|0|sp=us}} for a total height of {{convert|10205.3|m|ft|0|sp=us}}</ref>
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| HighestElevUS = 13,803
 +
| HighestElev = 4207.3
 +
| MeanElevUS =3,030
 +
| MeanElev = 920
 +
| LowestPoint = [[Pacific Ocean]]<ref name=USGS/>
 +
| LowestElevUS = 0
 +
| LowestElev = 0
 +
| ISOCode = US-HI
 +
| Website = www.hawaii.gov
 +
}}
  
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'''Hawaii''' is the 50th state of the United States, achieving statehood in 1959. It is the only island U.S. state, and sits in a strategic position in the Pacific Ocean roughly midway between the continental U.S. and East Asia. Because of its proximity to Asia, Hawaii permits the U.S. to project influence in the Asia-Pacific region, including military, underscored by the presence of the U.S. Pacific Command based on the island of Oahu. By virtue of its multi-ethnic population, Hawaii contains a preponderance of Asian and Polynesian cultural influence, which facilitates interactions between Asian nations and the U.S., enhanced by today's availability of rapid transportation and instant communications. In effect, Hawaii stands unique among the 50 states with roots both in Asia and the Pacific, as well as North American culture.
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{{toc}}
 
==Geography==
 
==Geography==
The '''Hawaiian Islands''', once known as the Sandwich Islands, form an [[archipelago]] of nineteen islands and atolls, numerous smaller islets, and undersea seamounts trending northwest by southeast in the North [[Pacific Ocean]] between latitudes 19°N and 29°N.  The archipelago takes its name from the largest island in the group and extends some 1500 [[mile]]s (2400 [[kilometre|km]]) from the [[Hawai'i (island)|Island of Hawaii]] in the south to northernmost [[Kure Atoll]]. 
 
  
Of these, eight high islands are considered the "main islands" and are located at the southeastern end of the archipelago. These islands are, from the northwest, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lānai, Kahoolawe, Maui and the Island of Hawaii.
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The Hawaiian Islands, once known as the Sandwich Islands, form an archipelago of 19 islands and atolls, numerous smaller islets, and undersea seamounts trending northwest by southeast in the North [[Pacific Ocean]] between latitudes 19°N and 29°N. The archipelago takes its name from the largest island in the group and extends some 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from the island of Hawaii in the south to northernmost [[Kure Atoll]].  
  
All of the Hawaiian Islands were formed by [[volcano|volcanoes]] arising from the sea floor through a vent described in geological theory as a [[hotspot (geology)|hotspot]]. The last volcanic eruption outside the Island of Hawaii happened at [[Haleakala|Haleakalā]] on Maui in the late 18th century. The newest volcano is [[Loihi Seamount|Lōihi]], deep below the waters off the southern coast of the Island of Hawaii.
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Of these, eight high islands are considered the "main islands" and are located at the southeastern end of the archipelago. These islands are, from the northwest, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lānai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii.
  
The isolation of the Hawaiian Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and the wide range of environments to be found on high islands located in and near the tropics, has resulted in a vast array of [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] [[flora (plants)|flora]] and [[fauna (animals)|fauna]], with a considerable number found exclusively in Hawaii or the surrounding ocean. Because of the islands' volcanic formation, native life before human activity is said to have arrived by the "3 W's": wind, waves, and wings. The volcanic activity and subsequent [[erosion]] created impressive geological features.
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All of the Hawaiian Islands were formed by [[volcano|volcanoes]] arising from the sea floor through a vent described as a hotspot. The last volcanic eruption outside the Island of Hawaii happened at [[Haleakala|Haleakalā]] on Maui in the late eighteenth century. The newest volcano is [[Loihi Seamount|Lōihi]], deep below the waters off the southern coast of the Island of Hawaii.
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[[Image:Hawaiianislandchain_USGS.png|thumb|left|300px|Map of the Hawaiian Islands, a chain of islands that stretches 2,400 km in a northwesterly direction from the southern tip of the Island of Hawaii]]
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The isolation of the Hawaiian islands in the middle of the [[Pacific Ocean]], and the wide range of environments to be found on high elevation islands, have resulted in a vast array of flora (plants) and fauna (animals). Native life before human activity is said to have arrived by the wind, waves, and wings. The volcanic activity and subsequent erosion created impressive geological features.
  
Hawaii is notable for rainfall: [[Mount Waialeale|Mount Waialeale]], on the island of Kauai, has the second highest average annual rainfall on earth: about 460 inches (11.7&nbsp;m). The Big Island of Hawaii is notable as the world's [[List of islands by highest point|fifth highest island]].
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Hawaii is notable for rainfall. Mount Waialeale, on the island of Kauai, has the second highest average annual rainfall on earth—about 460 inches (11,684 mm). The Island of Hawaii is notable as having the world's fifth highest elevation among islands.  
[[Image:Hawaiianislandchain_USGS.png|thumb|right|300px|Map of the Hawaiian Islands, a chain of islands that stretches 2400km in a northwesterly direction from the southern tip of the Island of Hawai‘i.]]
 
The climate is regarded as more subtropical than the latitude would suggest, because of the moderating effect of the surrounding ocean. Summer high temperatures seldom reach above the upper 80s (°F) and winter temperatures (at low elevation) seldom dip below the mid-60s. Snow falls at high elevations on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island in some winter months. Snow only rarely falls on Maui's Haleakalā.
 
  
Local climates vary considerably on each island. Windward sides face the northeast trades and receive much more rainfall; leeward sides are drier, with less rain and less cloud cover. Tourist resorts are concentrated resorts on sunny leeward coasts.
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The climate is more subtropical because of the moderating effect of the surrounding ocean. Summer high temperatures seldom reach above the upper 80s (°F) and winter temperatures (at low elevation) seldom dip below the mid-60s. Snow falls on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the big island in some winter months. Snow rarely falls on Maui's Haleakalā. Local climates vary on each island. Windward sides face the northeast trades and receive much more rainfall; leeward sides are drier, with less rain and less cloud cover. Tourist resorts are concentrated on the sunny leeward coasts.
  
The largest city, [[Honolulu, Hawaii|Honolulu]], located along the southeast coast of the island of Oahu, was the one chosen by King Kamehameha III as the capital because of the natural harbor there. The largest city is the capital, Other populous cities include Hilo, Kaneohe, Kailua, Pearl City, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kihei, and Lihue.
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The largest city, [[Honolulu, Hawaii|Honolulu]], located along the southeastern coast of the island of Oahu, was chosen by King Kamehameha III as the capital because of its natural harbor. Honolulu is also the largest city in Hawaii. Other populous cities include Hilo, Kaneohe, Kailua, Pearl City, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kihei, and Lihue.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
[[image:Hawaii sts26 big.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Photograph of the Hawaiian Islands from [[Space Shuttle Discovery]], looking southeast by south. Kaua‘i is closest at bottom right]]
 
The islands were first settled by [[Polynesia]]ns, either during the second half of the [[1st millennium AD]], or first by voyagers from the [[Marquesas]] sometime before 500 C.E., and then by immigrants from [[Tahiti]] around 1300 C.E.
 
