Picture slideshow of Opening Day events at the Capitol

Even if you couldn't make it to the Capitol this morning, I'm sure that you were able to hear the buoyant cheers of excited University of Hawaii sports fans from the dewy valleys of Manoa to the sweeping shores of Waianae.

Immediately following the opening-day ceremonies of the 2008 Legislative session,the Capitol became a volcano of infectious energy as lawmakers, lobbyists, staff members and community members commended the UH WAC championship teams, including the Warrior football team, Wahine volleyball and soccer teams. The UH Hilo Wahine volleyball and cross country teams also won their Pacific Athletic Conference titles.

A handful of UH Warriors were joined by recently appointed UH football coach Greg McMackin, former defensive line coach under June Jones. The University of Hawaii introduced McMackin as the new Warrior football head coach at a press conference today at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Speaker Calvin Say said in his opening day address today that a priority of the legislature is to find the money to fix unsatisfactory facilities at UH. Read more about Opening Day speeches here. Or read Speaker Say's Address here and Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell's address here.

I rounded up the best photos taken today and embedded a slide show below for your viewing pleasure. Here are a few things that happened today:

• A rally in the Rotunda calling for legislation placing a moratorium on the genetic modification of native taro in Hawaii
  
• Opening Day Ceremonies
  
• A presentation in the Rotunda honoring UH WAC championship teams
• Lawmakers grinding a variety of 'ono food and talking story with community members, lobbyists, friends, family and colleagues

Aloha to Coach June Jones

STATEMENT FROM HOUSE SPEAKER CALVIN SAY ON COACH JUNE JONES

"I want to thank Coach Jones for his past nine years of commitment to the University of Hawaii football program and the people of Hawaii.

Although I am disappointed to see him leave, I want to wish him and his family good luck and success on the new challenges before him at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. I am sure he will make a great impact there as he did here.

In 2002, the legislature and the voters gave the University of Hawaii autonomy to run their programs free from micromanagement. For the entire state, I hope that they will be able to build upon Coach Jones' legacy and move forward positively to improve our UH football program."

Update - Coach June Jones Accepts SMU Offer

According to news sources this morning, Coach Jones has accepted SMU's offer. The Advertiser's breaking news is here. The Star Bulletin is here.

Rep. Takai addresses UH Football and Coach June Jones

Rep. K. Mark Takai (District 34-Aiea/Pearl City) is very concerned about the future of UH Football and Coach June Jones. After attending the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, he wrote a letter to the University of Hawaii President and Chancellor. This is what he has to say about UH issues:

On January 2, 2008, I wrote a letter to UH President David McClain and UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw urging them to get involved in the negotiations to keep Coach June Jones at the helm of the UH Warrior Football Team. This issue is too important to Hawaii, and I just hope that it's not too late. The Honolulu Advertiser reported that there have been no discussions or proposal between Leigh Steinberg and the University. We must make every effort to keep Coach Jones on board.

This amazing season has showed Hawaii how far Coach Jones has brought the football program -- without a doubt, this year is only the beginning of greatness. The football program has a come a long way, but there are still miles to traverse and it would be a shame to not complete them with Coach Jones in the lead.

I also touched on issues regarding repairs and maintenance at the University of Hawaii. The legislature has provided the university with more than $40 million in repair funds this past year. However, we have not specified where this money is to be spent. In the past, the Legislature would line item these repair projects. This year, I’m working with my legislative colleagues to line-item $25 million in construction funds to renovate Cooke Field, the coaches’ offices, and the locker room and training room facilities.

What’s the replacement cost of losing Coach Jones? In mere football terms, the costs are considerable, but for the University and for the entire State of Hawaii, it’s priceless. Are we going to take a quantum leap into the University’s second century? Or are we going to falter and sputter and not take advantage of this unique opportunity?

I urge everyone concerned about the fate of the UH Warrior Nation and the Coach Jones situation to call David McClain at (808) 956-8207 or email him at david.mcclain@hawaii.edu AND to call Virginia Hinshaw at (808) 956-7651 or email her at virginia.hinshaw@hawaii.edu.

Mahalo, K. Mark Takai

You can download a PDF file of Rep. Takai's letter HERE.

Elves strikes again, Good Luck Colt!

According to Denise in the Chief Clerk's Office, the elves struck again last night, and this time they brought a present from Santa for Neal in Accounting. Gasp! Two tickets to the Sugar Bowl? No, on closer inspection they are two tickets to the nearest KHON2 broadcast on game day.

The House joins the rest of the state in wishing Colt Brennan good luck on Saturday's Heisman Trophy announcement. No matter what happens, he is a winner and Hawaii's inspiration.

Photo: Associated Press. The four Heisman finalists in NYC. From left, Darren McFadden (Arkansas running back); Tim Tebow (Florida quarterback); Chase Daniel (Missouri quarterback); and Colt Brennan (Hawaii quarterback)

O come all ye faithful...

...to the UH Warriors Football Team Christmas tree and make a wish for a BIG WIN at the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day. The tree is located in the parlor area outside the House Chief Clerk's office.

It was created by House staffers Denise Liu (Chief Clerk's Office - Journal), Neal Shigemura (Accounting) and Tammy Tengan (Print Shop), who must have had visions of sugar (bowl) plums dancing in their heads.

Click on photos to see ornament details.