"Island World: A History of Hawai'i and the United States," by Prof. Gary Y. Okihiro. March 20, 2009, Washington, D.C. Hawai'i marks its 50th anniversary of statehood this year, coincidentally the first year in the presidency of the United States' first Hawaiian-born president. The islands of Hawai'i have long influenced the United States both culturally and politically and are integral to America's history. Hawai'i has also served as an active stage for the United States' interaction with the Asia-Pacific region. In this special public forum, Gary Y. Okihiro, author of Island World: A History of Hawai'i and the United States, will explore the historic interactions between Hawai'i and the United States as well as the island's continuing influence on national life, and will describe Hawai'i's role in helping to build bridges between the United States and Asia. Video shot and produced by Aaron Siirila of East-West Center.