  
Juan Gaetano, a Spanish navigator, may have visited in 1555. However, Spain never claimed the islands and on January 18, 1778, Captain [[James Cook]] and his crew were surprised to find high islands so far north in the Pacific. He named them the '''Sandwich Islands''', after the First Lord of the Admiralty, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, [[John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich|John Montagu]].
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[[image:Hawaii sts26 big.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Photograph of the Hawaiian Islands from [[space shuttle]] ''Discovery'', looking southeast by south. Kaua‘i is closest at bottom right]]
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The islands were first settled by [[Polynesia]]ns, either during the second half of the first millennium <small>C.E.</small> or by voyagers from the [[Marquesas]] sometime before 500 <small>C.E.</small>, and then by immigrants from [[Tahiti]] around 1300 <small>C.E.</small>
  
Hawaii was united under a single ruler, [[Kamehameha I of Hawaii|Kamehameha I]], in 1810. Until 1816 the chiefs considered themselves under British protection and flew the Union Jack. The monarchy then adopted a flag similar to the state's [[flag of Hawaii|present flag]], with the Union Jack in the top quarter next to the flagpole and eight horizontal stripes (alternating white, red and blue from the top), representing the eight islands of Hawaii.
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Juan Gaetano, a Spanish navigator, may have visited in 1555. On January 18, 1778, Captain [[James Cook]] arrived and was surprised to find high islands so far north. He named them the "Sandwich Islands," after the First Lord of the Admiralty, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu.
  
In 1819, [[Kamehameha II]] ascended to the throne. Under intense pressure from his co-regent and stepmother, [[Ka'ahumanu]], he allowed the [[kapu]] system that had ruled life in the island to be abolished. In 1820, missionaries from a New England Congregationalist missionary group arrived. They were received coldly at first, but after a year of limited permission to prostelyze, some of the highest-ranking chiefs converted, including [[Ka'ahumanu]]. They were then given permission to stay permanently. The commoners swiftly followed the example of their leaders and converted to Protestant Christianity. The Christian chiefs attempted to rule the islands as a Christian nation, which led to intense conflicts with other resident Westerners and visiting ships, all of whom preferred the old regime of abundant alcohol and promiscuous women.  
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Hawaii was united under a single ruler, Kamehameha I, in 1810. The chiefs considered themselves under British protection and flew the Union Jack until 1816. The monarchy then adopted a flag similar to the state's present flag, with the Union Jack in the top quarter next to the flagpole and eight horizontal stripes (alternating white, red, and blue from the top), representing the eight islands of Hawaii.  
  
Land was held at the will of the chiefs, and could be taken at any time. The non-Hawaiian residents wished to hold land in fee simple. The ruling chiefs were eventually persuaded to allow the land to be surveyed and divided between the king, the chiefs, and the commoners. Westerners would then be able to purchase land or register land claims. The Great mahele (land division) was signed into law on March 7, 1848.  
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In 1819, Kamehameha II ascended to the throne. He abolished the "kapu system" that had ruled life in the island. In 1820, a New England Congregationalist missionary group arrived. After a year of limited permission to proselytize, some of the highest-ranking chiefs converted. The commoners swiftly converted. The Christian chiefs attempted to rule the islands as a Christian nation, which led to conflict with resident Westerners and visiting ships, which preferred the old regime of abundant alcohol and promiscuity.  
  
On March 18, 1874 Hawaii signed a treaty with the United States granting Americans exclusive trading rights. The 1876 '''Reciprocity Treaty''' between the Kingdom of Hawaii and the United States allowed for duty free importation of Hawaiian grown sugar (from sugar cane) into the United States. This act altered the Hawaiian landscape by promoting sugar plantation agriculture.  Although the treaty also included duty free importation of rice, which was by this time becoming a major crop in the abandoned taro ''loi'' of the wetter parts of the islands, it was the influx of immigrants from Asia (first Chinese, and later Japanese) needed to support the escalating sugar industry, that provided the impetus for expansion of rice growing in Hawaii.  
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When non-Hawaiian residents pushed for the right to hold land in fee simple, the ruling chiefs were persuaded to allow the land to be surveyed and divided between the king, the chiefs, and the commoners. Westerners could purchase land or register land claims. The "great mahele" (land division) was signed into law on March 7, 1848.  
  
Up to the 1890s, the Kingdom of Hawaii was independent and had been recognized by the United States, Great Britain, France and Germany with exchange of ambassadors. This did not, however, mean there were not threats to the Kingdom's sovereignty made during that time.  
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On March 18, 1874, Hawaii signed a treaty granting Americans exclusive trading rights. The 1876 Reciprocity Treaty between the Kingdom of Hawaii and the United States allowed for duty-free importation of Hawaiian-grown [[sugar]] into the United States. This act promoted sugar plantation agriculture.  
  
The most serious incident occurred on February 10, 1843. Lord George Paulet of the Royal Navy warship HMS Carysfort entered Honolulu Harbor and captured the Honolulu fort, effectively gaining control of the town. Paulet then demanded King [[Kamehameha III]] abdicate and that the Hawaiian Islands be ceded to the British Crown. Kamehameha stepped down, but lobbied a formal protest with both the British government and Paulet's superior, Admiral Richard Thomas. Thomas repudiated Paulet's actions, and on July 31, 1843, restored the Hawaiian government.  
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Up to the 1890s, the Kingdom of Hawaii was independent and had been recognized by the United States, [[Great Britain]], [[France]], and [[Germany]]. However, there were threats to the kingdom's sovereignty. Lord George Paulet of the Royal Navy warship HMS ''Carysfort'' captured the Honolulu fort on February 10, 1843. Paulet demanded that King Kamehameha III abdicate and cede the Hawaiian Islands to Britain. Kamehameha stepped down, but protested to the British government and Paulet's superior, Admiral Richard Thomas. Thomas repudiated Paulet's actions, and on July 31, 1843, restored the Hawaiian government.  
  
In 1887, a group of American-born cabinet officials and advisors to David Kalakaua and an armed militia forced the king to promulgate what is today known as the Bayonet Constitution.  The constitution was in response to Kalakaua's capricious use of power, and it stripped the monarchy of much of its authority. Asians lost voting rights, as did 75 percent of the native Hawaiian population. Only well-to-do Europeans, Americans and Hawaiians were given full voting rights. When Kalkaua died in 1891, his sister Liliuokalani assumed the throne. The queen drafted a new constitution that would restore the monarchy's authority and strip American and European residents of the suffrage they had obtained in 1887.
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In 1887, a group of American-born cabinet officials and an armed militia forced King David Kalakaua to promulgate the "Bayonet Constitution," which stripped the monarchy of much of its authority. Asians lost voting rights, as did 75 percent of the native Hawaiian population. Only well-to-do Europeans, Americans, and Hawaiians were given full voting rights. When Kalakaua died in 1891, his sister Liliuokalani, who assumed the throne, restored the monarchy's authority and stripped American and European residents of their suffrage. This prompted a group of European and American Hawaiian citizens to attempt to prevent the queen from abrogating the constitution. On January 16, 1893, John L. Stevens, Minister to the Kingdom of Hawaii (through the United States Department of State), worried about threats to Americans, landed a company of U.S. Marines and two companies of U.S. sailors in Hawaii. A provisional government was set up and Queen Liliuokalani gave up her throne.  
  
