The five themes and descriptions developed by the Hawaii Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission are as follows:

1. Surfing – Hawai’i's Gift to the World

   Design Elements: A surfer in a dignified pose is standing on a long board riding a wave with Diamond Head in the background or toward the island chain. The eight major islands or Diamond Head are shown. The coin contains the word “Aloha.”

   Design Narrative: Of all the world’s cultures, the ancient Hawaiians saw riding waves as a source of pleasure and sport. When Captain James Cook became the first European to visit Hawai’i in 1778, he was astonished by Hawaiians riding the waves. The commemorative coin’s depiction of a surfer in a dignified pose conveys the love of surfing that is now worldwide. The surfer with Diamond Head or the island chain in the background visualizes the theme and reflects the sport’s origin. The word “Aloha” conveys the spirit of Hawai’i. In 1998, the State Legislature by Act 174 adopted and established surfing as the official individual sport of the State of Hawai’i. Today, surfing is thought of as a lifestyle in Hawai’i-it’s part of the local culture. As an island state, the shore is the beginning of our relationship with the ocean-not the edge of the state line. Surfing expands our horizon, refreshes, rejuvenates and gives hope. It has helped people find harmony in one’s self in the vast ocean. As former Hawai’i State governor, George Ariyoshi, stated, “Those of us fortunate to live in Hawai’i are extremely proud of our state and its many contributions to the world. Surfing certainly is one of those contributions. It is a sport enjoyed by men, women and children in nearly every country bordering an ocean. Surfing was born in Hawai’i and truly has become Hawai’i's gift to the world of sports.”

2. Aloha Spirit

   Design Elements: The coin shows a traditional, culturally accurate female hula dancer with her left hand up and right hand extended with palm open, and a maile lei around her neck. The island chain is above the dancer and the word “Aloha” is at the bottom of the coin.

   Design Narrative: Hula has always been a focal point of Hawaiian culture and reflects many of the central ideas and events of Hawaiian history. Learning hula depicts the legends of Hawai’i, the exploits of past kings and the beauty of the islands. King David Kalakaua recognized the importance of the dance its contribution to Hawaiian culture-most notably the preservation of history. In pre-missionary days, Hawaiian was a spoken language, not written. Had it not been for hula and the many chants associated with it, the Hawaiian people would have lost a significant amount of their history. The commemorative coin also depicts the Hawaiian island chain, thus conveying a sense that each island has its own traditions but that they all share the same welcoming spirit of aloha. In the Hawaiian language, the word “aloha” means love, affection, compassion and mercy, as well as hello and goodbye. The word holds such deep meaning for island residents that Hawai’i became known as the “Aloha State.”

3. Diamond Head

   Design Elements: Two icons of Hawai’i-the famous west profile of Diamond Head and the classic full statue of King Kamehameha I by Thomas Gould-are depicted, along with the word “aloha.”

   Design Narrative: Diamond Head, the most recognizable land formation in the islands, symbolizes Hawai’i to the rest of the world. Overlooking famed Waikiki on the island of O’ahu, this long-dormant volcanic cone is known to Native Hawaiians as Le’ahi. The English name came from British sailors who mistook calcite crystals embedded in the rocks for diamonds. With its panoramic views, Diamond Head was considered an ideal site for O’ahu’s coastal defense. It was purchased by the federal government in 1904 and subsequently fortified with artillery emplacements and tunnels. Diamond Head was later designated as a National Landmark and a State Monument. For many kama’aina (longtime residents) returning to the islands after living in other lands, seeing Diamond Head from the window of an airplane lets them know they are home. The coin also depicts Kamehameha I, perhaps the most beloved and illustrious of Hawai’i's heroes. His greatest achievement was the unification of the islands under one government, one leader. The monarchy he created became known and respected by powers throughout Europe and America. The word “aloha” shows the love and respect with which Hawai’i residents regard all peoples of the world.

4. Hawai’i, the Island State

   Design Elements: The eight major Hawaiian islands are featured on the commemorative coin, arching from the lower right to the upper left. A full-body depiction of King Kamehameha I is on the right side of the coin, with his hand stretching out towards the island chain. The state motto, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono,” is in the lower left quadrant. A plumeria lei border is on the left and right between the words “Hawai’i” at the top and “E Pluribus Unum” on the bottom.

