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Elvis is outside the building \ the Blaisdell, that is
By Wayne Harada
Elvis has returned next to the building.

A life-sized Elvis Presley bronze statue was unveiled this morning a stone's throw from where the king of rock 'n' roll gave a historic satellite-live TV concert from the then-named Honolulu International Center Arena (now the Near Blaisdell Center Arena) on Ward Avenue.

Between 500 and 600 people, mainly diehard Presley fans \ who either saw him, wished they saw him or became Presleymaniacs after his death \ waited in a hot morning sun for the unveiling. They cheered when the life-like replica, featuring Presley in a singing pose and wearing a costume replicating what he wore during the historic 1973 "Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii" concert, seen globally by an audience of 1.5 billion in 40 nations. More than half of the TV viewers in the U.S. also tuned in for that Honolulu concert.

Larry Jones, president of TV Land, the cable TV network which selected Honolulu for the Presley tribute to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death (Aug. 16, 1977) at age 42, told the crowd "the true king of rock 'n' roll" was home.

The bronze statue shows Presley clutching a microphone in his right hand, in his familiar beaded costume regalia, complete with elaborate belt with eagle emblems, numerous studs on the costume, and stars at his pleated bell-bottom trousers.

He stands on a pedestal that depicts an oversized recording, with a front plaque that reads: "Elvis Aloha From Hawaii ... The World's First Satellite TV concert, Jan.14, 1973 ... With supreme talent and sincere humility, Elvis Presley made his gift the world's ... Thank you, thank you very much ... From the People of TV Land."

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, describing himself as "the tallest Elvis mayor in the world," was the first to play a maile lei on Presley's extended left fan.

"I'm so happy and thankful that the statue's here," said Lovely Kwock, who was clutching photographs of herself with Presley taken when when she was 23 and when Presley was staying at the Ilikai hotel while filming "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" here. "I had to take a half-day off from work (Kuhio Elementary School) to be there. And I can stop by to see Elvis every day after work."

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I heard they was doing this but i didn't know when. Thanks for posting Suz!!!

I was waiting to see this,but not this! too bad..doesn't look like him at all..

Cool!

Your very very welcome LMP_Fan

I think it looks like him, much more so than some I've seen and I think it's a good thing they did in his memory. lighthouse, may I ask u something? How come u don't like anything, seems like, what's being done to honor him? Just curious, I hate typing these ? out like this cause they never quite come forth like I mean them...this is not a knock...

I know Suzana it's not a knock,we're not kids after all..let me tell you..it is very simple..the thing called likeness..in many busts or wax works inmuseums and some other statues(except the one in Japan? not sure though where exactly it was,that one looked close)you can see the lack of likeness very sharp.It is the most important thing when you're making a 3d model of a person,specially with him,his features were most special and unique we all know this..and I believe the artist who made this, has the talent to make it look more like Elvis,it'not the right thing to emphasize his costume only,one should recognize it's Elvis lookin at his face,not the suit..I was eagerly waited for that one to unveil since it was in Hawaii I felt an importance knowing how he loved those islands and how happy he'd have felt knowing there will be a statue of him in that place.I believe he deseves a little more carefull works..so this not just another attempt of mine for playing Ebenezer Scrooge in the forum ..thanks for asking

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lighthouseseeker,

I T/A with you Suzana. I think it is really nice that people still remember him and love him like they do after all these years. He was a very special person and honoring him no matter how it is done, whether it be a statue, impersonator, or plaque or whatever, it is done with only respect for a man that was so loved and adored by so many people.

Phewww thanks lighthouse, but u know how it is, sometimes around here feels like u have to walk on eggshells lol...anyway...k...cool, I totally get what your saying... But I do like this statute it is better than some, but not as good as other's or what they can be...though faces are very hard to do.

Thanks luv4... That is how I feel as well, all except for the impersonators, I'm not a fan of them at all......but anyway, yes anything that keeps his memory alive is ok by me for the most part, though I do think there are times when the line in the sand has been crossed and sometimes sight of the human being is maybe blurred...but apart from a handful of those occasions I think it's fantastic...he so deserves to have his memory go on and on...

Elvis did so much for Hawaii: Two movies, the benefit concert for the USS Arizona memorial, and the satelite concert for a cancer fund.

Your absolutely right quinn he did, he gave a lot, throughout his life to many many organizations and individuals and he did it all quietly w/the exception of USS AZ and Aloha...most of it I don't think we'll ever know...he was such a beautiful and humble man...God I love him!

I think it's great!