A group of European and American Hawaiian citizens formed a committee to prevent the queen from enacting on her threat to abrogate the constitution on January 14, 1893.  United States Government Minister John L. Stevens, worried about possible threats to non-combatant Americans, summoned a company of U.S. Marines from the USS Boston and two companies of U.S. sailors to land on the Kingdom and take up positions at the U.S. Legation, Consulate, and Arion Hall on the afternoon of January 16th, 1893. A provisional government was set up. Liliuokalani gave up her throne.
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President [[Grover Cleveland]]'s investigation concluded that United States representatives had abused their authority. Minister Stevens was recalled, and the military commander of forces in Hawaii was forced to resign. However, the Morgan Report, submitted on February 26, 1894, exonerated Stevens and the U.S. troops. Cleveland resumed normal diplomatic relations with the Hawaiian provisional government.  
  
An investigation established by [[President Grover Cleveland|Cleveland]] concluded that "United States diplomatic and military representatives had abused their authority." Minister Stevens was recalled, and the military commander of forces in Hawaii was forced to resign.  
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The [[Republic of Hawaii|Republic of Hawaii]] was established July 4, 1894, under the presidency of Sanford Dole. The United States wanted the islands to establish a naval base that could protect overseas commerce. President [[William McKinley]] authorized the official annexation of Hawaii on July 7, 1898. In November 1899, Lance Paul Larsen took the issue of annexation to the newly opened Court of International Arbitration in The Hague, arguing that the United States had violated its 1849 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation. President [[Theodore Roosevelt]], who championed the Court and won the [[Nobel Prize]] for using the Court to settle another dispute, refused to have the Hawaii complaint arbitrated. The islands became [[Hawaii Territory|Hawaii Territory]], a United States territory, on February 22, 1900. The territorial legislature convened for the first time on February 20, 1901.
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{{readout||right|250px|Hawaii became the 50th state of the [[United States]] in 1959}}
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An attack on [[Pearl Harbor]] on December 7, 1941 by [[Japan]], intended to decimate the U.S. Pacific Fleet and insure unimpeded Japanese access to [[petroleum|oil]], was the trigger for the United States' entry into [[World War II]].  
  
On February 26, 1894, the Morgan Report] was submitted, exonerating Stevens and the U.S. troops from any involvement in the overthrow. In response to this report, Cleveland backed off from his previous rhetoric and conducted normal diplomatic relations with the provisional government.
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On March 18, 1959, President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] signed a bill granting Hawaii statehood. Hawaii formally became the 50th state of the Union on August 21, 1959. [[Image:Hawaiivotesinset.JPG|thumb|250px|right|All islands voted at least 93 percent in favor of Admission acts. Ballot (inset) and referendum results for the Admission Act of 1959.]]
  
The [[Republic of Hawaii|Republic of Hawaii]] was established July 4, 1894, under the presidency of Sanford Dole.  
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President [[Bill Clinton]] signed the "Apology Resolution," on November 23, 1993, which apologized for alleged American participation in what it asserted had been an illegal overthrow in 1893.
  
President[[William McKinley]] signed the [[Newlands Resolution]] which provided for the official annexation of Hawaii on July 7, 1898. The islands officially became [[Hawaii Territory|Hawaii Territory]], a [[Political divisions of the United States|United States territory]], on February 22, 1900. The territorial legislature convened for the first time on February 20, 1901.
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==Politics==
 
 
An attack on [[Pearl Harbor]] on 7 December, 1941 by the Empire of Japan was a trigger for the United States' entry into [[World War II]].
 
 
 
President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] signed a bill on March 18, 1959 which allowed for Hawaiian statehood.  Hawaii formally became the 50th state of the Union on August 21, 1959.
 
 
 
The [[United States Democratic Party|Democratic Party]] have held a majority in both houses of the state legislature since statehood, and held the governorship for 40 years (from 1962-2002).
 
 
 
President [[Bill Clinton]] signed the "Apology Resolution" a joint resolution of the United States Congress, on November 23, 1993. It explicitly apologized for alleged American participation in what it asserted was an illegal overthrow. 
 
 
 
[[Image:Hawaiivotesinset.JPG|thumb|250px|right|All islands voted at least 93 percent in favor of Admission acts. Ballot(inset) and referendum results for the Admission Act of 1959.]]
 
  
==Politics==
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The state government of Hawaii is modeled after the U.S. federal government with adaptations originating from the kingdom era of Hawaiian history. As codified in the Constitution of Hawaii, there are three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.
The state government of Hawaii is modeled after the federal government with adaptations originating from the kingdom era of Hawaiian history. As codified in the [[Constitution of Hawaii|Constitution of Hawaii]], there are three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial.
 
  
The executive branch is led by the [[Governor of Hawaii|Governor of Hawaii]] and assisted by the [[Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii|Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii]], both elected on the same ticket. The governor, in residence at Washington Place, is the only public official elected for the state government in a statewide race; all other administrators and judges are appointed by the governor. The lieutenant governor is concurrently the [[Secretary of State]] of Hawaii. The governor and lieutenant governor oversee the major agencies and departments of the executive of which there are twenty.
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The executive branch is led by the Governor of Hawaii and assisted by the lieutenant governor, both elected on the same ticket. The governor is the only public official elected in a statewide race; all other administrators and judges are appointed by the governor. The lieutenant governor is concurrently the Secretary of State of Hawaii. The governor and lieutenant governor oversee the 20 agencies and departments of the executive.
  
The legislative branch consists of the Hawaii State Legislature, the twenty-five members of the Hawaii State Senate, led by the President of the Senate, and the fifty-one members of the Hawaii State House of Representative, led by the Speaker of the House. They also govern from the Hawaii State Capitol.  
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The legislative branch consists of the Hawaii State Legislature, the 25 members of the Hawaii State Senate, led by the President of the Senate, and the 51 members of the Hawaii State House of Representatives, led by the Speaker of the House.  
  
 
The judicial branch is led by the highest state court, the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Lower courts are organized as the Hawaii State Judiciary.
 
The judicial branch is led by the highest state court, the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Lower courts are organized as the Hawaii State Judiciary.
  
The state is represented in the [[Congress of the United States]] by a delegation of four members.  
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The state is represented in the [[United States Congress]] by a delegation of four members, two senators and two representatives.
  
Hawaii is primarily dominated by the Democratic Party and has supported Democrats in 10 of the 12 presidential elections in which it has participated. In 2004, John Kerry won the state's four electoral votes by a margin of nine percentage points with 54 percent of the vote. Every county in the state supported the Democratic candidate.
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==Economy==
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The history of Hawaii can be traced through a succession of dominating industries: sandalwood, whaling, sugarcane, pineapple, the military, tourism, and education. Since statehood was achieved in 1959, tourism has been the largest industry, contributing 24.3 percent of the gross state product in 1997. New efforts are underway to diversify the economy.  
  
Unique to Hawaii is the way it has organized its municipal governments. There are no incorporated cities in Hawaii except the [[City & County of Honolulu]]. All other municipal governments are administered at the county level. The county executives are the Mayor of Hawaii, Mayor of Honolulu, Mayor of Kauai, and Mayor of Maui. All mayors in the state are elected in nonpartisan races.
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Industrial exports from Hawaii include food processing and apparel. These industries play a small role in the Hawaii economy, however, due to the considerable shipping distance to markets on the West Coast of the [[United States]] and ports of [[Japan]]. The main agricultural exports are nursery stock and flowers, coffee, macadamia nuts, pineapple, livestock, and sugarcane.  
  