   Design Narrative: Hawai’i is America’s only island state, and the commemorative coin represents this uniqueness. Described by author Mark Twain as “the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean,” Hawai’i is the crossroads of the Pacific where East meets West. Its location holds great strategic importance in promoting peace and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Also featured on the coin is Kamehameha I, who unified the islands and serves as a symbol for the Hawaiian people. Kamehameha I was known for his self-denial and his regard for the welfare of his people, which he put before his personal claims. His name graces schools, highways, avenues and buildings. Each year, the state observes a holiday on June 11 to celebrate Kamehameha Day. His statue serves as a symbol of the state in the National Statuary Hall in our nation’s capitol, as well as in Honolulu and Hawi, on the island of Hawai’i. In the statue, Kamehameha I carries a hardwood spear as a symbol of his ability to defend himself. He holds the spear in his left hand as a reminder that he brought wars to an end. His right hand is extended with palm open in a gesture of friendliness-the Hawaiian spirit of aloha. Kamehameha I unified the islands from many kingdoms to one, just as the United States unified all the individual states, as reflected in the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” (From Many, One). The state motto, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono,” embodies the values of Hawai’i's people and is an example of the Hawaiian language-one of Hawai’i's two official languages. The motto’s English translation is: “The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness.” The plumeria lei border embodies the famous aloha spirit of love, respect and welcome found throughout the islands, just as the United States welcomes people from around the world.

5. Hawai’i – Diverse But Unified

   Design Elements: A full-figure depiction of King Kamehameha I as pictured in the Thomas Gould statue is featured, with the eight major islands shown in relief (i.e. showing topography, mountains, etc.). On the left bottom quadrant is the state motto in Hawaiian, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono.”

   Design Narrative: Our commemorative coin conveys the concept that Hawai’i's people and island landscapes are diverse but unified. Showing the island chain in relief acknowledges that the ‘aina (the land) emerged as a result of volcanic action from the depths of the sea. Each island, created by the same forces of nature, is ever evolving as a unique environment with a rich cultural and biological diversity. All of the islands are unified, however, by “pono” (righteousness). Portraying Kamehameha I speaks to the historic importance of this indigenous Native Hawaiian leader, king, descendant of chiefs and warrior who aligned the islands in the 18th century from chiefdoms into a unified political structure-a sovereign nation. Hawai’i later experienced shifts from a kingdom to a monarchy, a provisional government, a territory, and finally, a state. What did not change over time, however, are the prevailing values of island residents as reflected in the state motto, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono,” meaning “The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness.” Such righteousness respects and celebrates the host culture and indigenous people of Hawai’i, as well as the Native Hawaiian language. The state motto also conveys mutual respect for the land, the ocean, the environment and each other, whether we are kama’aina (longtime residents) or malihini (newcomers). Moreover, the motto recognizes that our island home is a fragile socio-eco-system that must be cared for with vision and balance if we are to maintain well being and quality of life for future generations.

Winter said strategic location, local training opportunities, existing infrastructure and required upgrades would be the main factors in deciding where to home port the U.S.S. Carl Vinson.

For example, Guam is nearest to the Asian regions the carrier would be expected to patrol, but would require the most construction. Its prospects are also clouded by the planned relocation of U.S. forces from Japan. Hawaii has substantial existing infrastructure, meanwhile, and is closer to Asia than the West Coast. However, Honolulu suffers from limited land availability and is said to have poor public schools, according to an Associated Press report on Winter’s remarks.

Winter’s remarks answered some of the questions raised in February, when a major Pentagon report lacked expected details on how and when the Navy would deploy its ships and forces in the Pacific. Navy officials had previously singled out Hawaii or Guam as a new home port for an aircraft carrier.

“The consequences of refusal of this shipment by Canada would be highly harmful to the Hawaii cattle industry,” Case wrote.

In addition to the Canadian ban, restrictions on importing Canadian beef on the U.S. side are also a concern. Case said he has already contacted officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the cattle, if accepted in Canada, will be able to subsequently enter the U.S.

“Due to restrictions imposed by U.S. maritime law and other reasons, the ranchers of Hawaii have long shipped their feeder cattle to Canada (Vancouver) on foreign-flag cattle boats,” Case explained. “These cattle are then transshipped by land to the United States under existing quarantine and other protocols.

“This arrangement has benefited Canada,” he added.

Case also noted that Hawai`i cattle may already be exempt under the Canadian ban, since the island cattle are all calves younger than 12 months of age. The ban applies to meat from cattle over 30 months of age, processed meats or breeding stock.

Specifically, Case proposed a protocol that would ensure Canada’s concerns are addressed. After the cattle arrives in British Columbia, he explained, it could be held in an approved feedlot in quarantine, and then be transferred across the Canadian border into the U.S. in a matter of weeks.

Case largely faulted the 1920 Jones Act, which prohibits direct cattle shipments between U.S. ports by foreign flag vessels, saying there’s no reason why the government couldn’t “just allow the ranchers to ship their cattle directly to U.S. ports of their choice like Stockton, CA on vessels of their choice.”

