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Honolulu gets ready for Chinese New Year

By Stephanie Lum - bio | email

HONOLULU (KHNL) - Soon we'll all be saying "Happy New Year" again, or more like, "Kung Hee Fat Choy"! Chinese New Year is right around the corner and on Wednesday, the first in a month-long series of celebrations kicked off.

It is one of the most colorful celebrations in Hawaii:  Chinese New Year!

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hanneman gives the first "lisee" or "offering" to a pair of lions for good luck.

"To the Chinese people, the lions are a symbol of good luck. In ancient times they guarded families and emperors to ward off the evil spirits," said Chinese Chamber of Commerce's Jeff Lau.

We may need a lot of good luck. According to June Ho, Chinese numerology and feng shui master, "In the Ox year, the global financial situation will not have good fortune. Foreign investors, beware."

However, there is much to look forward to: a new president, Barack Obama, who was born in the year of the Ox.

For Honolulu residents, expect to see and feel the vibrant spirit of the chinese culture all month-long.

"If people don't recognize or appreciate or attend the plethora of Chinese activities that are going to take place in Chinatown, then all of our efforts will be for not and that is to revitalize Chinatown and most importantly continue to preserve that which is special," said Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hanneman.

Chinese New Year festivities start this Saturday with the Narcissus Pageant at the Hawaii Theater, followed by the Coronation Ball on the 17th.

The grand event is the "Night in Chinatown" which takes place on January 23rd and 24th. There will be plenty of food, entertainment and fun for the entire family.