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Hawaii is known for its relatively high per capita state tax burden. This rate can be explained partly by the fact that services such as education, health care, and other social services are all rendered at the state level, as opposed to the municipal level as in all other states. Millions of tourists contribute to the economy both by their infusion of cash and by paying general excise and hotel room taxes.
  
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==Demographics==
  
==Demographics==
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{| class="wikitable" align="right"
+
|+'''Historical Populations'''
|+ '''Historical populations'''
+
!width="50"|Census year
 +
!width="50"|Population
 
|-
 
|-
! abbr="year" | Census <br/>year
+
| 1900
!              Population
 
|-
 
! 1900
 
 
| align="right"| 154,001
 
| align="right"| 154,001
 
|-
 
|-
! 1910
+
| 1910
 
| align="right"| 191,874
 
| align="right"| 191,874
 
|-
 
|-
! 1920
+
| 1920
 
| align="right"| 255,881
 
| align="right"| 255,881
 
|-
 
|-
! 1930
+
| 1930
 
| align="right"| 368,300
 
| align="right"| 368,300
 
|-
 
|-
! 1940
+
| 1940
 
| align="right"| 422,770
 
| align="right"| 422,770
 
|-
 
|-
! 1950
+
| 1950
 
| align="right"| 499,794
 
| align="right"| 499,794
 
|-
 
|-
! 1960
+
| 1960
 
| align="right"| 632,772
 
| align="right"| 632,772
 
|-
 
|-
! 1970
+
| 1970
 
| align="right"| 769,913
 
| align="right"| 769,913
 
|-
 
|-
! 1980
+
| 1980
 
| align="right"| 964,691
 
| align="right"| 964,691
 
|-
 
|-
! 1990
+
| 1990
 
| align="right"| 1,108,229
 
| align="right"| 1,108,229
 
|-
 
|-
! 2000
+
| 2000
 
| align="right"| 1,211,537
 
| align="right"| 1,211,537
 +
|-
 +
| 2010
 +
| align="right"| 1,360,301
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The military presence and tourism attracts people to relocate there. The island of Oahu, which is aptly nicknamed "The Gathering Place," has a resident population of just fewer than one million.
  
As of 2005, Hawaii has an estimated population of 1,275,194, which is an increase of 63,657, or 5.3 percent, since the year 2000. The military presence and tourism attracts people to Hawaii. [[Oahu|Oahu]], which is aptly nicknamed "The Gathering Place", is the most populous island (and the one with the highest population density), with a resident population of just under one million.
+
[[Image:Hawaii_population_map.png|thumb|left|200px|Hawaii Population Density Map]]
 +
Ethnically, Hawaii is the only U.S. state that has a majority group that is non-white.  
  
Ethnically, Hawaii is the only state that has a majority group that is non-white (and one of only four in which non-[[Hispanic]] whites do not form a majority) and has the largest percentage of Asian Americans.
+
The Chinese were the second group of immigrants to arrive after the Europeans, beginning in 1789. They arrived as workers on Western trading ships. Many Hawaiians of Asian ancestry are descendants of the early immigrants who came in the 1850s to work on the sugar plantations.  
  
According to the 2000 Census, 6.6 percent of Hawaii's population identified themselves as Native Hawaiian, 24.3 percent were White American, including [[Portugal|Portuguese]] and 41.6 percent were Asian American, including 0.1 percent Indian American, 4.7 percent Chinese, 14.1 percent Filipino], 16.7 percent Japanese], 1.9 percent Korean, and 0.6 percent Vietnamese. A group of 1.3 percent were other Pacific Islander American, which includes Samoan American, Tongan], Tahitian, Māori and Micronesian. A total 21.4 percent described themselves as mixed race. Just under two percent were black or African American, and 0.3% were Native American and Alaska Native.
+
[[Christianity]] is the most widespread religion in Hawaii. It is mainly represented by various [[Protestant]]s, [[Catholic]]s and [[Mormon]]s. [[Buddhism]] is the second most popular religion, especially among the archipelago's Japanese community. Unaffiliated account for one-quarter of the population.
  
[[Image:Hawaii_population_map.png|thumb|right|200px|Hawai{{okina}}i Population Density Map]]
+
===Hawaiian Language===
 +
The state of Hawaii has two official languages: Hawaiian and English. The state constitution requires the use of Hawaiian in official state business. Standard Hawaiian English, a subset of American English, is also commonly used for other formal business. Hawaiian is legally acceptable in all legal documents, from depositions to legislative bills. As of 2000, 73.4 percent of Hawaii residents aged five and older spoke only English at home and 7.9 percent spoke Pacific Island languages. Tagalog is the third most spoken language at 5.4 percent, followed by Japanese at 5 percent, and Chinese at 2.6 percent. Hawaiian Pidgin is an unofficial language.
  
The second group of foreigners to arrive upon Hawaii's shores, after the Europeans, were the Chinese employees, serving on Western trading ships, who disembarked and settled from 1789. Many of the people of Asian ancestry in Hawaii are descendants of waves of early foreign immigrants brought there from the 1850s to work on the sugar plantations.  
+
Hawaiian is a member of the Polynesian language branch of the [[Austronesian languages|Austronesian]] family. It was brought to the islands by Polynesian seafarers. Before the arrival of Captain Cook, the Hawaiian language was purely a spoken language. The first written form was developed by American [[Protestant]] missionaries in the early nineteenth century, who assigned letters from the English alphabet that roughly corresponded to the Hawaiian sounds. Additional characters were added later to clarify pronunciation.
  
Sixty eight percent of Hawaiian identified themselves as Christian — 42 percent were Protestant, three percent Congregational/United Church of Christ, two percent Baptist, two percent Methodist, 24 percent Catholic, two percent Latter Day Saint, 18 percent agnostic/non-religious, nine percent Buddhist, and nine percent listed themselves as either Shinto, Tao or pagan.
+
Hawaiian distinguishes between long and short vowels. The long vowels are written with a macron called "kahakō." Also, the presence or absence of a glottal stop is distinctive. In writing, a glottal stop is indicated with the "okina." Omission of the "okina" and "kahakō" in printed texts can even obscure the meaning of a word.  
  
The state of Hawaii has two official languages: Hawaiian and English. The constitution requires the use of Hawaiian in official state business such as public acts, documents, laws and transactions. Standard Hawaiian English, a subset of American English, is also commonly used for other formal business. Hawaiian is legally acceptable in all legal documents, from depositions to legislative bills. As of 2000, 73.4 percent of Hawaii residents age five and older speak only English at home and 7.9 percent speak Pacific Island languages. Tagalog is the third most spoken language at 5.4 percent, followed by Japanese at 5 percent and Chinese at 2.6 percent. Hawaiian Pidgin is an unofficial language.
+
As a result of a constitutional provision, interest in the Hawaiian language was revived in the late twentieth century and public and independent schools began teaching it. Specially designated Hawaiian language immersion schools were established. The University of Hawaii System, which runs several state university campuses, developed the only Hawaiian language graduate studies program in the world. Municipal codes were altered to favor Hawaiian place and street names for new civic developments.
  
