Honolulu Hale

couldn’t find a review page on council members so i’ll make one here. Saw the news today that 3 council members were cleared of wrong doing excepting gifts, free meals ect. How is it that these council members can receive any sort of gratuities by people/​company that involves their vote or decision making?! isn’t that bribery no matter how you look at it? Wait before you make a decision let me by you a nice dinner.

I have been avoiding writing about Honolulu Hale for one main reason: I work here and I don’t want to write a review about it when I’m frustrated with work or too happy. Mainly, I just didn’t want to have a too biased opinion about Honolulu Hale. Now that I am in my happy medium state, I am taking advantage to finally write my review about it.
First off, Honolulu Hale is the third location of Honolulu’s city government. The first home was at Fort and King Streets at the McIntyre Building, and in 1920, it was the Kapiolani Building, at the corner of King and Alakea Streets. Instead of renting or leasing offices, the Board of Supervisors decided to purchase a building for the city government. The official opening of Honolulu Hale was on December 17, 1929, and the Board of Supervisors held its first meeting in what is now as the Council Chambers for the Honolulu City Council.
The architecture of the building is obviously of a California-​Spanish style of design, which was quite popular in Honolulu in the 1920s. The Hale’s courtyard, stairs, speaker’s balcony, and open ceiling are modeled after the Bargello, a 13^th century palace in Florence, Italy. The designs of the columns, balconies, shields, and door encasements were cast in stone by Mario Valdastri, a noted Italian sculptor who lived in Honolulu for 40 years.
Honolulu Hale is mostly known for its «Honolulu City Lights,» which started under Mayor Frank Fasi in 1985. He wanted to give the community a special Christmas gift tied to the President’s lighting of the national Christmas tree in Washington D.C.
Here’s what you can see or expect if you ever end up at Honolulu Hale –
First Floor: Office of the City Clerk and Voter Registration, Purchasing & Treasury, Corporation Counsel — the city’s defense lawyers, legal advisors and drafters of legislation. Go to counter to get claim forms.
Also on the first floor are: 1. Peace Garden — front of building, diamond head side 2. Lane Gallery — The Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts schedules exhibits here and in the courtyard 3. Photos of mayors, cabinet members
Second Floor: Offices of City Council, City Clerk’s Office, Department of Budget and Finance.
Third Floor: Mayor, Managing Director, Office of Information and Complaint, Council Chamber, Council Staff.
Fourth Floor: Neighborhood Commission, Culture and the Arts, Council Staff.
Go ahead and drop by this historic government building, whether it be for the Honolulu City Lights or just to check out your City government services.

Beautiful building inside and out! A must see around Christmas when the Honolulu City Lights are going one. But it is equally beautiful all year long. A must see is the 9−1−1 monument in front.

As a state worker, I rarely if ever have to visit Honolulu Hale for business, but I made it a point to visit yesterday to see the Christmas tree outside and the Christmas trees inside. Tis the season! The Christmas lights at Honolulu Hale is the best event in Honolulu during the holiday season.
The building is rather old and not really well kept, but I felt a bit of nostalgia as I walked around. The building is kind of a maze, but honestly, I think all government buildings tend to be like that — long hallways with blank walls that seem to all lead to dead ends. I like some of the architectural details of the building like the gigantic front doors, open courtyard, and grand staircase. However, I think a lot can be done to update the building to make it user friendly and accessible to the public. It just seems a tad outdated.

Every year, I will visit the Honolulu Hale, and it’s all because of the Annual Christmas Parade that takes place. The Hale is decorated with Christmas trees that are donated and presented by various schools, companies and sponsors. It’s the most festive event of the year. And every year they try to add on a new feature, whether it’s in the parade, the program, the ornaments, the displays or even activities for the family.

