About a dozen people sat waiting near the entrance to Punchbowl Sunday hoping to catch a glimpse of the President’s motorcade and Senator Daniel Inouye’s hearse.
Papakolea resident Emma Wright decided not to get on the shuttle, instead she came out to watch the dignitaries arrive.
She says the senator’s death brought up childhood memories of Inouye campaigning in her neighborhood.
"He was one of those that worked really hard at making it making the rights for the native of the land and made sure that Hawaii was always preserved and taken care of," said Emma Wright, Papakolea resident.
"I think Daniel Inouye was a big inspiration for Hawaii and he did really a lot for Hawaii," said Hinano Paia-Gates, Papakolea resident.
Marina Cabanilla-Maza also waited near the cemetery’s entrance after not being able to get on the shuttle to the memorial service.
"I missed the shuttle," said Cabanilla-Maza. "They were in line since 4′o clock. I heard from the bus driver I came from Chinatown to the Alapai center and it was empty by the time I go there by nine."
Darren Fong got to the Alapai Transit Center at 6 a.m. to ensure he would get a ticket inside to the memorial service.
"Security was really high and people were just dumping their waters and snacks some of the people had purses they had to go back to their cars," said Darren Fong, U.S. Army.
With tickets being issued on a first come first serve basis, Montana residents Kalamia and Byron Smith say they were lucky to get in.
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"There were only two people behind us so we were the last four people to get on the bus," said Kalamia Smith.
"It seemed like a real opportunity we had no idea we would ever succeed," said Byron Smith.
And many who got the chance to see the memorial service say it was a very touching experience they will never forget.
"The flyover I’ve never seen that where the four planes come over and the one that disappeared into the sky it was just like this magic light," said Kalamia Smith.
"I believe that the people of Hawaii did a very good job in preparing everything so that he would have a very dignified memorial service," said Danica Honda, memorial attendee.
After the service was done, traffic stopped and the President’s motorcade made its way down, many ready with cameras hoping to snap a picture of the President and first lady.
"It was definitely a new experience I enjoyed being part of something so historic so big and sharing these memories with all of these people including the President and including all the VIPS other dignitaries," Honda added.
Almost everyone who showed up was allowed in to the service.
Only a handful of people were turned away.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