Hawaiian is a member of the Polynesian branch of the [[Austronesian languages|Austronesian]] family. It was brought to the islands by Polynesian seafarers. Before the arrival of Captain Cook, the Hawaiian language was purely a spoken language. The first written form was developed by American [[Protestant]] [[missionaries]] in Hawaii during the early 19th century. The missionaries assigned letters from the English alphabet that roughly corresponded to the Hawaiian sounds. Later, additional characters were added to clarify pronunciation.
+
Most Hawaiian citizens speak pidgin, known by linguists as Hawaiian Creole English. The pidgin form of English developed in the nineteenth century. By the early twentieth century, a Creole English developed. A Creole language is typically considered to be a language derived from Pidgin speakers passing their language to the next generation.  
  
Unlike English, Hawaiian distinguishes between long and short vowels. In the writing system, the long vowels are written with a [[macron]] called ''[[Hawaiian language|kahakō]]''. Also unlike English, in Hawaiian, the presence or absence of a [[glottal stop]] is distinctive. In writing, a glottal stop is indicated with the ''[[okina|{{okina}}okina]]''. Omission of the {{okina}}okina and kahakō in printed texts can even obscure the meaning of a word. For example, the word ''lanai'' means stiff-necked, while ''lānai'' means [[veranda]], and ''Lāna{{okina}}i'' is the name of one of the Hawaiian islands. This can be a problem in interpreting 19th century Hawaiian texts recorded in the older orthography. For these reasons, careful writers now use the modern Hawaiian orthography.
+
"Aloha," meaning "hello" and "goodbye," and "mahalo," meaning "thank you," are Hawaiian words in common use. Some Hawaiian words that have found their way into the mainstream American lexicon include "hula," a dance involving gyration of hips, "lei," a necklace made of flowers strung together, and "tiki," an image of a deity carved from wood.
 
 
As a result of the constitutional provision, interest in the Hawaiian language was revived in the late 20th century. Public and independent schools began teaching Hawaiian language standards as part of the regular curricula, beginning with preschool. Specially designated Hawaiian language immersion schools were established where students would be taught in all subjects using Hawaiian. Also, the University of Hawaii System developed the only Hawaiian language graduate studies program in the world. Municipal codes were altered in favor of Hawaiian place and street names for new civic developments.
 
 
 
Most Hawaiian citizens speak pidjin, known by linguists as Hawaiian Creole English (HCE).  The pidgin form of English developed in the 19th century. By the early 20th century, a Creole English developed.  A Creole language is typically considered to be a language derived from Pidgin speakers passing their language to the next generation.  As the next generation acquires the pidgin language it becomes solidified and standardized.  One interesting trait of the HCE is that it managed to preserve many terms from the original Hawaiian language, even after most natives had died due to a variety of diseases. 
 
 
 
"Aloha," meaning "hello" and "goodbye," and "mahalo," meaning "thank you" are Hawaiian words in common use. Some Hawaiian words that have found their way into the mainstream American lexicon, include "hula," a dance involving gyration of hips, "lei," a necklace made of flowers strung together, and "tiki," an image of a deity carved from wood.
 
 
 
==Economy==
 
The history of Hawaii can be traced through a succession of dominating [[industry|industries]]: [[sandalwood]], [[whaling]], [[sugarcane]], [[pineapple]], [[military]], [[tourism]], and [[education]]. Since statehood was achieved in 1959, tourism has been the largest industry in Hawaiokinai, contributing 24.3 percent of the Gross State Product (GSP) in 1997. New efforts are underway to diversify the economy. The total gross output for the state in [[2003]] was US$47-billion; per capita income for Hawaii residents was US$30,441.
 
 
 
Industrial exports from Hawaii include food processing and apparel. These industries play a small role in the Hawaii economy, however, due to the considerable shipping distance to markets on the west coast of the United States and ports of [[Japan]]. The main agricultural exports are [[nursery (horticulture)|nursery]] [[plant propagation|stock]] and [[flower]]s, [[coffee]], [[macadamia nut]]s, [[pineapple]], [[livestock]], and [[sugar cane]]. Agricultural sales for 2002, according to the Hawaii Agricultural Statistics Service, were US$370.9-million from diversified agriculture, US$100.6-million from pineapple, and US$64.3-million from sugarcane.
 
 
 
Hawaii is known for its relatively high per capita state tax burden. In the years 2002 and 2003, Hawaii residents had the highest state tax per capita at US$2,757 and US$2,838, respectively. This rate can be explained partly by the fact that services such as education, health care and social services are all rendered at the state level &mdash; as opposed to the municipal level as all other states.
 
 
 
Millions of tourists contribute to the collection figure by paying the [[general excise tax]] and hotel room tax; thus not all the taxes collected come directly from residents. Business leaders, however, have often considered the state's tax burden as being too high, contributing to both higher prices and the perception of an unfriendly business climate
 
 
 
Until recently, Hawaii was the only state in the U.S. that attempted to control gasoline prices through a [[Gas Cap Law]]. The law was enacted during a period when oil profits in Hawaii in relation to the Mainland U.S. were under scrutiny, and sought to tie local gasoline prices to those of the mainland. The law took effect in September 2005 amid price fluctuations caused by Hurricane Katrina. The Hawaii state legislature suspended the law in April 2006.
 
  
 
==Society and culture==
 
==Society and culture==
[[Image:Hawaii_Sunset.jpg|thumb|220px|A sunset in Hawaii]]
 
The [[indigenous peoples|aboriginal]] culture of Hawaii is [[Polynesia]]n. Hawaii represents the northernmost extension of the vast [[Polynesia|Polynesian triangle]] of the south and central [[Pacific Ocean]]. While traditional Hawaiian culture remains only as vestiges influencing modern Hawaiian society, there are reenactments of ancient ceremonies and traditions throughout the islands. Some of these cultural influences are strong enough to have affected the culture of the [[United States]] at large, including the popularity (in greatly modified form) of ''[[luau|luau]]s'' and ''[[hula]]''.
 
 
Hawaii is the only state in the union with a unified school system statewide. Policy decisions are made by the fourteen-member state Board of Education, with thirteen members elected for four-year terms and one non-voting student member. The Department of Education is also divided into seven districts, four on Oahu and one for each of the other counties.
 
 
The structure of the state Department of Education has been a subject of debate in recent years. The main rationale for the  centralized model is equity in school funding and distribution of resources: leveling out inequalities between highly populated Oahu and the more rural Neighbor Islands, and between lower-income and more affluent areas. This system of school funding differs from many localities in the United States where schools are funded from local property taxes.
 
  
Hawaii has the distinction of educating more students in independent institutions of secondary education than any other state. It also has four of the largest [[independent school]]s: [[Mid-Pacific Institute]], [[Iolani School|Iolani School]], [[Kamehameha Schools]], and [[Punahou School]]. The second Buddhist high school in the United States, and first Buddhist high school in Hawaii, Pacific Buddhist Academy, was founded in 2003.  
+
The aboriginal culture of Hawaii is [[Polynesia]]n. Hawaii represents the northernmost extension of the vast Polynesian triangle of the south and central [[Pacific Ocean]]. While traditional Hawaiian culture remains only as vestiges influencing modern Hawaiian society, there are reenactments of ancient ceremonies and traditions throughout the islands. Some of these cultural influences are strong enough to have affected the culture of the [[United States]] at large, including the popularity (in greatly modified form) of "luaus" and "hula."
  
