WHEREAS, the island of Maui, named after the demigod Maui, was home to famous warrior-chiefs such as Pi‘ilani and Kahekili, and in more recent times has been home to important agricultural crops and world-class resorts, having been named "Best Island Resort in the World" the last eleven years by readers of Condè Nast Traveler magazine; and

WHEREAS, the island of Moloka‘i was revered in pre-Western contact times as a place of deep spiritual and religious power, and, as the phrase "Moloka‘i Ka Hula Piko" asserts, the source of the sacred art of the hula; and

WHEREAS, the island of Lana‘i was thought to harbor evil spirits in ancient times, became well-known as the "Pineapple Island" for its dedication to the cultivation of pineapple, and now is a highly-regarded resort destination; and

WHEREAS, the island of Kaho‘olawe, in pre-contact days a home to a school of navigation and religious and fishing shrines, became a target practice area for the United States military, and has now been reclaimed by the State of Hawaii as a natural and cultural preserve; and

WHEREAS, the islands of Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe share a geological and historical kinship, which was recognized when Hawaii became a territory of the United States and these islands formed a single district in both the Territorial Senate and House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, in 1905 the Territorial Legislature further recognized the commonality amongst these islands by creating the County of Maui, thus establishing a county government for these islands; and

WHEREAS, in its one hundred year history, Maui County has evolved into a community of diverse interests and concerns, preserved much of its natural beauty, and accommodated those who have chosen Maui County as their home; and

WHEREAS, much of the progress of Maui County was forged by those who came from other countries to work for the plantations, and who raised families that became the backbone of Maui County and worked hard to make Maui a livable community for all; and

WHEREAS, in 2003 enthusiastic Maui citizens formed the Wailuku Centennial Hui to commemorate Maui County's centennial and to review the accomplishments of the County and its people; and

WHEREAS, celebration activities planned for the Centennial include "Proclamation Day" on April 14, 2005 to celebrate the date Maui County was created by law, "Grand Jubilee Day," otherwise known as the "Big Birthday Bash," on August 20, 2005 at Keopuolani Park and the War Memorial Complex, and a Centennial Ball; and

WHEREAS, additional commemorative activities include the teaching of a Centennial curriculum in Maui County schools in the spring of 2005, exhibits and events at the Haiku Community Center, a project to note historic sites and buildings around Maui County, and the preparation of a time capsule; and

WHEREAS, Maui County can be justifiably proud of its growth and accomplishments over the last one hundred years; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that Maui County be congratulated on the centennial year of its birth as a County, and for its achievements as a unique multi-island County; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the citizens of Maui County be commended for making Maui County a special place to live, and for participating in the activities commemorating the County's one hundredth year; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor and the Chairperson of the Council of the County of Maui and the Wailuku Centennial Hui.

Report Title:

Centennial; Maui County