Lei’d back
The Hawaii State Society threw its state’s first-ever inaugural ball Tuesday night at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and it was no surprise that everyone was thrilled. (Maybe too much so, as one woman had to be wheeled out of the party!)
Although Hawaii’s favorite son, President Barack Obama, was not in attendance, many of his Punahou High School friends were, and loved talking about the Obama they remember.
“Barry was just one of the guys,” one old pal said. “I can’t remember any especially good stories because he just fit in with all of us.”
Although he may have fit in, another friend acknowledged that he “always knew Barry would be president someday.”
Even if you weren’t from the 50th state, you were transformed there immediately upon entry to the party. Guests received a lei of purple flowers, were able to munch on roasted pig and sushi, and hula-danced to ukulele-filled music.