Both independent and charter schools can select their students, while the regular public schools must take all students in their district.  
+
Hawaii is the only state in the union with a unified school system statewide. The structure of the state Department of Education has been a subject of debate. The main rationale for the centralized model is equity in school funding and distribution of resources. Public schools in Hawaii have to deal with large populations of children of non-native English speaking immigrants and a culture that is different from mainland U.S. The public elementary, middle, and high school standardized test scores in Hawaii tend to be below the national average. Hawaii also has the distinction of educating more students in independent institutions of secondary education than any other state. It also has four of the largest independent schools: Mid-Pacific Institute, Iolani School, Kamehameha Schools, and Punahou School. The second Buddhist high school in the United States, and first Buddhist high school in Hawaii, Pacific Buddhist Academy, was founded in 2003. Graduates of secondary schools in Hawaii often either enter directly into the work force or attend colleges and universities. Most choose to attend one of many institutions of higher learning in Hawaii.
  
Graduates of secondary schools in Hawaii often either enter directly into the work force or attend colleges and universities. While many choose to attend colleges and universities on the mainland or elsewhere, most choose to attend one of many institutions of higher learning in Hawaii.
+
Hawaii has a growing film industry. Several television shows, movies, and various other media projects were produced in the Hawaiian Islands. Notable films produced in or inspired by Hawaii include ''Blue Hawaii,'' the musical ''South Pacific,'' ''Raiders of the Lost Ark,'' ''Jurassic Park,'' ''Waterworld,'' ''George of the Jungle,'' and ''Pearl Harbor,'' among others.
  
The largest of these institutions is the [[University of Hawaii|University of Hawaii System]]. Students choosing private education attend [[Brigham Young University Hawaii|Brigham Young University Hawaii]], [[Chaminade University of Honolulu]], [[Hawaii Pacific University|Hawaii Pacific University]] and [[University of the Nations]].
+
A somewhat divisive issue that has arisen since Hawaiian was adopted as an official state language is the exact spelling of the state's name. As prescribed in the Admission of Hawaii Act that granted Hawaiian statehood, the federal government recognizes "Hawaii" to be the official state name. However, many state and municipal entities and officials have recognized "Hawaii okina" to be the correct state name.
  
Public schools in Hawaii have to deal with large populations of children of non-native English speaking immigrants and a culture that is different in many ways from mainland U.S., from whence most of the course materials come and where most of the standards for schools are set.
+
==Notes==
 +
<references/>
  
The public elementary, middle, and high school scores in Hawaii tend to be below average on national tests. Some of this can be attributed to the Hawaii State Board of Education requiring all eligible students to take these tests and reporting all student test scores.  
+
==External links==
 +
All links retrieved January 26, 2018.
  
Hawaii has a growing film industry administered by the state through the [[Hawaii Film Office|Hawaii Film Office]]. Several television shows, movies and various other media projects were produced in the Hawaiian Islands. Notable films produced in Hawaii or were inspired by Hawaii include ''[[Hawaii (1966 movie)|Hawaii]]'', ''[[Blue Hawaii]]'', ''[[Donovan's Reef]]'', ''[[South Pacific (musical)|South Pacific]]'', ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]'', ''[[Lost]]'', ''[[Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park]]'', ''[[Outbreak]]'', ''[[Waterworld]]'', ''[[Six Days Seven Nights]]'', ''[[George of the Jungle]]'', ''[[50 First Dates]]'', ''[[Pearl Harbor (film)|Pearl Harbor]]'', ''[[Blue Crush]]'', and ''[[Lilo and Stitch]]''.
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*[http://www.hshawaii.com Hawaii State Vacation Planner]
 +
*[http://www.google.com/maps?ll=20.731201,-157.675781&spn=5.218506,8.107910&t=k&hl=en Hawaii at Google Maps]
 +
*[http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/HCV/haw_formation.html Hawaiian Center for Volcanology] –How Hawaii was formed
  
All the major television networks are represented in Hawaii.
 
  
Two major competing Honolulu-based [[newspaper]]s serve all of Hawaii. The ''[[Honolulu Advertiser]]'' is owned by [[Gannett Corporation|Gannett Pacific Corporation]] while the ''[[Honolulu Star-Bulletin]]'' is owned by [[Black Press]] of [[British Columbia]] in [[Canada]].
+
{{United States}}
 +
{{Oceania}}
  
The state also enjoys a vibrant ethnic publication presence with newspapers for the Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean and Native Hawaiian communities. In addition, there is an alternative weekly, the ''[[Honolulu Weekly]]''.
 
  
A somewhat divisive political issue that has arisen since the Constitution of Hawaii adopted Hawaiian as an official state language is the exact spelling of the state's name. As prescribed in the [[Admission of Hawai'i Act|Admission of Hawaii Act]] that granted Hawaiian statehood, the federal government recognizes ''Hawaii'' to be the official state name. However, many state and municipal entities and officials have recognized ''Hawai{{okina}}i'' to be the correct state name, and this is how it is spelled in standard [[Hawaiian English]].
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{{credit|64505210}}
  
{{credit|51800257}}
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[[Category:Public]]
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[[Category:Geography]]
 +
[[Category:Oceania]]
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[[Category:Islands]]
 +
[[Category:United States]]

Latest revision as of 17:31, 30 January 2022

State of Hawaii
Mokuʻāina o Hawaiʻi
Flag of Hawaii State seal of Hawaii
Flag Seal
Nickname(s): The Aloha State
Motto(s): Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono
("The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness")

Anthem: Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī
("Hawaii’s Own True Sons")

Map of the United States with Hawaii highlighted
Official language(s) English, Hawaiian
Capital Honolulu
Largest city capital
Area  Ranked 43rd
 - Total 10,931 sq mi
(28,311 km²)
 - Width n/a miles (n/a km)
 - Length 1,522 miles (2,450 km)
 - % water 41.2
 - Latitude 18° 55′ N to 28° 27′ N
 - Longitude 154° 48′ W to 178° 22′ W
Population  Ranked 40th in the U.S.
 - Total 1,428,557 (2016 est.)[1]
- Density 214/sq mi  (82.6/km2)
Ranked 13th in the U.S.


 - Median income  $72,133[2] (12th)
Elevation  
 - Highest point Mauna Kea[3][4][5]
13,803 ft  (4207.3 m)
 - Mean 3,030 ft  (920 m)
 - Lowest point Pacific Ocean[3]
0 ft  (0 m)
Admission to Union  August 21, 1959 (50th)
Governor David Ige
Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui
U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D)
Mazie Hirono (D)
Time zone Hawaii-Aleutian time zone: UTC-10
(no daylight saving time)
Abbreviations HI US-HI
Web site www.hawaii.gov

Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States, achieving statehood in 1959. It is the only island U.S. state, and sits in a strategic position in the Pacific Ocean roughly midway between the continental U.S. and East Asia. Because of its proximity to Asia, Hawaii permits the U.S. to project influence in the Asia-Pacific region, including military, underscored by the presence of the U.S. Pacific Command based on the island of Oahu. By virtue of its multi-ethnic population, Hawaii contains a preponderance of Asian and Polynesian cultural influence, which facilitates interactions between Asian nations and the U.S., enhanced by today's availability of rapid transportation and instant communications. In effect, Hawaii stands unique among the 50 states with roots both in Asia and the Pacific, as well as North American culture.