“I couldn’t have invented a more perfect example of how the Jones Act hinders Hawaii exports,” he said, noting that he will push for an exemption in the 2004 legislative sesson.

The shipment in question was to depart Kawaihae today and arrive in Vancouver on Jan. 8.

“The consequences of refusal of this shipment by Canada would be highly harmful to the Hawaii cattle industry,” Case wrote.

In addition to the Canadian ban, restrictions on importing Canadian beef on the U.S. side are also a concern. Case said he has already contacted officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the cattle, if accepted in Canada, will be able to subsequently enter the U.S.

“Due to restrictions imposed by U.S. maritime law and other reasons, the ranchers of Hawaii have long shipped their feeder cattle to Canada (Vancouver) on foreign-flag cattle boats,” Case explained. “These cattle are then transshipped by land to the United States under existing quarantine and other protocols.

“This arrangement has benefited Canada,” he added.

Case also noted that Hawai`i cattle may already be exempt under the Canadian ban, since the island cattle are all calves younger than 12 months of age. The ban applies to meat from cattle over 30 months of age, processed meats or breeding stock.

Specifically, Case proposed a protocol that would ensure Canada’s concerns are addressed. After the cattle arrives in British Columbia, he explained, it could be held in an approved feedlot in quarantine, and then be transferred across the Canadian border into the U.S. in a matter of weeks.

Case largely faulted the 1920 Jones Act, which prohibits direct cattle shipments between U.S. ports by foreign flag vessels, saying there’s no reason why the government couldn’t “just allow the ranchers to ship their cattle directly to U.S. ports of their choice like Stockton, CA on vessels of their choice.”

“I couldn’t have invented a more perfect example of how the Jones Act hinders Hawaii exports,” he said, noting that he will push for an exemption in the 2004 legislative sesson.

The shipment in question was to depart Kawaihae today and arrive in Vancouver on Jan. 8.

“The consequences of refusal of this shipment by Canada would be highly harmful to the Hawaii cattle industry,” Case wrote.

In addition to the Canadian ban, restrictions on importing Canadian beef on the U.S. side are also a concern. Case said he has already contacted officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the cattle, if accepted in Canada, will be able to subsequently enter the U.S.

“Due to restrictions imposed by U.S. maritime law and other reasons, the ranchers of Hawaii have long shipped their feeder cattle to Canada (Vancouver) on foreign-flag cattle boats,” Case explained. “These cattle are then transshipped by land to the United States under existing quarantine and other protocols.

“This arrangement has benefited Canada,” he added.

Case also noted that Hawai`i cattle may already be exempt under the Canadian ban, since the island cattle are all calves younger than 12 months of age. The ban applies to meat from cattle over 30 months of age, processed meats or breeding stock.

Specifically, Case proposed a protocol that would ensure Canada’s concerns are addressed. After the cattle arrives in British Columbia, he explained, it could be held in an approved feedlot in quarantine, and then be transferred across the Canadian border into the U.S. in a matter of weeks.

Case largely faulted the 1920 Jones Act, which prohibits direct cattle shipments between U.S. ports by foreign flag vessels, saying there’s no reason why the government couldn’t “just allow the ranchers to ship their cattle directly to U.S. ports of their choice like Stockton, CA on vessels of their choice.”

“I couldn’t have invented a more perfect example of how the Jones Act hinders Hawaii exports,” he said, noting that he will push for an exemption in the 2004 legislative sesson.

The shipment in question was to depart Kawaihae today and arrive in Vancouver on Jan. 8.

The 2004 Year of the Monkey stamp completes the circle of twelve lunar new year characters designed by Lee and released every year since the last Year of the Rooster in 1992. Also unveiled at yesterday’s event was a special souvenir sheet that includes all twelve stamps and will be available in January 2005.

“The Souvenir Sheet is a spectacular grand finale to the Postal Service’s award-winning Lunar New Year stamp series designed by artist Clarence Lee,” Potter said. “We have been honored to celebrate each year of the Chinese Zodiac with stunning stamps that reflect the rich, multi-cultural heritage of a substantial portion of our country’s population.”

On Friday, January 2, Potter will lead a national “first day of issue ceremony” for Dawson’s coral reef design at the Waikiki Aquarium. Hawaii will be the only place the new stamps will be available for 24 hours — the rest of the country will have to wait until Saturday to buy them.

“The First Day of Issue event of Friday is very rare as those ceremonies are not common in Hawaii,” said Marc Dixon, communications specialist for the U.S. Postal Service.

Peterson explained that products had been distributed primarily in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and California. Today, he confirmed “some limited further distribution” into Hawai`i, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, as well as the U.S. territory of Guam.

“Therefore, eight states and one territory are currently involved with the recall,” he said.