Medieval!
This place looks medieval, like a fortress, armory or something from Lord of the Rings!
Yet, this medieval-​looking building aka Honolulu Hale was actually built in the 1920’s! Honolulu Hale (pronounced HAH-​leh) was built in an Italian/​Spanish Colonial Revival style that was popular in the Hawaiian islands at the time. The interior courtyard, staircase, and open ceiling were modeled after the Bargello in Florence.
This is why I have that LOTR vibe everytime I walk through the 25-​foot wooden doors!
Honolulu Hale is in the Hawaii Capital Historic District, and in 1978 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
No, it’s not a museum or even a fun place for a 10-​year old to hangout, but if you appreciate history and architecture drop on by…
Here’s why:
–You can be a true American by registering to vote here or early voting! Vote or Die!
–See the historic USS Honolulu Bell in the courtyard!
–See the hundreds of historical photos!
–Enjoy the Italian/​Spanish Colonial Revival architecture!
–Craft fairs are held here sometimes too!
–Sometimes boring City & County meetings are held here! Eh.
–During Christmas the lawn is decorated on every blade of grass! Honolulu City Lights!
–Best of all it’s FREE!
So, why not visit Honolulu Hale! A pretty cool building that’s rich in History and Government. I promise no Orc sightings, but the Mayor can be seen from time to time. Probably not for everyone, but let’s remember… It’s FREEEEE!
BIG KAHUNA TIPS:
It’s located Diamond Head of Iolani Palace and the historic library! On Punchbowl & King. Metered parking available in the area.
OVERALL GRADE: 4.0-STARS! (Solid, but just wish there was more to do here!)
LIVE ALOHA…
Unilocal REVIEW #336

12.13.13.
Happy Friday the 13^th!
Sadly, the reason I ended up going to Honolulu Hale today was because I got stood up… on a brighter note, I got to see the pretty Honolulu City Christmas lights and displays – YAY. Working in downtown, taking the short stroll down King Street was kind of nice in the evening light, gazing at the Christmas displays and seeing the holiday glory at HH.
In all the year’s that I’ve lived here, (my entire life), this was the first time I’ve ever been inside HH… I know, kind of sad. But this first-​time experience was amazing – I loved the old, brick architecture of the place with the wide, towering doors – very regal and I got a pretty traditional vibe. The Christmas decorations also seemed to have an effect; I mean the holiday spirit/​décor just has a way of transforming anything into a beautiful place, don’t ya think? Santa was also in the Hale!
This year’s theme was animé so it was nice to see trees and wreaths decorated with Pokemon, cutesy characters, and my personal fav, Totoro! Since it was a Friday, it was slightly crowded but not packed-​like-​sardines status, probably since it was a couple weeks after opening and a couple weeks away till Christmas. I noticed that in between the displays outside, around HH, there’s a little, kids carnival that popped up; perhaps it’s been here for years, but I haven’t been to these outside displays in over a decade haha.
I would def love to do this again next year! Hopefully my reasoning for doing so will be slightly different haha.
Unilocal 365 Challenge: #346/​365

Every year, Honolulu Hale and all the surrounding city and county government offices put up the Honolulu City Lights– an epic Christmas display that is totally awesome. The lights are EVERYWHERE and you gotta love the 50 foot tall Santa who’s throwing a shaka. There are beautifully-​decorated trees and wreaths inside city hall, but my favorite thing to do is walk the grounds outside and check out all the displays. This is the *perfect* date night in my opinion. Sweet and romantic. It’s also great for families, obviously. I highly recommend for tourists as well. I can’t wait to go this year!

Honolulu might not have the big and shiny city halls like other major metropolitan cities, however what we do have is fiscal responsibility and a classic city hall that serves its purpose. Honolulu Hale is that building and in it resides our mayor and other elected officials who run our fair city on a day-​to-​day basis.
Built in 1928, it clearly shows its classic style and opens its doors for elections and every holiday season with a Christmas tree display that is hard to beat. The trees that fill the main hall, the wreaths in the side halls, and the large tree and other displays outside make for a holiday spectacle that the whole family can enjoy.
For our out of town guests, be sure to check out the other buildings that are in the government district including the State Capitol, Iolani Palace, the Main branch of the Public Library, and the infamous State Supreme Court that is more «publicly» known as the headquarters of the infamous «Hawaii 5−0» and the Kamehameha Statue.
While it may not be as glitzy as the competition, it is certainly filled with history, serves its purpose, and is a civic beacon for our city.