Geography

The Hawaiian Islands, once known as the Sandwich Islands, form an archipelago of 19 islands and atolls, numerous smaller islets, and undersea seamounts trending northwest by southeast in the North Pacific Ocean between latitudes 19°N and 29°N. The archipelago takes its name from the largest island in the group and extends some 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from the island of Hawaii in the south to northernmost Kure Atoll.

Of these, eight high islands are considered the "main islands" and are located at the southeastern end of the archipelago. These islands are, from the northwest, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lānai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii.

All of the Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanoes arising from the sea floor through a vent described as a hotspot. The last volcanic eruption outside the Island of Hawaii happened at Haleakalā on Maui in the late eighteenth century. The newest volcano is Lōihi, deep below the waters off the southern coast of the Island of Hawaii.

Map of the Hawaiian Islands, a chain of islands that stretches 2,400 km in a northwesterly direction from the southern tip of the Island of Hawaii

The isolation of the Hawaiian islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and the wide range of environments to be found on high elevation islands, have resulted in a vast array of flora (plants) and fauna (animals). Native life before human activity is said to have arrived by the wind, waves, and wings. The volcanic activity and subsequent erosion created impressive geological features.

Hawaii is notable for rainfall. Mount Waialeale, on the island of Kauai, has the second highest average annual rainfall on earth—about 460 inches (11,684 mm). The Island of Hawaii is notable as having the world's fifth highest elevation among islands.

The climate is more subtropical because of the moderating effect of the surrounding ocean. Summer high temperatures seldom reach above the upper 80s (°F) and winter temperatures (at low elevation) seldom dip below the mid-60s. Snow falls on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the big island in some winter months. Snow rarely falls on Maui's Haleakalā. Local climates vary on each island. Windward sides face the northeast trades and receive much more rainfall; leeward sides are drier, with less rain and less cloud cover. Tourist resorts are concentrated on the sunny leeward coasts.

The largest city, Honolulu, located along the southeastern coast of the island of Oahu, was chosen by King Kamehameha III as the capital because of its natural harbor. Honolulu is also the largest city in Hawaii. Other populous cities include Hilo, Kaneohe, Kailua, Pearl City, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kihei, and Lihue.

History

Photograph of the Hawaiian Islands from space shuttle Discovery, looking southeast by south. Kaua‘i is closest at bottom right

The islands were first settled by Polynesians, either during the second half of the first millennium C.E. or by voyagers from the Marquesas sometime before 500 C.E., and then by immigrants from Tahiti around 1300 C.E.

Juan Gaetano, a Spanish navigator, may have visited in 1555. On January 18, 1778, Captain James Cook arrived and was surprised to find high islands so far north. He named them the "Sandwich Islands," after the First Lord of the Admiralty, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu.

Hawaii was united under a single ruler, Kamehameha I, in 1810. The chiefs considered themselves under British protection and flew the Union Jack until 1816. The monarchy then adopted a flag similar to the state's present flag, with the Union Jack in the top quarter next to the flagpole and eight horizontal stripes (alternating white, red, and blue from the top), representing the eight islands of Hawaii.

In 1819, Kamehameha II ascended to the throne. He abolished the "kapu system" that had ruled life in the island. In 1820, a New England Congregationalist missionary group arrived. After a year of limited permission to proselytize, some of the highest-ranking chiefs converted. The commoners swiftly converted. The Christian chiefs attempted to rule the islands as a Christian nation, which led to conflict with resident Westerners and visiting ships, which preferred the old regime of abundant alcohol and promiscuity.

When non-Hawaiian residents pushed for the right to hold land in fee simple, the ruling chiefs were persuaded to allow the land to be surveyed and divided between the king, the chiefs, and the commoners. Westerners could purchase land or register land claims. The "great mahele" (land division) was signed into law on March 7, 1848.

On March 18, 1874, Hawaii signed a treaty granting Americans exclusive trading rights. The 1876 Reciprocity Treaty between the Kingdom of Hawaii and the United States allowed for duty-free importation of Hawaiian-grown sugar into the United States. This act promoted sugar plantation agriculture.

Up to the 1890s, the Kingdom of Hawaii was independent and had been recognized by the United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany. However, there were threats to the kingdom's sovereignty. Lord George Paulet of the Royal Navy warship HMS Carysfort captured the Honolulu fort on February 10, 1843. Paulet demanded that King Kamehameha III abdicate and cede the Hawaiian Islands to Britain. Kamehameha stepped down, but protested to the British government and Paulet's superior, Admiral Richard Thomas. Thomas repudiated Paulet's actions, and on July 31, 1843, restored the Hawaiian government.

In 1887, a group of American-born cabinet officials and an armed militia forced King David Kalakaua to promulgate the "Bayonet Constitution," which stripped the monarchy of much of its authority. Asians lost voting rights, as did 75 percent of the native Hawaiian population. Only well-to-do Europeans, Americans, and Hawaiians were given full voting rights. When Kalakaua died in 1891, his sister Liliuokalani, who assumed the throne, restored the monarchy's authority and stripped American and European residents of their suffrage. This prompted a group of European and American Hawaiian citizens to attempt to prevent the queen from abrogating the constitution. On January 16, 1893, John L. Stevens, Minister to the Kingdom of Hawaii (through the United States Department of State), worried about threats to Americans, landed a company of U.S. Marines and two companies of U.S. sailors in Hawaii. A provisional government was set up and Queen Liliuokalani gave up her throne.

President Grover Cleveland's investigation concluded that United States representatives had abused their authority. Minister Stevens was recalled, and the military commander of forces in Hawaii was forced to resign. However, the Morgan Report, submitted on February 26, 1894, exonerated Stevens and the U.S. troops. Cleveland resumed normal diplomatic relations with the Hawaiian provisional government.

The Republic of Hawaii was established July 4, 1894, under the presidency of Sanford Dole. The United States wanted the islands to establish a naval base that could protect overseas commerce. President William McKinley authorized the official annexation of Hawaii on July 7, 1898. In November 1899, Lance Paul Larsen took the issue of annexation to the newly opened Court of International Arbitration in The Hague, arguing that the United States had violated its 1849 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation. President Theodore Roosevelt, who championed the Court and won the Nobel Prize for using the Court to settle another dispute, refused to have the Hawaii complaint arbitrated. The islands became Hawaii Territory, a United States territory, on February 22, 1900. The territorial legislature convened for the first time on February 20, 1901.

Did you know?
Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States in 1959

An attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 by Japan, intended to decimate the U.S. Pacific Fleet and insure unimpeded Japanese access to oil, was the trigger for the United States' entry into World War II.

On March 18, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill granting Hawaii statehood. Hawaii formally became the 50th state of the Union on August 21, 1959.

All islands voted at least 93 percent in favor of Admission acts. Ballot (inset) and referendum results for the Admission Act of 1959.

President Bill Clinton signed the "Apology Resolution," on November 23, 1993, which apologized for alleged American participation in what it asserted had been an illegal overthrow in 1893.

Politics

The state government of Hawaii is modeled after the U.S. federal government with adaptations originating from the kingdom era of Hawaiian history. As codified in the Constitution of Hawaii, there are three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.

