Hawaii State Capitol

Construction on the Hawaii State Capitol began in 1965. It was completed in 1969. The facility cost $24.6 million for construction. The capitol building is located in downtown Honolulu. It still houses the Governor and Lieutenant Governor offices as well as the offices of the state legislators and chambers of state house and senate.

The capitol was designed by Belt, Lemmon and Lo of Honolulu and John Carl Warnecke and Associates. Governor John A. Burns commissioned the construction of the building.

The building is known for its symbolism and unique architecture. It has a large amount of open space inside and out. The number eight is often found around the building which is a symbol of the eight major islands that make up the Hawaiian Islands. There are eight columns in the front and back, eight mini columns on the balcony surrounding the fourth floor and eight panels leading to the door of the governor's chambers.

The Capitol is surrounded by water with outer columns rising form the reflecting pool which is meant to represent Hawaii's palm trees. The House and Senate chambers are curved with sloping walls which are meant to represent the volcanoes that birthed Hawaii.