ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ

My witness to history began as I left Hawaii on Wednesday evening to attend the inauguration of Donald J. Trump who was to be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America.

To be clear, our new President was not my choice. However, whether we agree with the views and values of the occupant or not, my feeling is we must respect the Office of the President. Attending the 2012 inauguration of President Barack Obama created for me a heightened awareness for respect of this station and regardless of what political party would hold office going forward, I wanted to be there.

During a brief layover in Denver, I got a glimpse of things to come. While queuing up to go through TSA security, a fellow passenger in line asked in a booming voice, “who’s going to join in the Women’s March?” to which at least 40 women responded in a resounding “I AM!” That was notable.

During the flight, I sat with two women from California who were clearly throwback vintage activists of the ’60s and ’70s heading to Washington, D.C., to engage with others and found it exciting to be able to participate in this type of civic demonstration again. We shared a laugh when they said their “marching” would be more like a “waddle” at their age. But that wouldn’t stop them from being a part of history.

Upon arrival in D.C., I was awash in a sea of red “Make America Great Again” caps and I knew this would be an interesting few days. I made my way through a heavily fortified city to personally thank Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz for the invitation to experience this peaceful transfer of power.

We talked at length about what the nation’s Capitol was going through and the uncertainty of the next four years. The senator has established himself as a Democratic leader and sits on committees important to Hawaii’s growth.

I also visited with Sen. Mazie Hirono who has been an effective and formidable champion for Hawaii, and deeply involved in the current confirmation hearings for appointees of the new President. It’s apparent that although our U.S. senators from Hawaii have disagreements with the incoming administration, they are willing to look for common ground where possible and hold their ground when necessary.

Inauguration morning came early and I arrived on Capitol Hill with great anticipation. Guests were kept secure and warm in the office of the Senate’s Committee on Veteran Affairs. I attended President Obama’s second inauguration four years prior and recalled the awkwardness of sitting in a room with total strangers not quite sure of anyone’s political views.

But similar to four years earlier, in a matter of minutes we found our commonalities. I struck up a conversation with a wonderful kupuna from North Carolina and although our politics were very contrary to each other, we prepared to enjoy the special event together.

As the morning unfolded I began to feel cautious optimism. We were seated just below the podium on which the Oath of Office would be administered. As our new President entered the inaugural platform he was warmly greeted by Presidents Carter, Clinton, Bush and Obama.

The scene was incredibly impressive. The ceremony began with fanfare and speeches, moved onto the swearing-in of Vice President Mike Pence, more beautiful music, the historical swearing-in of President Trump followed by his inaugural address. The wheels of democracy were turning.

The inauguration speech could be interpreted in several ways. “Optimistic” by those who felt that to “make America great again” one simply had to, in local words, “false crack” all who preceded this incoming administration. Most notably, the past Presidents! For many, the speech seemed dark and foreboding and to “drain the swamp” by bringing in larger feeders seemed a bit hypocritical. Then again, American muscularity is quite appealing when compared with strongmen around the world flexing their political trapezoids.

If there was a highlight for me, it was the President’s commitment to building up infrastructure throughout the country. As a sitting state senator I am pleased with the thought of massive upticks in federal infrastructure spending in our islands.

As the ceremony came to a close, several thoughts came to mind. While our new President’s style is not for me, I respect the office he now holds. If this administration can join us in making Hawaii safer and more prosperous, I’m good with it. Hard to argue with that one.

Observing President and Mrs. Obama lift off and fly away from the Capitol for their final Aloha to their home of eight years was quite moving. Hawaii can be proud that a local son, born and raised in Hawaii served as the 44th president of the United States of America and that his life here in Hawaii influenced decisions that affected the world.

I left D.C. on Saturday morning as the Women’s March on Washington was beginning. The plane’s ascent gave us a bird’s eye view of the huge assembly on the National Mall. It was comforting to know that the two gals I met on the flight to D.C. were there with half a million of their most intimate friends to proudly proclaim their commitment to democracy and firmly remind our new President of his pledge to honor liberty and justice for all. For me it was time to say Aloha to Washington D.C.

My witness to history was complete.