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In addition to current U.S. President Barack Obama’s boyhood roots in Hawaii, the “father” of modern-day China had long-term ties to Hawaii residents as a result of his educational experiences in Hawaii.

Honolulu residents can view this special photo exhibit - flown in from Beijing to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the 1911 Revolution - during October at the Hawaii Heritage Center in Chinatown, culminating with the Splendor of China event on Saturday, October 29^th (in conjunction with the 63^rd Narcissus Festival).  After that date, the exhibit will be sent to other U.S. cities.

Part of the exhibition focuses on Dr. Sun’s education at Iolani and Punahou Schools in Honolulu, which he credited as helping form his democratic ideals and which provided him with lifelong relationships to support his political efforts.

Sponsored by the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, this exhibition revisits the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty by Dr. Sun Yat Sen in 1911 through historical photographs, and celebrates the rejuvenation of Chinese society by the country’s new leadership through stunning images of the transformed, modern capital, Beijing.

Of special interest to our state is the unique role that Hawaii residents played in helping Dr. Sun Yat Sen found the modern Chinese Republic. Speaking on behalf of the earlier generations, City Mill executive Steven Ai proudly recalled his grandfather’s (Chung Kun Ai) direct involvement in helping to finance the revolution and the role his grandfather and other Hawaii residents played in building today’s China.