Monday, December 31, 2018

Press office: 768-5768

Flag pole at Thomas Square acts as solar compass

Honolulu – The Winter Solstice, also known as Midwinter, occurs when one of the Earth's poles is at its maximum tilt away from the sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. It is also the shortest day of the year, most recently occurring on Friday, December 21.



The recently installed flag pole at Thomas Square was designed as a cultural, solar compass by PBR Hawaii architect and designer Russell Chung. At sunrise on the Winter Solstice, the shadow cast from the flag pole at Thomas Square aligned perfectly with the statue of King Kamehameha III. The King’s raised arm also welcomes the morning sun.



The ancient Hawaiians used the solstice alignments for agriculture purposes as well as other religious and ceremonial purposes.



Additionally, the five crossing bands in the plaza that surround the flag mark or point to:





The traditional compass points: North, South, East, and West.

Winter Solstice (sunrise and sunset)

Summer Solstice (sunrise and sunset)

Toward Kūkaniloko out in Wahiawā. Kūkaniloko is the birthing place for all royalty and deemed to be the Piko of all Hawai‘i

The statue and flag pole were dedicated and unveiled to the public during a celebration of La Ho‘iho‘i Ea, the 175th anniversary of the restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom, on July 31.



Thomas Square is recognized as O‘ahu’s oldest and first dedicated park.

—PAU—

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