Beautiful building aka City Hall.
We love to come during the Christmas season and gaze at all of the decorated Christmas trees from each City Department. Exquisite architecture and definitely a place to visit while walking around downtown Honolulu. Close to the State Library, Capitol and China Town.

Review is based only on early voting.
Staff is very helpful and organized.
Get out and vote!!!

Election 2012
Go vote Honolulu peeps! This election is huge. You can vote here early. HH is offering free parking outside on King street for early voters. It does not matter where you live on the island as long as you are registered.
Voting hours are 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays.
Voting staff are exteremely helpful. You can go electronic or classic balllot style.
Just vote.

Honolulu Hale is where the City and County of Honolulu has its offices, as well as the office of the Mayor of Honolulu. The only time I would really come physically to this place is to do early voting for either the primaries or the general election. I’ll probably do this in the foreseeable future, but I did find out that you can do permenant absentee voting by mail, if you fill out a form they have online. So, I was here doing the voting thing and I apparently chose the paper ballot, versus the electronic ballot. I guess I am getting old and need to fill the generational gap and vote using the paper ballot. lol. Plus, it helps having the paper trail during the contested elections.
Honolulu Hale is also home to the Honolulu City Lights during the Christmas season. I normally don’t drive at night to see the delightful display, but they do a festive job. The main attraction that seems to be the delight for everyone is Mr and Mrs Santa Clause on the lawn of Honolulu Hale. Every December, since 2007, I have seen those statues while running the Honolulu Marathon. I’ve seen some Japanese tourists posing with them for photos in passing. That was pretty cool. They also have the giant Christmas tree lighting ceremony here too, although I just see the ceremony on the late night news more often than not.
Located on Punchbowl and South King Street, parking is very limited to metered street next to the state library. Luckily for me, most major bus routes stop at the bus terminal on Punchbowl street next to the State department of Health and across the street from the State Capitol building. Just a 5 minute walk from there to Honolulu Hale and you can do whatever you need to do here before returning to your regular lives. I have never actually seen the City Council in action before, but probably I should pay attention more since I am a taxpayer. Sometimes, it helps to be so, just in case something screwy happens in your neighborhood and you’re upset that someone or the city is taking advantage of the situation. Getting involved and being proactive in your community and society in general does make a person feel good and confident.
Sometimes during the year, they are festivals for the kids in and around the downtown area, especially around the State Capitol sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu, so it helps to also be attentive when driving or bus-​ing it into the downtown cooridor. Whether you are at Honolulu Hale for business or pleasure, the building itself is pretty nice once you get inside. I don’t think there is any air-​condition in the main lobby, but there probably is in the individual offices. It’s nice visiting where your government leaders work.
Lucky I live Hawaii.
A+

Home of the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu and the City Council. This place is especially busy and popular during Christmas time where they have the big Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause with the shakas up and all of the Christmas decorations and ornaments with the bug Christmas tree set up right in front of the Hale. I always enjoy going to the Honolulu It’s also a great landmark in town right next to the Hawaii State Library around by the State Capitol. This places makes a good guest/​visitor/​tourist kind of destination. There are some other municipal offices and buildings around the area. When you pass by this place on King St. it is a location that you cannot miss while driving or even taking bus. This is also a location where you cam get some business down such as election stuff, voting, etc. I always like going here for the Honolulu City Christmas lights. It’s always been a fun and enjoying-​able coming down here because of the kids saying the darnest kigds. Sometimes they even have some festivals down here which is great for the family strolling by.
Unilocal 365 Challenge #324/​365

Went here last night to view the Christmas Light Display, It is a Very Good Location for it! You’d think that after christmas it wouldn’t be as busy? There were quite a few people there! It was a Great Night with Beautiful Displays! You know I’ll be back Every Year!

Great location for Honolulu City Lights!

This is the place for early voter walk-​in before elections. No fuss, no muss, In & Out in a flash if you can make the time to go down during a work day.