The executive branch is led by the Governor of Hawaii and assisted by the lieutenant governor, both elected on the same ticket. The governor is the only public official elected in a statewide race; all other administrators and judges are appointed by the governor. The lieutenant governor is concurrently the Secretary of State of Hawaii. The governor and lieutenant governor oversee the 20 agencies and departments of the executive.

The legislative branch consists of the Hawaii State Legislature, the 25 members of the Hawaii State Senate, led by the President of the Senate, and the 51 members of the Hawaii State House of Representatives, led by the Speaker of the House.

The judicial branch is led by the highest state court, the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Lower courts are organized as the Hawaii State Judiciary.

The state is represented in the United States Congress by a delegation of four members, two senators and two representatives.

Economy

The history of Hawaii can be traced through a succession of dominating industries: sandalwood, whaling, sugarcane, pineapple, the military, tourism, and education. Since statehood was achieved in 1959, tourism has been the largest industry, contributing 24.3 percent of the gross state product in 1997. New efforts are underway to diversify the economy.

Industrial exports from Hawaii include food processing and apparel. These industries play a small role in the Hawaii economy, however, due to the considerable shipping distance to markets on the West Coast of the United States and ports of Japan. The main agricultural exports are nursery stock and flowers, coffee, macadamia nuts, pineapple, livestock, and sugarcane.

Hawaii is known for its relatively high per capita state tax burden. This rate can be explained partly by the fact that services such as education, health care, and other social services are all rendered at the state level, as opposed to the municipal level as in all other states. Millions of tourists contribute to the economy both by their infusion of cash and by paying general excise and hotel room taxes.

Demographics

Historical Populations
Census year Population
1900 154,001
1910 191,874
1920 255,881
1930 368,300
1940 422,770
1950 499,794
1960 632,772
1970 769,913
1980 964,691
1990 1,108,229
2000 1,211,537
2010 1,360,301

The military presence and tourism attracts people to relocate there. The island of Oahu, which is aptly nicknamed "The Gathering Place," has a resident population of just fewer than one million.

Hawaii Population Density Map

Ethnically, Hawaii is the only U.S. state that has a majority group that is non-white.

The Chinese were the second group of immigrants to arrive after the Europeans, beginning in 1789. They arrived as workers on Western trading ships. Many Hawaiians of Asian ancestry are descendants of the early immigrants who came in the 1850s to work on the sugar plantations.

Christianity is the most widespread religion in Hawaii. It is mainly represented by various Protestants, Catholics and Mormons. Buddhism is the second most popular religion, especially among the archipelago's Japanese community. Unaffiliated account for one-quarter of the population.

Hawaiian Language

The state of Hawaii has two official languages: Hawaiian and English. The state constitution requires the use of Hawaiian in official state business. Standard Hawaiian English, a subset of American English, is also commonly used for other formal business. Hawaiian is legally acceptable in all legal documents, from depositions to legislative bills. As of 2000, 73.4 percent of Hawaii residents aged five and older spoke only English at home and 7.9 percent spoke Pacific Island languages. Tagalog is the third most spoken language at 5.4 percent, followed by Japanese at 5 percent, and Chinese at 2.6 percent. Hawaiian Pidgin is an unofficial language.

Hawaiian is a member of the Polynesian language branch of the Austronesian family. It was brought to the islands by Polynesian seafarers. Before the arrival of Captain Cook, the Hawaiian language was purely a spoken language. The first written form was developed by American Protestant missionaries in the early nineteenth century, who assigned letters from the English alphabet that roughly corresponded to the Hawaiian sounds. Additional characters were added later to clarify pronunciation.

Hawaiian distinguishes between long and short vowels. The long vowels are written with a macron called "kahakō." Also, the presence or absence of a glottal stop is distinctive. In writing, a glottal stop is indicated with the "okina." Omission of the "okina" and "kahakō" in printed texts can even obscure the meaning of a word.

As a result of a constitutional provision, interest in the Hawaiian language was revived in the late twentieth century and public and independent schools began teaching it. Specially designated Hawaiian language immersion schools were established. The University of Hawaii System, which runs several state university campuses, developed the only Hawaiian language graduate studies program in the world. Municipal codes were altered to favor Hawaiian place and street names for new civic developments.

Most Hawaiian citizens speak pidgin, known by linguists as Hawaiian Creole English. The pidgin form of English developed in the nineteenth century. By the early twentieth century, a Creole English developed. A Creole language is typically considered to be a language derived from Pidgin speakers passing their language to the next generation.

"Aloha," meaning "hello" and "goodbye," and "mahalo," meaning "thank you," are Hawaiian words in common use. Some Hawaiian words that have found their way into the mainstream American lexicon include "hula," a dance involving gyration of hips, "lei," a necklace made of flowers strung together, and "tiki," an image of a deity carved from wood.

Society and culture

The aboriginal culture of Hawaii is Polynesian. Hawaii represents the northernmost extension of the vast Polynesian triangle of the south and central Pacific Ocean. While traditional Hawaiian culture remains only as vestiges influencing modern Hawaiian society, there are reenactments of ancient ceremonies and traditions throughout the islands. Some of these cultural influences are strong enough to have affected the culture of the United States at large, including the popularity (in greatly modified form) of "luaus" and "hula."

Hawaii is the only state in the union with a unified school system statewide. The structure of the state Department of Education has been a subject of debate. The main rationale for the centralized model is equity in school funding and distribution of resources. Public schools in Hawaii have to deal with large populations of children of non-native English speaking immigrants and a culture that is different from mainland U.S. The public elementary, middle, and high school standardized test scores in Hawaii tend to be below the national average. Hawaii also has the distinction of educating more students in independent institutions of secondary education than any other state. It also has four of the largest independent schools: Mid-Pacific Institute, Iolani School, Kamehameha Schools, and Punahou School. The second Buddhist high school in the United States, and first Buddhist high school in Hawaii, Pacific Buddhist Academy, was founded in 2003. Graduates of secondary schools in Hawaii often either enter directly into the work force or attend colleges and universities. Most choose to attend one of many institutions of higher learning in Hawaii.

Hawaii has a growing film industry. Several television shows, movies, and various other media projects were produced in the Hawaiian Islands. Notable films produced in or inspired by Hawaii include Blue Hawaii, the musical South Pacific, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, George of the Jungle, and Pearl Harbor, among others.

A somewhat divisive issue that has arisen since Hawaiian was adopted as an official state language is the exact spelling of the state's name. As prescribed in the Admission of Hawaii Act that granted Hawaiian statehood, the federal government recognizes "Hawaii" to be the official state name. However, many state and municipal entities and officials have recognized "Hawaii okina" to be the correct state name.

Notes

  1. Population and Housing Unit Estimates U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  2. Median Annual Household Income - 2016 The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Elevations and Distances in the United States United States Geological Survey, 2001. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  4. Elevation adjusted to North American Vertical Datum of 1988.
  5. The summit of Mauna Kea is the highest point in Oceania. Mauna Kea is also the tallest mountain on Earth as measured from base to summit. The shield volcano sits on the floor of the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 5,998 meters (19,678 ft) for a total height of 10,205.3 meters (33,482 ft)

External links

All links retrieved January 26, 2018.



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