Politics of Hawaii in 1985
In 1985, Hawaii was a vibrant state with a diverse political landscape. The state was governed by a Democratic-controlled legislature and executive branch, while the Republican Party had a strong presence in the state. In 1985, the governor of Hawaii was George Ariyoshi (D), who had been in office since 1974 and was running for re-election that year. He faced opposition from Republican candidate Pat Saiki, who hoped to become the first female governor of Hawaii. On the federal level, Hawaii had two U.S. senators (Daniel Akaka and Spark Matsunaga) and five representatives (Neil Abercrombie, Cecil Heftel, Daniel Inouye, Pat Saiki, and Robert Underwood). All were Democrats except for Saiki in the House.
According to Homethodology, the Democratic Party held the majority of seats in both chambers of Hawaii’s legislature as well as all four mayoralties in Honolulu County during 1985. The Republican Party held only one seat in each chamber of the legislature as well as one seat on Honolulu County’s Board of Supervisors. Despite this disparity in party control, there were several important legislative successes during this period that were achieved through bipartisan cooperation between Republicans and Democrats alike. These included passage of an income tax credit for low-income families; an increase in minimum wage; new laws to protect tenants from eviction; and measures to protect Hawaiian culture such as preservation of traditional fishing rights and protection for Native Hawaiian burial sites.
Population of Hawaii in 1985
In 1985, Hawaii was home to an estimated 1,108,229 people. The majority of the population was comprised of native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (43.6%), followed by whites (29.7%) and Asians (21%). The remaining 5.7% of the population was composed of African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and other ethnicities.
Hawaii’s population had grown steadily since statehood in 1959 as a result of both migration from the mainland U.S., as well as natural increase due to a higher birth rate than death rate. In the mid-1980s, the influx of residents from the mainland was largely driven by military personnel and their families who were stationed in Hawaii due to its strategic location in the Pacific Ocean.
By 1985, Honolulu had become the most populous county in Hawaii with an estimated 798,000 people living there while Maui County had an estimated 117,000 residents and Kauai County had an estimated 56,000 residents. The remaining counties – Kalawao (Molokai), Hawaii (the Big Island), and Niihau – each had populations that were less than 10,000 people at that time.
According to Usvsukenglish, Hawaii’s population was quite diverse with many different ethnic groups represented throughout the islands. This demographic mix gave rise to a vibrant culture that combined elements from each group and which has since become part of what makes Hawaii unique today.
Economy of Hawaii in 1985
In 1985, Hawaii had a robust economy that was largely driven by the tourism industry. Tourism was the largest sector of the state’s economy at that time, accounting for over 40% of its total gross domestic product (GDP). The second-largest contributor to GDP was the military, which employed over 10% of Hawaii’s workforce at that time. Other major industries included agriculture and construction.
The tourism industry in Hawaii had been steadily growing since the mid-1960s and was expected to continue to grow throughout the 1980s. This growth was largely due to increased air travel to Hawaii from both domestic and international sources as well as an increase in cruise ship traffic.
In addition to tourism, agriculture played a large role in Hawaii’s economy in 1985. The state produced a variety of crops including sugarcane, pineapple, macadamia nuts, coffee, bananas, papaya, and taro. These crops were exported around the world and provided much-needed income to local farmers and businesses throughout Hawaii.
The military also played an important role in Hawaii’s economy at this time as it employed over 10% of all workers living in the state at that time. In addition to providing employment opportunities for local residents, the military also contributed significantly to local infrastructure projects such as building new roads and bridges throughout the islands.
According to Acronymmonster, by 1985 Hawaii had become a vibrant economy with many different sectors contributing significantly to its overall economic output. Tourism was far and away the largest contributor but agriculture and military spending also helped bolster economic activity throughout the islands as well. As a result of this diversified economic base, Hawaii experienced steady growth during this period which has since continued into today’s modern era.
Events held in Hawaii in 1985
In 1985, Hawaii was host to a wide variety of events that showcased the state’s diverse culture and natural beauty. One of the most popular events that year was the Hawaii International Film Festival, which featured a selection of films from around the world. This festival attracted filmmakers and moviegoers from all over the globe and was held in Honolulu each year.
Another event that took place in Hawaii in 1985 was the Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual celebration of traditional Hawaiian culture. The event featured hula performances, traditional chant and music, and many other activities designed to honor Hawaiian cultural heritage. This event is still held today in Hilo and attracts visitors from all over the world.
In addition to these two events, there were also several other one-off events taking place throughout the islands throughout 1985 such as concerts by major recording artists like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen; a tennis tournament featuring some of the world’s top players; and a professional golf tournament hosted at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.
Hawaii also played host to a number of sporting events in 1985 including college football bowl games such as the Aloha Bowl and Holiday Bowl as well as professional baseball games between teams from Japan and America. The University of Hawaii also hosted numerous basketball tournaments throughout that year which attracted top collegiate teams from across the nation.
Overall, 1985 was an exciting year for Hawaii with many different types of events taking place throughout its islands. From film festivals to sports tournaments to concerts by some of music’s biggest stars, there was something for everyone who visited or lived on these beautiful islands during this time period.