Consumers are advised to check with their grocer as to whether the recall applies to products they’ve purchased, and to call the USDA’s hotline at 1-888-674-6854 with any questions.

The USDA has been working to document in detail both the history of the infected cow, and the subsequent distribution of its meat.

Although the cow was slaughtered on Dec. 9, regular testing did not take place until Dec. 22, when the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) agent was first detected. Subsequent tests prompted the beef recall on Dec. 24, and scientists in the United Kingdom confirmed the findings on Christmas Day.

“We remain confident in the safety of these beef products,” Petersen reiterated, explaining that all of the tissues that are known to contain the BSE agent were removed on Dec. 9.

Dr. Ron DeHaven, the USDA chief veterinary officer, said that preliminary information indicates the cow was imported from Canada, but insisted no final determination has been made.

Japan, South Korea and Mexico — the top three markets for U.S. beef exports — announced bans on American beef last week. Several Latin American nations, as well as Egypt, Indonesia, and Vietnam, have since followed suit.

The island visit was arranged by Dean’s family, and no official campaign events are scheduled.

“This has been a long and emotional journey for my mother, Jim, Bill and me,” Dean said today. “We greet this news with mixed emotions but are gratified that we have closure for this painful episode in our lives.”

Another set of remains headed for Hawaii’s specialized forensic identification lab is believed to be that of Australian Neil Sharman. Charles Dean and Sharman — who were civilians but likely suspected by Laos officials as spies — were likely executed together in December 1994, according to the command.

The remains were recovered earlier this month during an excavation in central Laos. Dean had visited Laos in February of last year to visit a rice paddy where the command concluded he was buried. “[It was] very difficult being at the place, after not seeing my brother for 27 years,” Dean told the Associated Press at the time.

More than 400 other Americans are still accounted for in Laos, only part of the nearly 2,000 Americans missing in Southeast Asia.

Governor-elect Schwarzenegger, who officially takes office Monday, was in Hawai`i with wife Maria Shriver and their four children, according to the Reuters news service, which quoted “a person close to the family.”

Schwarzenegger’s spokesperson, Karen Hanretty, refused to discuss his whereabouts.

“We are not going to discuss his private time and what he chooses to do in his private time,” she told reporters. “On a daily basis he continues to work on establishing a new administration, regardless of where he is.”

Since his election, Schwarzenegger has already made several unannounced out-of-state private trips, including to Las Vegas and an Idaho ski resort, Reuters reported.

With the California state budget still in crisis, the story of Schwarzenegger’s alleged island vacation has been carried in papers across the country, and abroad. Press accounts of his first public appearance in several days — a funeral yesterday in San Rafael for a firefighter who died in the recent southern California wildfires — noted that he “looked tan.”

And California residents will probably be checking for tanlines on other elected officials this month, with a major meeting of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association taking place at the Sheraton Maui beginning Nov. 24.

Perhaps as many as 20 California lawmakers are expected to participate, many with their families in tow.

According to a report in The Sacramento Bee, the association — described as one of California’s most powerful labor unions — has been fighting to keep contracts that provide for a 37 percent raise over five years.

In addition to questions relating to the use of public or campaign funds for travel, critics of the gathering note that holding the meeting outside of California gives the CCPOA exclusive access to the state’s decision makers.

“You shouldn’t have to have a conference out of state to get legislators to attend,” Center for Governmental Studies president Bob Sterns told The Sacramento Bee. “Why can’t they have it in Palm Springs or San Diego?”

While the bill includes several provisions supported by both Democrats and Republicans, such as raising teacher qualifications and academic performance standards, critics charge it improperly shifts power to states and would allow “Head Start” programs to hire people based on their religion.

Abercrombie said the bill “undermines key features which have made it the most successful early childhood program ever.”

As passed, the bill shifts Head Start funding to a system of block grants to states. Since the bill doesn’t set maximum class sizes or student-teacher ratios, cash-strapped states could conceivably place a substantial burden on Head Start programs. Further, Abercrombie said, it calls for more teacher training, but offers no funds to provide it.

In fact, he said, the proposed changes would cut key funding areas and otherwise freeze the Head Start budget at current levels.

The bill also cuts off eligibility for residents of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. Abercrombie had offered an amendment to restore it, but House leaders refused to put it to a floor vote.

“It’s very sad to see Republicans abandon the commitment they made to parents and keiki in Hawaii and across the country,” Abercrombie said.

The unusually close vote was 217-216. Missouri Rep. Dick Gephart, a presidential hopeful, skipped the vote to campaign in South Carolina. Arizona Rep. Ed Pastor missed the vote as well, arriving on a late flight.

A tie vote would have killed the bill.