Hawaii celebrates 50 years of statehood

We call it "Admissions Day" - on August 21, 1959 Hawaii became the 50th state!  Over the course of this week, local newspapers have included special sections about statehood and there are some TV specials being aired.

Today started like most any other day, except it's a state holiday.  State offices were closed and most state workers got to spend time in the sun or at home relaxing.  I was lucky enough to get a phone call, saying "surf's up" at Ala Moana and we headed to the beach for some waves.  By 8 a.m. the park was crowded, there were still a few parking spaces left and we paddled out to catch some good ones.

An hour later I was back out of the water and heading home, getting ready to meet a customer and look at properties.  Driving around Honolulu, things looked pretty normal, unlike the big celebration that took place 50 years ago.

No parades, no big festivals, just a nice sunny day in Hawaii.  That's not so bad.  Last week, hurricane Felicia was heading our way and we prepared for the big storm.  Felicia fizzled out and instead we got some rain.  This week, hurricane Guillermo came near us and fizzled out.   Looking at a map of Hawaii within the Pacific Ocean, I guess our islands look like a tiny bullseye on a huge dartboard.  The odds of a hurricane brewing and hitting full force right over the islands are pretty long.   Lucky for us!

By the way, the customer who looked at properties with me today was just amazed at the blue skies and ocean and she's making her plans to move here for retirement.  Let's be thankful for this beautiful place we call home.  

Aloha, Mike Bates

Hawaii realtor