History aside, enjoy the day off

If today is the third Friday in August, it must be Admission Day. But then, you already knew that, if you are among the fortunate workers enjoying the state holiday off.

Admission Day, or Statehood Day, commemorates Aug. 21, 1959, when Hawaii officially became a state, joining the Union as its 50th member. That occasion came after decades of political wrangling over Hawaii, which had been annexed by the United States in 1898, five years after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy’s Queen Liliuokalani.

Because of this native history, Statehood Day is not the effusive celebration that it is in some other states. But 52 years after admission, with so much diversity and other positives that are enjoyed here, many residents still would proudly proclaim, "Lucky we live Hawaii."

Local kids star in Eastside story

It’s not the Little League World Series, but the Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, Md., is still a big event in youth baseball — and a team from Hawaii has made it to the semifinal game, which starts today at 2 p.m., Hawaii time.

Called Eastside, the team of boys 12 years old or younger is the champion of the Pacific Southwest Division, and the only undefeated U.S. team in pool play, with a 4-0 record. It will face Clifton Park (N.Y.), of the National Division.

The winner of that game will compete for the U.S. championship tomorrow, and the winner of that will face the International Division victor on Sunday for bragging rights as the Cal Ripken World Series champ. Go Eastside!