Lingle's Lei's

I don't know much about Lei Ettiquette and probably know even less about Hawaiian Politics but something bothers me about seeing Linda on TV and in the papers always with Lei's around her neck. I get it, she's the Governor of Hawai'i but does that mean she must always be adorned with a Lei. Do people actually give her Lei's out of respect and admiration or does she have a "Lei Budget" payed for by Hawaiian Tax Dollars?

Lisa doesn't understand why it bothers me, the former Governor "I forgot his name" always wore Lei's as did his predecessor. Is it just me or is there something about Lingle and her Lei's that comes off as "Look at me I'm Hawaiian." I always thought Lei's were to be given as a gift for special reasons. Or is it socially acceptable to just wear Lei's everyday of the week? Before Hawai'i was brought into the American fold, did Kamehameha or Liliuokalani go around wearing Lei's all the time?

Comments

I can't comment on the historical prevalence on lei in government, but I can tell you that lei in modern politics are more custom than cultural statement.

I suppose for that reason, it probably irks some Native Hawaiians like it irks you, because indeed, lei are usually gifts... and my experience in local politics is that while a government official or candidate at a public event expects to receive lei from the organizers (and, in all fairness, usually does), they have been known to have "backup lei" (often silk, artificial lei) just in case.

Basically I think it's less a sign of that person's welcome or popularity or whatever, and more a way to be distinguished as a V.I.P.

So I wouldn't say it's "Look at me, I'm Hawaiian." But it's definitely, "Look at me, I'm here to be seen."

In my very simple logic, when I see someone with a lei, I think: "Eh, You somebody." The trick is to figure out why that person has a lei, i.e. birthday, retirement, VIP, etc.

Mayor Harris almost always wears a lei when appearing in public. Looks even more odd with him than it does with Lingle. :)

We could get into more lei etiquette here; how many times can you re-wear it after it's been stored in the fridge before you look like an idiot?

For me, giving lei is to acknowledge the specialness of a person. If I see someone at the airport greeting another with lei, I know that someone cares for that person. Or if someone downtown is wearing lei, I can assume that they are celebrating a special occasion and others have recognized that occasion as special too.

As for politicians wearing lei, I suppose there is always someone that considers them special, after all, someone did vote them into office. But their wearing of lei is really no different than anyone else that gives a speech in public, as it seems customary nowadays for all public speakers to be wearing lei.

Personally, I would like to see more politicians wearing those cute candy/crackseed leis. :)

Bring back those lei made of airplane liquor bottles!

(Ok, Ok, I'm being facetious.)

I think and yes it is only one persons opinion, but Linda wears lei's because of her gay ties to the community. At functions, she also has her "girlfriend" at her side. This way she can be distinquished as being special!!

I didn't know Lingle was gay. And a Republican to boot. I don't think she wears lei because of ties to the gay community. Since when does lei equal gay!? But I do think lei's lose their specialness when Politicians tend to wear them out just to be seen and stand out.

Linda Lingle is a... Republican?!? Gasp! I would have never guessed.

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