Hawai'i State Capitol

In the center of the cultural hub that is Honolulu lies the prestigious state capitol building. Since 1969, the Bauhaus style building has housed state legislature offices and the Hawaiian state legislature, namely the lieutenant governor and the governor of Hawaii. The Bauhaus, or international, style of architecture is marked by asymmetry, and focuses on functionality over aesthetic, which is apparent when looking at the building―a complete square, marked by a white overhang with vertical beams, supported by many tall pillars. The capitol building replaced the former statehouse, the 'Lolani palace, and was commissioned by the second governor of Hawaii, John A. Burns.

The State Capitol building's architectural uniqueness reflect Hawaii's history, culture, and flowering landscape, with eight pillars supporting the building, representing Hawaii's towering palm trees, or the eight Hawaiian Islands. If you pay close attention, you can see many important Hawaiian monuments around the building. At the entrance of the building stands a liberty bell, given to Hawaii by president Truman in 1950 as a symbol of freedom and democracy. The most important monument on the grounds is the Father Damien Statue, in honor of the Catholic priest who dedicated 16 years to helping leprosy patients. A pool of water surrounds the building, symbolizing Hawaii's long-standing relationship with the vast oceans. A reminder of the state's motto lines the entrance of the building: "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."

The capitol building is incorporated around an outdoor courtyard, open to Hawaii's natural elements, in the midst of which stands a blue mosaic reminiscent of the textures and colors of the Pacific Ocean. The two legislative chambers are cone-shaped, emulating the Island's many volcanoes. From the open-air courtyard in the center of the capitol, you can see a large, crystal chandelier in each legislative chamber, which are thought to represent the sun and the moon. The twenty-five member Hawaii State Senate and the fifty-one member Hawaii State House of Representatives convene inside the building. The executive and legislative branches also meet here in order to delegate their duties in the governance of Hawaii.

- Amy Van Duzer