Inouye's death capped year of political shifts

By Star-Advertiser staff

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 31, 2012

~~<p>Before the first sunrise of 2012, as the lingering pop-pop of firecrackers announced a new year, same-sex couples gathered in living rooms and chapels around the state to be officially united in Hawaii's first civil union ceremonies.</p>
<p>As the year neared its close, thousands of isle residents converged on the state Capitol, Punchbowl cemetery and neighbor island venues to pay their respects to a beloved statesman.</p>
~~

Before the first sunrise of 2012, as the lingering pop-pop of firecrackers announced a new year, same-sex couples gathered in living rooms and chapels around the state to be officially united in Hawaii's first civil union ceremonies.

As the year neared its close, thousands of isle residents converged on the state Capitol, Punchbowl cemetery and neighbor island venues to pay their respects to a beloved statesman. Login for more...